Role of Nitric Oxide and Hydrogen Sulfide in Neuronal and Glial Cell Death in Neurodegenerative Processes

Abstract

Neurodegeneration is a complex progressive pathological process leading to the neuronal death, which is induced by various external and internal factors. Neurodegenerative diseases, injuries of the central and peripheral nervous system, mental disorders, and a number of other pathological conditions, accompanied by functional and structural degradation of neurons and their death, is a serious problem in the global healthcare system, as due to these diseases millions of people around the world become disabled or die every year. The situation is complicated by the lack of selective, clinically effective neuroprotective drugs. It has been shown that nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) are actively involved in neurodegeneration and cell death of neurons and glia, but their role is not completely clear. This review considers NO- and H₂S-dependent signaling mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative processes. The prospects for further studies of the role of NO and H₂S in the nervous tissue under conditions of pathological conditions associated with neurodegeneration are considered.