Role of the New Adipokine Hydrogen Sulfide in the Regulation of Metabolism and Obesity-Associated Diseases

Dear Colleagues,

Obesity is a multifactorial pathology phenotypically defined by the abnormal and excessive deposition of visceral adipose tissue, accompanied by comorbidities that dramatically impact one’s quality of life. Despite the classical idea that adipose tissue exclusively has the passive function of fat storage, recently, the concept that it plays a main role in the regulation of systemic metabolism in physiological as well as in obesogenic conditions has been emerging. Under prolonged conditions of positive energy balance, such as the obesogenic state, white adipose tissue is submitted to hypertrophia and hyperplasia, followed by the secretion of pro-inflammatory adipokines and finally insulin-resistance and metabolic alterations, including diabetes, atherosclerosis and dyslipidemia. Moreover, lipids move towards extra-adipose tissues, including liver and skeletal muscle, thus paving the way for devastating functional and structural alterations, including steatosis and sarcopenia. Pharmacological, nutraceutical and nutrient-based approaches are used to positively remodel white adipocytes and to ameliorate the inflammatory phenotype, thus contributing to the management of obesity-associated diseases.

In this scenario, hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has emerged as a new adipokine that, via S-sulfydration, is able to regulate crucial targets implicated in the regulation of metabolism and in the prevention/treatment of a number of obesity-associated diseases. However, further aspects of the putative mechanisms underlying the release of H₂S or its biosynthesis are unclear and need to be investigated.

Therefore, this Special Issue aims to collect original research papers, as well as review articles, including perspectives from the field on the current standing of research into the role of endogenous H₂S in the regulation of metabolism and in the prevention of obesity-associated disorders. Moreover, the therapeutic potential of naturally or synthetically derived H₂S donors in this context is of interest. Reviews and original research reports providing insight into molecular mechanisms underlying the action of H₂S and H₂S-releasing agents in the regulation of metabolism as well as on the secretion of crucial mediators, which may improve our knowledge and lead to new therapeutic targets, are also welcome.

Dr. Lara Testai
Prof. Dr. Vincenzo Calderone
Guest Editors

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• gasotransmitter
• S-sulfydration
• metabolic disorder
• cardiovascular risk
• sarcopenia
• diabete
• dislipidemia
• browning
• lipolysis
• adipogenesis