6.1.5 Protection of mitochondria
The role of mitochondria is particularly important in mammalian growth and development, providing energy for the basic metabolism of the body. When myocardial I/R occurs, the function of mitochondria is severely impaired, leading to further myocardial damage. It has been found that NaHS can reduce mitochondrial malondialdehyde levels in ischemic cardiomyocytes, while elevating the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, allowing the preservation of mitochondrial function[127]. In addition, H2S also increased the efficiency of complexes I and II of the oxidative respiratory chain in mitochondria and inhibited cytochrome oxidase, reducing the metabolism of cardiomyocytes to a preconditioned state, thereby reducing cardiomyocyte damage[128, 129].