The Role of Nitric Oxide and Hydrogen Sulfide in the Regulation of Pro- and Antiapoptotic Gene Expression in Central and Peripheral Nervous System Injuries

Injuries to the central and peripheral nervous systems are accompanied by complex cellular and molecular processes, including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and programmed cell death. Nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (HS) play pivotal roles in these processes, exhibiting dual effects. Apoptosis is a key mechanism involved in the death of neurons and glial cells following neurotransmitters. NO and HS can regulate the expression of anti- and pro-apoptotic genes either through direct modification of DNA and RNA or via more complex epigenetic mechanisms involving activation or inhibition of transcription factors. This review provides a detailed overview of NO- and HS-dependent signaling pathways regulating the expression of anti- and pro-apoptotic genes in various types of neurotransmitters and discusses the dual effects of these gasotransmitters in pharmacological modulation.