Hydrogen sulfide inhibits aortic valve calcification in heart via regulating RUNX2 by NF-κB, a link between inflammation and mineralization

•H2S derived from CSE/CBS inhibits inflammation and calcification of valvular interstitial cells.•H2S releasing molecules inhibits inflammation and calcification of valvular interstitial cells.•H2S inhibits inflammation and calcification in aortic valve of apolipoprotein E deficient mice.•H2S suppresses nuclear translocation of NF-κB and subsequent expression of IL-1β and TNF-α.•Activation of Runx2, its nuclear translocation is mediated by NF-κB in calcifying conditions.•Inflammation and calcification are connected via master transcription factors, NF-κB and Runx2.