Hydrogen sulfide mitigates mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular senescence in diabetic patients: Potential therapeutic applications

Diabetes induces a pro-aging state characterized by an increased abundance of senescent cells in various tissues, heightened chronic inflammation, reduced substance and energy metabolism, and a significant increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. This condition leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, including elevated oxidative stress, the accumulation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage, mitophagy defects, dysregulation of mitochondrial dynamics, and abnormal energy metabolism. These dysfunctions result in intracellular calcium ion (Ca²⁺) homeostasis disorders, telomere shortening, immune cell damage, and exacerbated inflammation, accelerating the aging of diabetic cells or tissues. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), a novel gaseous signaling molecule, plays a crucial role in maintaining mitochondrial function and mitigating the aging process in diabetic cells. This article systematically explores the specific mechanisms by which H₂S regulates diabetes-induced mitochondrial dysfunction to delay cellular senescence, offering a promising new strategy for improving diabetes and its complications.