Hydrogen sulfide-induced hypometabolism prevents renal ischemia/reperfusion injury

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) can induce a hypometabolic, hibernation-like state in mammals when given in subtoxic concentrations. Pharmacologically reducing the demand for oxygen is a promising strategy to minimize unavoidable hypoxia-induced injury such as ischemia/reperfusion injury during renal transplantation. Here we show that H₂S reduces metabolism in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro. Furthermore, we demonstrate the beneficial effects of H₂S-induced hypometabolism in a model of bilateral renal ischemia/reperfusion injury using three different treatment strategies. The results demonstrate striking protective effects on survival, renal function, apoptosis, and inflammation. A hypometabolic state induced by H₂S might have therapeutic potential to protect kidneys that suffer from hypoxia.