Homocysteine and H₂S in Health and Disease

Dear Colleagues,

Homocysteine (Hcy) and hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) are two active molecules produced both in the metabolic cycle of methionine that must be precisely regulated. An increased level of homocysteine in the plasms, called hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), may be the result of several hereditary and acquired factors, including deficiency or genetic polymorphism of enzymes associated with homocysteine metabolism, renal failure, deficit of vitamins B6, B9 and B12 and medication administration such as antiepileptic drugs or L-DOPA. HHcy induces oxidative stress and inflammation in many tissues and is associated with numerous pathologies like cardiovascular diseases, neurodegeneration, osteoporosis, migraine, epilepsy, developmental disorders, etc.

Hcy levels are regulated by remethylation and transsulfuration pathways. The key enzymes of transsulfuration pathways are cystathionine β-synthase and cystathionine γ-lyase, which are involved in the biosynthesis of H₂S_. In addition, H₂S can be synthesized by the activity of cysteine aminotransferase and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase.

In this Special Issue, we will focus on the linkage between the metabolism of homocysteine and H₂S, imbalance of homocysteine and H₂S in different pathologies, mechanisms of protective effects of H₂S in homocysteine toxicity, and approaches to maintain the endogenous balance between these two molecules to prevent this condition in patients.

Prof. Dr. Anton Hermann
Prof. Dr. Guzel F. Sitdikova
Guest Editors

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