The functions of hydrogen sulfide on the urogenital system of both males and females: from inception to the present

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is known as a chemical gas in nature with both enzymatic and non-enzymatic biosynthesis in different human organs. A couple of studies have demonstrated the function of H₂S in regulating the homeostasis of the human body. Additionally, they have shown its synthesis, measurement, chemistry, protective effects, and interaction in various aspects of scientific evidence. Furthermore, many researches have demonstrated the beneficial impacts of H₂S on genital organs and systems. According to various studies, it is recognized that H₂S-producing enzymes and the endogenous production of H₂S are expressed in male and female reproductive systems in different mammalian species. The main goal of this comprehensive review is to assess the potential therapeutic impacts of this gasotransmitter in the male and female urogenital system and find underlying mechanisms of this agent. This narrative review investigated the articles that were published from the 1970s to 2022. The review’s primary focus is the impacts of H₂S on the male and female urogenital system. Medline, CINAHL, PubMed, and Google scholar databases were searched. Keywords used in this review were “Hydrogen sulfide,” “H₂S,” “urogenital system,” and “urogenital tract”. Numerous studies have demonstrated the therapeutic and protective effects of sodium hydrosulfide (Na-HS) as an H₂S donor on male and female infertility disorders. Furthermore, it has been observed that H₂S plays a significant role in improving different diseases such as ameliorating sperm parameters. The specific localization of H₂S enzymes in the urogenital system provides an excellent opportunity to comprehend its function and role in various disorders related to this system. It is noteworthy that H₂S has been demonstrated to be produced in endocrine organs and exhibit diverse activities. Moreover, it is important to recognize that alterations in H₂S biosynthesis are closely linked to endocrine disorders. Therefore, hormones can be pivotal in regulating H₂S production, and H₂S synthesis pathways may aid in establishing novel therapeutic strategies. H₂S possesses pharmacological effects on essential disorders, such as anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis, and anti-oxidant activities, which render it a valuable therapeutic agent for human urogenital disease. Furthermore, this agent shows promise in ameliorating the detrimental effects of various male and female diseases. Despite the limited clinical research, studies have demonstrated that applying H₂S as an anti-oxidant source could ameliorate adverse effects of different conditions in the urogenital system. More clinical studies are required to confirm the role of this component in clinical settings.