PECIAL REPORTS AND REVIEWS he Emerging Roles of Hydrogen Sulfide in the Gastrointestinal ract and Liver

p C P ydrogen sulfide, like nitric oxide, was best known as a oxic pollutant before becoming recognized as a key egulator of several physiologic processes. In recent ears, evidence has accumulated to suggest important oles for hydrogen sulfide as a mediator of several asects of gastrointestinal and liver function. Moreover, lterations in hydrogen sulfide production could contribte to disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and liver. or example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can educe production of hydrogen sulfide in the stomach, nd this has been shown to contribute to the generation f mucosal injury. Hydrogen sulfide has also been shown o play a key role in modulation of visceral hyperalgesia. nhibitors of hydrogen sulfide synthesis and drugs that an generate safe levels of hydrogen sulfide in vivo have een developed and are permitting interventional studes in experimental models and, in the near future, umans.