H2S-based therapies for ischaemic stroke: opportunities and challenges.

Stroke is a cerebrovascular disease displaying high mortality and morbidity. Despite extensive efforts, only very few therapies are available for stroke patients as yet. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is thought to be a signalling molecule that is endogenously produced and plays functional roles in the central nervous system. Currently, numerous studies show that H₂S impacts stroke outcomes in animal and cellular models. Here, we review the recent research regarding the effects of endogenously produced H₂S as well as exogenous H₂S donors on stroke pathology, focusing on the potential of H₂S-based therapies in treating ischaemic stroke. We also discuss the several issues that hinder the clinical translation of H₂S-based therapies from the bench. Taken together, we think that H₂S-based therapies are promising strategies for treating cerebral ischaemia if we successfully address these issues.