Hydrogen sulfide and the liver

•CSE, CBS, and MST proteins have been detected in the liver, contributing to the production of H2S.•Malfunction of hepatic H2S metabolism is involved in the pathogenesis of many liver diseases.•H2S regulates lipid metabolism.•H2S at low concentrations is hepatoprotective against oxidative stress-induced liver damage.•Mitochondrial produced H2S increases ATP production during hypoxia.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gasotransmitter that regulates numerous physiological and pathophysiological processes in our body. Enzymatic production of H2S is catalyzed by cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MST). All these three enzymes present in the liver and via H2S production regulate liver functions. The liver is the hub for metabolism of glucose and lipids, and maintains the level of circulatory lipids through lipoprotein metabolism. Hepatic H2S metabolism affects glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, lipoprotein synthesis, mitochondrial biogenetics and biogenesis. Malfunction of hepatic H2S metabolism may be involved in many liver diseases, such as hepatic fibrosis and hepatic cirrhosis.