Abstract

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects more than 230 million people worldwide. PAD patients suffer from reduced quality of life and are at increased risk of vascular complications and all-cause mortality. Despite its prevalence, impact on quality of life and poor long-term clinical outcomes, PAD remains underdiagnosed and undertreated compared to myocardial infarction and stroke. PAD is due to a combination of macrovascular atherosclerosis and calcification, combined with microvascular rarefaction, leading to chronic peripheral ischemia. Novel therapies are needed to address the increasing incidence of PAD and its difficult long-term pharmacological and surgical management. The cysteine-derived gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide (HS) has interesting vasorelaxant, cytoprotective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In this review, we describe the current understanding of PAD pathophysiology and the remarkable benefits of HS against atherosclerosis, inflammation, vascular calcification, and other vasculo-protective effects.

MeSH

Sulfides, Atherosclerosis, Quality Of Life, Peripheral Arterial Disease

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