硫化氢（H2S）是最近公认的一种气体递质，与哺乳动物的生理和病理条件有关。它可以保护器官免受氧化应激、炎症、高血压和细胞死亡的影响。肝脏大量表达 H2S 生成酶，因此与 H2S 信号传导密切相关。肝脏 H2S 来源多样，包括肠道微生物群、外源性硫盐和内源性生成。最近的研究强调了肝脏 H2S 在非酒精性脂肪性肝病 (NAFLD)、肝损伤和癌症等肝脏疾病中的重要性，尤其是在晚期阶段。内源性 H2S 产生不足与严重的肝脏疾病有关，而外源性 H2S 供体可预防肝功能障碍。然而，H2S 在 NAFLD、肝损伤和肝癌中的作用仍存在争议，其影响取决于供体类型、剂量、治疗持续时间和细胞类型，表明其作用是多方面的。本综述旨在严格评估 H2S 的产生、代谢、作用方式以及在肝功能和疾病中的作用。了解 H2S 在肝脏健康中的精确作用和机制将促进临床前和临床研究中的潜在治疗应用。可以探索单独或与其他药物联合针对产生 H2S 的酶和外源 H2S 来源。量化内源性 H2S 水平可能有助于诊断和治疗肝脏疾病。

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a recently recognized gasotransmitter involved in physiological and pathological conditions in mammals. It protects organs from oxidative stress, inflammation, hypertension, and cell death. With abundant expression of H2S-production enzymes, the liver is closely linked to H2S signaling.Hepatic H2S comes from various sources, including gut microbiota, exogenous sulfur salts, and endogenous production. Recent studies highlight the importance of hepatic H2S in liver diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), liver injury, and cancer, particularly at advanced stages. Endogenous H2S production deficiency is associated with severe liver disease, while exogenous H2S donors protect against liver dysfunction.However, the roles of H2S in NAFLD, liver injury, and liver cancer are still debated, and its effects depend on donor type, dosage, treatment duration, and cell type, suggesting a multifaceted role. This review aimed to critically evaluate H2S production, metabolism, mode of action, and roles in liver function and disease.Understanding H2S's precise roles and mechanisms in liver health will advance potential therapeutic applications in preclinical and clinical research. Targeting H2S-producing enzymes and exogenous H2S sources, alone or in combination with other drugs, could be explored. Quantifying endogenous H2S levels may aid in diagnosing and managing liver diseases.