The health benefits of hydrogen sulphide

Dietary restriction has beneficial effects in animal models, such as increased stress resistance and extended longevity; however, the common molecular mechanisms of the nutritional interventions responsible for these effects are unclear. Hine et al. showed that sulphur amino acid restriction increased the expression of cystathionine γ-lyase (CGL) — an enzyme of the trans-sulphuration pathway (TSP) — and increased hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) production. Increased H₂S levels conferred dietary-restriction-mediated stress resistance in vivo. Furthermore, mTOR activation or CGL inhibition blocked TSP induction and H₂S production. Thus, H₂S is a molecular mediator of dietary restriction benefits with clinical potential.