Endogenous hydrogen sulphide mediates the cardioprotection induced by ischemic postconditioning

H2S regulation of nitric oxide metabolism

Nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) are two major gaseous signaling molecules that regulate diverse physiological functions. Recent publications indicate the regulatory role of H2S on NO metabolism. In this chapter, we discuss the latest findings on H2S-NO interactions through formation of novel chemical derivatives and experimental approaches to study these adducts. This chapter also addresses potential H2S interference on various NO detection techniques, along with precautions for analyzing biological samples from various sources. This information will facilitate critical evaluation and clearer insight into H2S regulation of NO signaling and its influence on various physiological functions.

Neuroprotective effects of hydrogen sulfide in Parkinson's disease animal models: methods and protocols

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was first proposed to be a neuromodulator in 1996. After that, multiple biological functions of H2S have been revealed. In brain, it regulates intracellular calcium, intracellular pH, and cAMP level in different brain cells via regulation of the functions of different proteins. In pathological situations, H2S produces anti-inflammatory, -oxidant, and -apoptotic effects, and therefore is potentially used to treat neurodegenerative diseases, especially Parkinson's disease (PD). In this chapter, we summarized the methods commonly used to create PD animal models followed by description of evaluations of PD pathology. The PD models described in this chapter included those caused by various neurotoxins like 6-hydroxydopamine, rotenone, and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine. Methods for examination of dopaminergic neuron loss and microglial activation in both substantia nigra and striatum are also described. The role of H2S and its therapeutic potentials are discussed in the last section of this chapter.

H2S: A New Approach to Lifespan Enhancement and Healthy Ageing?

Ageing, a progressive structural and functional decline, is considered to be a major risk factor for virtually all ageing-associated pathologies and disabilities, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, diabetes, atherosclerosis and certain cancers. Biogerontology research has now been largely directed towards finding novel drug targets to decelerate the ageing process and attain healthy ageing in order to delay the onset of all ageing-related diseases. H2S has been reported to exert vasodilatory, antioxidant, antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory actions and has been shown to act as a signalling molecule, neuromodulator and cytoprotectant. Intriguingly, H2S has been reported to regulate cell cycle and survival in healthy cells which suggests that it may regulate cell fate and hence the ageing process. This chapter sets out to provide an overview of the current knowledge regarding the involvement of H2S in ageing, with a specific focus on the invertebrate model nematode C. elegans.

The role of gasotransmitters NO, H2S and CO in myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury and cardioprotection by preconditioning, postconditioning and remote conditioning

Ischaemic heart disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The development of cardioprotective therapeutic agents remains a partly unmet need and a challenge for both medicine and industry, with significant financial and social implications. Protection of the myocardium can be achieved by mechanical vascular occlusions such as preconditioning (PC), when brief episodes of ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) are experienced prior to ischaemia; postconditioning (PostC), when the brief episodes are experienced at the immediate onset of reperfusion; and remote conditioning (RC), when the brief episodes are experienced in another vascular territory. The elucidation of the signalling pathways, which underlie the protective effects of PC, PostC and RC, would be expected to reveal novel molecular targets for cardioprotection that could be modulated by pharmacological agents to prevent reperfusion injury. Gasotransmitters including NO, hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and carbon monoxide (CO) are a growing family of regulatory molecules that affect physiological and pathological functions. NO, H2S and CO share several common properties; they are beneficial at low concentrations but hazardous in higher amounts; they relax smooth muscle cells, inhibit apoptosis and exert anti-inflammatory effects. In the cardiovascular system, NO, H2S and CO induce vasorelaxation and promote cardioprotection. In this review article, we summarize current knowledge on the role of the gasotransmitters NO, H2S and CO in myocardial I/R injury and cardioprotection provided by conditioning strategies and highlight future perspectives in cardioprotection by NO, H2S, CO, as well as their donor molecules.

Hydrogen sulphide triggers VEGF-induced intracellular Ca²⁺ signals in human endothelial cells but not in their immature progenitors

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is a newly discovered gasotransmitter that regulates multiple steps in VEGF-induced angiogenesis. An increase in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) is central to endothelial proliferation and may be triggered by both VEGF and H2S. Albeit VEGFR-2 might serve as H2S receptor, the mechanistic relationship between VEGF- and H2S-induced Ca(2+) signals in endothelial cells is unclear. The present study aimed at assessing whether and how NaHS, a widely employed H2S donor, stimulates pro-angiogenic Ca(2+) signals in Ea.hy926 cells, a suitable surrogate for mature endothelial cells, and human endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). We found that NaHS induced a dose-dependent increase in [Ca(2+)]i in Ea.hy926 cells. NaHS-induced Ca(2+) signals in Ea.hy926 cells did not require extracellular Ca(2+) entry, while they were inhibited upon pharmacological blockade of the phospholipase C/inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) signalling pathway. Moreover, the Ca(2+) response to NaHS was prevented by genistein, but not by SU5416, which selectively inhibits VEGFR-2. However, VEGF-induced Ca(2+) signals were suppressed by dl-propargylglycine (PAG), which blocks the H2S-producing enzyme, cystathionine γ-lyase. Consistent with these data, VEGF-induced proliferation and migration were inhibited by PAG in Ea.hy926 cells, albeit NaHS alone did not influence these processes. Conversely, NaHS elevated [Ca(2+)]i only in a modest fraction of circulating EPCs, whereas neither VEGF-induced Ca(2+) oscillations nor VEGF-dependent proliferation were affected by PAG. Therefore, H2S-evoked elevation in [Ca(2+)]i is essential to trigger the pro-angiogenic Ca(2+) response to VEGF in mature endothelial cells, but not in their immature progenitors.

mTORC2 phosphorylation of Akt1: a possible mechanism for hydrogen sulfide-induced cardioprotection

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is known to have cardiac protective effects through Akt activation. Akt acts as a 'central sensor' for myocyte survival or death; its activity is regulated by multiple kinases including PI3K, mTORC2, PDK1 and phosphatases including PTEN, PP2A and PHLPPL. Based on the previous finding that PI3K inhibitor LY294002 abolishes H2S-induced Akt phosphorylation and cardioprotection, it is accepted that PI3K is the mediator of H2S-induced Akt phosphorylation. However, LY294002 inhibits both PI3K and mTOR, and PI3K only recruits Akt to the membrane where Akt is phosphorylated by Akt kinases. We undertook a series of experiments to further evaluate the role of mTORC2, PDK1, PTEN, PP2A and PHLPPL in H2S-induced Akt phosphorylation and cardioprotection, which, we believe, has not been investigated before. Hearts from adult Sprague-Dawley rats were isolated and subjected to (i) normoxia, (ii) global ischemia and (iii) ischemia/reperfusion in the presence or absence of 50 µM of H2S donor NaHS. Cardiac mechanical function and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release were assessed. All hearts also were Western analyzed at the end of perfusion for Akt and a panel of appropriate Akt regulators and targets. Hearts pretreated with 50 µM NaHS had improved function at the end of reperfusion (Rate pressure product; 19±4×10(3) vs. 10±3×10(3) mmHg/min, p<0.05) and reduced cell injury (LDH release 19±10 vs. 170±87 mU/ml p<0.05) compared to untreated hearts. NaHS significantly increased phospho-Akt, phospho-mTOR, phospho-Bim and Bcl-2 in reperfused hearts (P<0.05). Furthermore using H9c2 cells we demonstrate that NaHS pretreatment reduces apoptosis following hypoxia/re-oxygenation. Importantly, PP242, a specific mTOR inhibitor, abolished both cardioprotection and protein phosphorylation in isolated heart and reduced apoptotic effects in H9c2 cells. Treating hearts with NaHS only during reperfusion produced less cardioprotection through a similar mechanism. These data suggest mTORC2 phosphorylation of Akt is a key mediator of H2S-induced cardioprotection in I/R.

The therapeutic potential of antioxidants, ER chaperones, NO and H2S donors, and statins for treatment of preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a complex multifactorial disease. Placental oxidative stress, a result of deficient spiral artery remodeling, plays an important role in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. Antiangiogenic factors secreted from malperfused placenta are instrumental in mediating maternal endothelial dysfunction and consequent symptoms of preeclampsia; the mechanism is likely to involve increased ET-1 secretion and reduced NO bioavailability. Therapeutic interventions so far remain only experimental and there is no established remedy for the treatment of preeclampsia. This review concentrates on the evidence for the therapeutic potential of antioxidants, ER chaperones, NO and H2S donors, and statins. These compounds display pleitropic antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pro-angiogenic effects in animal and in vitro studies. Although clinical trials on the use of antioxidant vitamins in pregnancy proved largely unsuccessful, the scope for their use still exists given the beneficial cardioprotective effects of antioxidant-rich Mediterranean diet, periconceptual vitamin use and the synergistic effect of vitamin C and L-arginine. Encouraging clinical evidence exists for the use of NO donors, and a clinical trial is underway testing the effect of statins in treatment of preeclampsia. H2S recently emerged as a novel therapeutic agent for cardiovascular disease, and its beneficial effects were also tested in animal models of preeclampsia. It is risky to prescribe any medication to pregnant women on a large scale, and any future therapeutic intervention has to be well tested and safe. Many of the compounds discussed could be potential candidates.

Hydrogen sulfide regulates Ca(2+) homeostasis mediated by concomitantly produced nitric oxide via a novel synergistic pathway in exocrine pancreas

AIM

The present study was designed to explore the effects of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on Ca(2+) homeostasis in rat pancreatic acini.

RESULTS

Sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS; an H2S donor) induced a biphasic increase in the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) in a dose-dependent manner. The NaHS-induced [Ca(2+)]i elevation persisted with an EC50 of 73.3 μM in the absence of extracellular Ca(2+) but was abolished by thapsigargin, indicating that both Ca(2+) entry and Ca(2+) release contributed to the increase. The [Ca(2+)]i increase was markedly inhibited in the presence of NG-monomethyl L-arginine or 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (cPTIO), and diaminofluorescein-2/diaminofluorescein-2 triazole (DAF-2/DAF-2T) fluorometry demonstrated that nitric oxide (NO) was also produced by H2S in a dose-dependent manner with an EC50 of 64.8 μM, indicating that NO was involved in the H2S effect. The H2S-induced [Ca(2+)]i increase was inhibited by pretreatment with U73122, xestospongin C, 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one, KT5823, and GP2A, indicating that phospholipase C (PLC), the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor, soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), protein kinase G (PKG), and Gq-protein play roles as intermediate components in the H2S-triggered intracellular signaling.

INNOVATION

To our knowledge, our study is the first one highlighting the effect of H2S on intracellular Ca(2+) dynamics in pancreatic acinar cells. Moreover, a novel cascade was presumed to function via the synergistic interaction between H2S and NO.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that H2S affects [Ca(2+)]i homeostasis that is mediated by H2S-evoked NO production via an endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-NO-sGC-cyclic guanosine monophosphate-PKG-Gq-protein-PLC-IP3 pathway to induce Ca(2+) release, and this pathway is identical to the one we recently proposed for a sole effect of NO and the two gaseous molecules synergistically function to regulate Ca(2+) homeostasis.

The hydrogen sulfide donor, GYY4137, exhibits anti-atherosclerotic activity in high fat fed apolipoprotein E(-/-) mice

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Atherosclerosis is associated with reduced vascular hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) biosynthesis. GYY4137 is a novel slow-releasing H2 S compound that may effectively mimic the time course of H2 S release in vivo. However, it is not known whether GYY4137 affects atherosclerosis.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

RAW 264.7 cells and human blood monocyte-derived macrophages were incubated with oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) with/without GYY4137. ApoE(-/-) mice were fed a high-fat diet for 4 weeks and administered GYY4137 for 30 days. Lipid and atherosclerotic lesions were measured by oil red O staining. Endothelium-dependent relaxation was assessed in response to acetylcholine. Superoxide production was detected by dihydroethidium staining. Expression of mRNA and protein were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot.

KEY RESULTS

GYY4137 inhibited ox-LDL-induced foam cell formation and cholesterol esterification in cultured cells. GYY4137 decreased the expression of lectin-like ox-LDL receptor-1, iNOS, phosphorylated IκBα, NF-κB, ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and chemokines, including CXCL2, CXCR4, CXCL10 and CCL17, but increased the scavenger protein CD36, in ox-LDL-treated RAW 264.7 cells. In vivo, GYY4137 decreased aortic atherosclerotic plaque formation and partially restored aortic endothelium-dependent relaxation in apoE(-/-) mice. GYY4137 decreased ICAM-1, TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA expression as well as superoxide (O2 (-) ) generation in aorta. In addition, GYY4137 increased aortic eNOS phosphorylation and expression of PI3K, enhanced Akt Ser(473) phosphorylation and down-regulated the expression of LOX-1.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

GYY4137 inhibits lipid accumulation induced by ox-LDL in RAW 264.7 cells. In vivo, GYY4137 decreased vascular inflammation and oxidative stress, improved endothelial function and reduced atherosclerotic plaque formation in apoE(-/-) mice.

Protective effects of hydrogen sulfide against chronic alcohol intake-induced left ventricular remodeling in rats

PURPOSE

To investigate the protective effects of hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) against chronic alcohol intake-induced left ventricular remodeling and explore the potential mechanisms involved.

METHODS

Rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: alcohol group, NaHS group, alcohol + NaHS group, and control group. The echocardiographic and morphometric studies were performed to assess left ventricular remodeling. Oxidative stress was evaluated by detecting MDA, GSH-Px, Tot-SOD, CuZn-SOD and Mn-SOD in the supernatant. Cardiomyocyte apoptotic rate was determined by flow cytometry with Annexin V/PI staining. Western blotting was conducted to detect the expression of Bcl-2 family of apoptosis regulator proteins.

RESULTS

The echocardiographic and morphometric data indicated that H(2)S has protective effects against chronic alcohol intake-induced left ventricular remodeling. Our findings showed a significant increase in MDA level and decreases in GSH-Px, Tot-SOD, CuZn-SOD and Mn-SOD activities in the alcohol group compared to the control group, while in the alcohol + NaHS group, a significant decrease in MDA level and increases in GSH-Px, Tot-SOD, CuZn-SOD and Mn-SOD activities were found compared to the alcohol group. The apoptotic rate in the alcohol group was significantly higher than in the control group, whereas apoptotic rate in the alcohol + NaHS group was significantly lower than in the alcohol group. In addition, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL expression was upregulated and Bax expression was downregulated in the alcohol + NaHS group compared to the alcohol group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that H(2)S protects against chronic alcohol intake-induced left ventricular remodeling via attenuating oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Hydrogen sulfide chemical biology: pathophysiological roles and detection

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is the most recent endogenous gasotransmitter that has been reported to serve many physiological and pathological functions in different tissues. Studies over the past decade have revealed that H2S can be synthesized through numerous pathways and its bioavailability regulated through its conversion into different biochemical forms. H2S exerts its biological effects in various manners including redox regulation of protein and small molecular weight thiols, polysulfides, thiosulfate/sulfite, iron-sulfur cluster proteins, and anti-oxidant properties that affect multiple cellular and molecular responses. However, precise measurement of H2S bioavailability and its associated biochemical and pathophysiological roles remains less well understood. In this review, we discuss recent understanding of H2S chemical biology, its relationship to tissue pathophysiological responses and possible therapeutic uses.

Akt/eNOS signaling and PLN S-sulfhydration are involved in H₂S-dependent cardiac effects in frog and rat

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has recently emerged as an important mediator of mammalian cardiovascular homeostasis. In nonmammalian vertebrates, little is known about the cardiac effects of H₂S. This study aimed to evaluate, in the avascular heart of the frog, Rana esculenta, whether and to what extent H₂S affects the cardiac performance, and what is the mechanism of action responsible for the observed effects. Results were analyzed in relation to those obtained in the rat heart, used as the mammalian model. Isolated and perfused (working and Langendorff) hearts, Western blot analysis, and modified biotin switch (S-sulfhydration) assay were used. In the frog heart, NaHS (used as H₂S donor, 10⁻¹²/10⁻⁷ M) dose-dependently decreased inotropism. This effect was reduced by glibenclamide (KATP channels blocker), NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (NOS inhibitor), 1H-[1,2,4] oxadiazolo-[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (guanylyl cyclase inhibitor), KT₅₈₂₃ (PKG inhibitor), and it was blocked by Akt1/2 (Akt inhibitor) and by detergent Triton X-100. In the rat, in addition to the classic negative inotropic effect, NaHS (10⁻¹²/10⁻⁷ M) exhibited negative lusitropism. In both frog and rat hearts, NaHS treatment induced Akt and eNOS phosphorylation and an increased cardiac protein S-sulfhydration that, in the rat heart, includes phospholamban. Our data suggest that H₂S represents a phylogenetically conserved cardioactive molecule. Results obtained on the rat heart extend the role of H₂S also to cardiac relaxation. H₂S effects involve KATP channels, the Akt/NOS-cGMP/PKG pathway, and S-sulfhydration of cardiac proteins.

A tale of two gases: NO and H2S, foes or friends for life?

Nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) have emerged as dominant redox regulators of numerous aspects of cellular and physiological functions within several organ systems included cardiovascular, immune and neurological tissues. Recent studies have begun to reveal that these two gaseous molecules may have redundant or overlapping pathophysiological functions often involving similar molecular targets. However, it remains less clear when and how NO and H₂S may interact under biological and disease processes. In this graphical review, we discuss the current understanding of NO and H₂S interactions and how they may functionally influence each other and what this may mean for biology and mechanisms of disease.

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H₂S and NO are important gaseous regulators of numerous physiological responses.

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H₂S and NO may target both similar and divergent signaling and molecular pathways.

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H₂S and NO react with protein free thiols that differentially affect protein function.

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H₂S and NO metabolites can react together to yield novel biochemical products.

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The presence and physiological importance of these novel products remains unknown.

Sodium Hydrosulphide alleviates remote lung injury following limb traumatic injury in rats

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) was found to attenuate ventilator or oleic acid induced lung injury. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of exogenous H2S donor, sodium Hydrosulphide (NaHS), on lung injury following blast limb trauma and the underlying mechanisms. For in vitro experiments, pulmonary micro-vessel endothelial cells (PMVECs) were cultured and treated with NaHS or vehicle in the presence of TNF-α. For in vivo, blast limb traumatic rats, induced by using chartaceous electricity detonators, were randomly treated with NaHS, cystathionine gamma-lyase inhibitor (PAG) or vehicle. In vitro, NaHS (100 µM) treatment increased PMVECs viability and decreased LDH release into culture media after tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α challenge. In addition, NaHS treatment prevented the increase of nitric oxide, Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1(ICAM-1) and interleukin (IL)-6 production and inducible nitric oxide synthase activation induced by TNF-α. Knock-down of NF-E2-Related Factor 2 (Nrf2) partially abolished the protective effect of NaHS. In vivo, NaHS treatment significantly alleviated lung injury following blast limb trauma, demonstrated by a decreased histopathological score and lung water content. Furthermore, NaHS treatment reversed the decrease of H2S concentration in plasma, prevented the increase of TNF-α, IL-6, malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase, increased the Nrf2 downstream effector glutathione in both plasma and lungs, and reversed the decrease of superoxide dismutase in both plasma and lungs induced by blast limb trauma. Our data indicated that NaHS protects against lung injury following blast limb trauma which is likely associated with suppression of the inflammatory and oxidative response and activation of Nrf2 cellular signal.

Diallyl trisulfide and diallyl disulfide ameliorate cardiac dysfunction by suppressing apoptotic and enhancing survival pathways in experimental diabetic rats

Cardiovascular disease is one of the major causes of mortality in diabetic patients. Mounting studies have shown that garlic exhibits, possibly through its antioxidant potential, diverse biological activities. In this study, we investigated the alleviating effects of garlic oil (GO) and its two major components, diallyl disulfide (DADS) and diallyl trisulfide (DATS), on diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats. Physiological cardiac parameters were obtained using echocardiography. Apoptotic cells were evaluated using TUNEL and DAPI staining. Protein expression levels were determined using Western blotting analysis. Our findings indicated that in diabetic rat hearts significantly decreased fractional shortening percentage, increased levels of nitrotyrosine, an elevated number of TUNEL-positive cells, enhanced levels of caspase 3 expression, and decreased PI3K-Akt signaling pathway activities were observed. Furthermore, all of these alterations were reversed following both GO and DATS (or DADS) administrations through increasing PI3K-Akt signaling pathway activities and inhibiting both the death receptor-dependent and the mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathways. In conclusion, this study shows that DATS and DADS, with the efficacy order DATS > DADS, have the therapeutic potential for ameliorating diabetic cardiomyopathy. Furthermore, the therapeutic effects of GO on diabetic cardiomyopathy should be mainly from DATS and DADS.

Endogenous hydrogen sulfide mediates the cardioprotection induced by ischemic postconditioning in the early reperfusion phase

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), produced by cystanthionine-γ-lysase (CSE) in the cardiovascular system, has been suggested to be the third gasotransmitter in addition to nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO). The present study aimed to investigate the role of H₂S in ischemic postconditioning (IPO) during the early period of reperfusion. IPO with 6 episodes of 10 sec reperfusion followed by 6 episodes of 10 sec ischemia (IPO 2’) was administered when reperfusion was initiated. Cardiodynamics and the concentration of H₂S were measured at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 20, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min of reperfusion. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and infarct size were determined at the end of the reperfusion. The concentration of H₂S was stable during the whole experiment in the control group, whereas it reached a peak at the first minute of reperfusion in the ischemia-reperfusion (IR) group. The concentration of H₂S at the first minute of reperfusion in the IPO 2’ group was higher compared to that of the IR group, which correlated with cardioprotection including improved heart contractile function and reduced infarct size and LDH levels. However, the above effects of IPO 2’ were attenuated by pre-treatment with blockade of endogenous H₂S production with DL-propargylglycine for 20 min prior to global ischemia. Furthermore, we found that other forms of IPO, IPO commencing at 1 min after reperfusion (delayed IPO) or lasting only for 1 min (IPO 1’), failed to increase the concentration of H₂S and protect the myocardium. We conclude that the peak of endogenous H₂S in the early reperfusion phase is the key to cardioprotection induced by IPO.

Hydrogen sulfide-mediated myocardial pre- and post-conditioning

Coronary artery disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the Western world. Acute myocardial infarction, resulting from coronary artery atherosclerosis, is a serious and often fatal consequence of coronary artery disease, resulting in cell death in the myocardium. Pre- and post-conditioning of the myocardium are two treatment strategies that reduce the amount of cell death significantly. Hydrogen sulfide has recently been identified as a potent cardioprotective signaling molecule, which is a highly effective pre- and post-conditioning agent. The cardioprotective signaling pathways involved in hydrogen sulfide-based pre- and post-conditioning will be explored in this article.

Hydrogen sulfide in cell survival: a double-edged sword

Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) has been found to play an important role as a signal molecule in regulating cell survival. It appears paradoxical that, on one side, H(2)S acts as a physiological intercellular messenger to stimulate cell growth, and on the other side, it may display cytotoxic activity. This article summarizes the current body of evidence demonstrating the cytoprotective versus cytotoxic effects of H(2)S in mammalian cells and describes the janus-faced properties of this important gasotransmitter. This article will also provide a brief description of the current signaling mechanisms that have been demonstrated to be responsible for these different actions. The pharmacologic regulation of H(2)S production and the potential clinical significance of H(2)S are highlighted.

Hydrogen sulfide in the mammalian cardiovascular system

For more than a century, hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) has been regarded as a toxic gas. This review surveys the growing recognition of the role of H(2)S as an endogenous signaling molecule in mammals, with emphasis on its physiological and pathological pathways in the cardiovascular system. In biological fluids, H(2)S gas is a weak acid that exists as about 15% H(2)S, 85% HS(-), and a trace of S(2-). Here, we use "H(2)S" to refer to this mixture. H(2)S has been found to influence heart contractile functions and may serve as a cardioprotectant for treating ischemic heart diseases and heart failure. Alterations of the endogenous H(2)S level have been found in animal models with various pathological conditions such as myocardial ischemia, spontaneous hypertension, and hypoxic pulmonary hypertension. In the vascular system, H(2)S exerts biphasic regulation of a vascular tone with varying effects based on its concentration and in the presence of nitric oxide. Over the past decade, several H(2)S-releasing compounds (NaHS, Na(2)S, GYY4137, etc.) have been utilized to test the effect of exogenous H(2)S under different physiological and pathological situations in vivo and in vitro. H(2)S has been found to promote angiogenesis and to protect against atherosclerosis and hypertension, while excess H(2)S may promote inflammation in septic or hemorrhagic shock. H(2)S-releasing compounds and inhibitors of H(2)S synthesis hold promise in alleviating specific disease conditions. This comprehensive review covers in detail the effects of H(2)S on the cardiovascular system, especially in disease situations, and also the various underlying mechanisms.

Hydrogen sulfide in biochemistry and medicine

SIGNIFICANCE

An abundance of experimental evidence suggests that hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) plays a prominent role in physiology and pathophysiology. Many targets exist for H(2)S therapy. The molecular targets of H(2)S include proteins, enzymes, transcription factors, and membrane ion channels.

RECENT ADVANCES

Novel H(2)S precursors are being synthesized and discovered that are capable of releasing H(2)S in a slow and sustained manner. This presents a novel and advantageous approach to H(2)S therapy for treatment of chronic conditions associated with a decline in endogenous H(2)S, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

CRITICAL ISSUES

While H(2)S is cytoprotective at physiological concentrations, it is not universally cytoprotective, as it appears to have pro-apoptotic actions in cancer cells and is well known to be toxic at supraphysiological concentrations. Many of the pleiotropic effects of H(2)S on health are associated with the inhibition of inflammation and upregulation of prosurvival pathways. The powerful anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, immunomodulating, and trophic effects of H(2)S on the vast majority of normal cells seem to be mediated mainly by its actions as an extremely versatile direct and indirect antioxidant and free radical scavenger. While the overall effects of H(2)S on transformed (i.e., malignant) cells can be characterized as pro-oxidant and pro-apoptotic, they contrast sharply with the cytoprotective effects on most normal cells.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

H(2)S has become a molecule of great interest, and several slow-releasing H(2)S prodrugs are currently under development. We believe that additional agents regulating H(2)S bioavailability will be developed during the next 10 years.

The effects of hydrogen sulfide under sevoflurane administration against ischemia and reperfusion injury in isolated rat heart

Background

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) produces a protective effect against myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury. Sevoflurane, which is used for anesthesia in cardiac problem patients, also has a protective effect. This study is designed to reveal the effects of H₂S under sevoflurane using rat hearts.

Methods

The hearts were Langendorff-perfused, subjected to 30 minutes ischemia and 60 minutes reperfusion. Group I was a control group. The other groups were pretreated for 15 minutes before ischemia as follows: 1.6% sevoflurane for group S; 18.5 µM H₂S S for group H; and 1.6% sevoflurane and 18.5 µM H₂S simultaneously for group HS. Hemodynamics and the infarct size were measured.

Results

Group HS presented depressed hemodynamics during pretreatment. LV function in group HS achieved better recovery than group I after reperfusion. The infarct size of groups S, H and HS was smaller than group I, while there were no differences between groups S, H and HS.

Conclusions

Exogenous H₂S did not enhance the preconditioning effects of sevoflurane. Rather, the results suggest that H₂S under sevoflurane might depress hemodynamics.

Hydrogen sulfide protects cardiomyocytes from myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by enhancing phosphorylation of apoptosis repressor with caspase recruitment domain

Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) displays an anti-apoptotic activity against myocardial ischemia reperfusion (MIR). Apoptosis repressor with caspase recruitment domain (ARC) is constitutively expressed in the heart and inhibits cell apoptosis when it is phosphorylated. Here, we investigated whether H(2)S could inhibit apoptosis by affecting ARC phosphorylation using cultured rat cardiomyocytes and a rat model of MIR. Primary cardiomyocytes were prepared from hearts of newborn rats and were pre-incubated with NaHS, a donor of H(2)S, for 60 min. Cardiomyocytes were subjected to hypoxia for 4 h, followed by reoxygenation for 2 h. The hypoxia and subsequent reoxygenation (H/R) significantly induced cell apoptosis, increased expression levels of Fas and FasL proteins, enhanced release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, and elevated caspase-3 activity, while H/R reduced ARC phosphorylation and increased the activity of calcineurin that dephosphorylates ARC. Pre-incubation with NaHS significantly attenuated the above effects through promoting ARC phosphorylation by reducing calcineurin activity and by increasing the activity of protein kinase casein kinase II (CK2) that phosphorylates ARC. In fact, TBB, a specific inhibitor of CK2, abolished the effects of NaHS. In rats undergoing MIR, NaHS significantly reduced the myocardial infarct size, cell apoptosis, calcineurin activity, and the expression levels of Fas, FasL and cleaved caspase-3 proteins, while NaHS increased ARC phosphorylation. In contrast, DL-propargylglycine, an inhibitor of cystathionine γ-lyase, the main enzyme for H(2)S production in hearts, showed opposite effects to NaHS. The results indicate that H(2)S inhibits apoptosis of cardiomyocytes induced by MIR through enhancing ARC phosphorylation.

Garlic provides protection to mice heart against isoproterenol-induced oxidative damage: role of nitric oxide

Garlic has been widely recognized as a cardioprotective agent. However, the molecular mechanism of its cardioprotective effects is not well established. Here we hypothesized that aqueous garlic homogenate may mediate cardioprotection via nitric oxide (NO). Mice were fed with saline and aqueous garlic homogenate (250 and 500 mgkg(-1)day(-1) orally) for 30 days. In another set of experiment, mice were pre-treated with saline, aqueous garlic homogenate (AGH) (250 mgkg(-1)day(-1) for 30 days), and AGH (30 days) along with L-NAME (20 mgkg(-1)day(-1) i.p. for last 7 days) before inducing acute myocardial infarction by isoproterenol (s.c. injection of isoproterenol 150 mgkg(-1)day(-1) for 2 days) and sacrificed after 48 h. Dose dependent increase in serum NO level was observed after garlic 250 and 500 mgkg(-1) dose feeding. While no change in serum SGPT and SGOT level, a significant decrease in serum LDH level was observed after garlic feeding. Garlic-induced NO formation was further confirmed in human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC). Administration of isoproterenol caused a significant decrease in endogenous antioxidants i.e., myocardial catalase, GSH and GPx activity, and mitochondrial enzyme activities like citrate synthase and β hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase. All those deleterious cardiac changes induced by isoproterenol were significantly attenuated by garlic homogenate. However this beneficial effect of garlic was blunted when garlic was administered with L-NAME, a nonspecific inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Further, a significant increase in myocardial TBARS and decrease in total antioxidant activity was observed in L-NAME treated group compared to isoproterenol treated group. Administration of L-NAME in mice from control group lowered serum and cardiac NO levels without any change of oxidative stress parameters. In conclusion, our study provides novel evidence that garlic homogenate is protective in myocardial infarction via NO-signaling pathway in mice.

Hydrogen sulfide is an endogenous potentiator of T cell activation

H(2)S is an endogenous signaling molecule that may act via protein sulfhydrylation to regulate various physiological functions. H(2)S is also a byproduct of dietary sulfate metabolism by gut bacteria. Inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis are associated with an increase in the colonization of the intestine by sulfate reducing bacteria along with an increase in H(2)S production. Consistent with its increased production, H(2)S is implicated as a mediator of ulcerative colitis both in its genesis or maintenance. As T cells are well established mediators of inflammatory bowel disease, we investigated the effect of H(2)S exposure on T cell activation. Using primary mouse T lymphocytes (CD3+), OT-II CD4+ T cells, and the human Jurkat T cell line, we show that physiological levels of H(2)S potentiate TCR-induced activation. Nanomolar levels of H(2)S (50-500 nM) enhance T cell activation assessed by CD69 expression, interleukin-2 expression, and CD25 levels. Exposure of T cells to H(2)S dose-dependently enhances TCR-stimulated proliferation with a maximum at 300 nM (30% increase, p < 0.01). Furthermore, activation increases the capacity of T cells to make H(2)S via increased expression of cystathionine γ-lyase and cystathionine β-synthase. Disrupting this response by silencing these H(2)S producing enzymes impairs T cell activation, and proliferation and can be rescued by the addition of 300 nM H(2)S. Thus, H(2)S represents a novel autocrine immunomodulatory molecule in T cells.

Hydrogen sulfide increases nitric oxide production from endothelial cells by an akt-dependent mechanism

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and nitric oxide (NO) are both gasotransmitters that can elicit synergistic vasodilatory responses in the in the cardiovascular system, but the mechanisms behind this synergy are unclear. In the current study we investigated the molecular mechanisms through which H₂S regulates endothelial NO production. Initial studies were performed to establish the temporal and dose-dependent effects of H₂S on NO generation using EPR spin trapping techniques. H₂S stimulated a twofold increase in NO production from endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), which was maximal 30 min after exposure to 25–150 μM H₂S. Following 30 min H₂S exposure, eNOS phosphorylation at Ser 1177 was significantly increased compared to control, consistent with eNOS activation. Pharmacological inhibition of Akt, the kinase responsible for Ser 1177 phosphorylation, attenuated the stimulatory effect of H₂S on NO production. Taken together, these data demonstrate that H₂S up-regulates NO production from eNOS through an Akt-dependent mechanism. These results implicate H₂S in the regulation of NO production in endothelial cells, and suggest that deficiencies in H₂S signaling can directly impact processes regulated by NO.

Hydrogen sulfide regulates Na+/H+ exchanger activity via stimulation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt and protein kinase G pathways

Intracellular pH (pH(i)) is an important endogenous modulator of cardiac function. Inhibition of Na(+)/H(+) exchanger-1 (NHE-1) protects the heart by preventing Ca(2+) overload during ischemia/reperfusion. Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) has been reported to produce cardioprotection. The present study was designed to investigate the pH regulatory effect of H(2)S in rat cardiac myocytes and evaluate its contribution to cardioprotection. It was found that sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), at a concentration range of 10 to 1000 μM, produced sustained decreases in pH(i) in the rat myocytes in a concentration-dependent manner. NaHS also abolished the intracellular alkalinization caused by trans-(±)-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cyclohexyl]benzeneacetamide methane-sulfonate hydrate (U50,488H), which activates NHEs. Moreover, when measured with an NHCl(4) prepulse method, NaHS was found to significantly suppress NHE-1 activity. Both NaHS and cariporide or [5-(2-methyl-5-fluorophenyl)furan-2-ylcarbonyl]guanidine (KR-32568), two NHE inhibitors, protected the myocytes against ischemia/reperfusion injury. However, coadministration of NaHS with KR-32568 did not produce any synergistic effect. Functional study showed that perfusion with NaHS significantly improved postischemic contractile function in isolated rat hearts subjected to ischemia/reperfusion. Blockade of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) with 2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (LY294002), Akt with Akt VIII, or protein kinase G (PKG) with (9S,10R,12R)-2,3,9,10,11,12-hexahydro-10-methoxy-2,9-dimethyl-1-oxo-9,12-epoxy-1H-diindolo[1,2,3-fg:3',2',1'-kl]pyrrolo[3,4-i][1,6]]enzodiazocine-10-carboxylic acid, methyl ester (KT5823) significantly attenuated NaHS-suppressed NHE-1 activity and/or NaHS-induced cardioprotection. Although KT5823 failed to affect NaHS-induced Akt phosphorylation, Akt inhibitor did attenuate NaHS-stimulated PKG activity. In conclusion, this work demonstrated for the first time that H(2)S produced cardioprotection via the suppression of NHE-1 activity involving a PI3K/Akt/PKG-dependent mechanism.

The protective role of hydrogen sulfide in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion-induced injury in diabetic rats

BACKGROUND

Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) displays anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective activities to attenuate myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (MIR)-induced injury, but its role in MIR in diabetics is not known. This study was undertaken to investigate whether H(2)S plays a protective role in MIR in diabetic rats.

METHODS

Diabetes was induced by streptozocin in Wistar rats, which were subjected to myocardial ischemia by blocking the left circumflex artery for 30 min, followed by 2h reperfusion. dl-propargylglycine (PAG) and sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) were administered to the rats to investigate their effects on severity of MIR-induced injury.

RESULTS

Diabetic rats had smaller myocardial infarct sizes and higher serum levels of H(2)S (both P < 0.05) than non-diabetics when they underwent MIR. MIR significantly increased the serum level of H(2)S (49.5 ± 7.1 μM), H(2)S-synthesizing activity (7.4 ± 1.6 nmol/mg) and the myocardial infarct size (44.0 ± 7.2%), compared with sham-operated diabetic rats (21.7 ± 2.1 μM, 0.15 ± 0.4 nmol/mg and 1.2 ± 0.4%, respectively). Administration of NaHS increased the H(2)S level (65.8 ± 6.9 μM) and had little effect on H(2)S production activity (6.5 ± 2.2 nmol/mg), while PAG reduced both the H(2)S level (29.2 ± 5.0 μM) and H(2)S-synthesizing activity (2.2 ± 1.8 nmol/mg). NaHS significantly reduced the myocardial infarct size (31.2 ± 4.7%), inhibited the production of lipid peroxidation, MPO activity, and cell apoptosis, and downregulated expression of caspase-3, Fas, FasL, and TNF-α, which had been elevated by MIR, while PAG further increased the myocardial infarct size (58.3 ± 5.9%), and displayed opposite effects.

CONCLUSIONS

The study indicates that H(2)S may play a protective role in MIR-induced myocardial injury in diabetics by its anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities.

Interplay of hydrogen sulfide and nitric oxide on the pacemaker activity of interstitial cells of cajal from mouse small intestine

We studied whether nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) have an interaction on the pacemaker activities of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) from the mouse small intestine. The actions of NO and H(2)S on pacemaker activities were investigated by using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique and intracellular Ca(2+) analysis at 30℃ in cultured mouse ICC. Exogenously applied (±)-S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), an NO donor, or sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaHS), a donor of H(2)S, showed no influence on pacemaker activity (potentials and currents) in ICC at low concentrations (10 µM SNAP and 100 µM NaHS), but SNAP or NaHS completely inhibited pacemaker amplitude and pacemaker frequency with increases in the resting currents in the outward direction at high concentrations (SNAP 100 µM and NaHS 1 mM). Co-treatment with 10 µM SNAP plus 100 µM NaHS also inhibited pacemaker amplitude and pacemaker frequency with increases in the resting currents in the outward direction. ODQ, a guanylate cyclase inhibitor, or glibenclamide, an ATP-sensitive K(+) channel inhibitor, blocked the SNAP+NaHS-induced inhibition of pacemaker currents in ICC. Also, we found that SNAP+NaHS inhibited the spontaneous intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) oscillations in cultured ICC. In conclusion, this study describes the enhanced inhibitory effects of NO plus H(2)S on ICC in the mouse small intestine. NO+H(2)S inhibited the pacemaker activity of ICC by modulating intracellular Ca(2+). These results may be evidence of a physiological interaction of NO and H(2)S in ICC for modulating gastrointestinal motility.

Regulation of heart function by endogenous gaseous mediators-crosstalk between nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide

Both nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) are two important gaseous mediators regulating heart function. The present study examined the interaction between these two biological gases and its role in the heart. We found that l-arginine, a substrate of NO synthase, decreased the amplitudes of myocyte contraction and electrically induced calcium transients. Sodium hydrogen sulfide (an H(2)S donor), which alone had minor effect, reversed the negative inotropic effects of l-arginine. The effect of l-arginine + sodium hydrogen sulfide was abolished by three thiols (l-cysteine, N-acetyl-cysteine, and glutathione), suggesting that the effect of H(2)S + NO is thiol sensitive. The stimulatory effect on heart contractility was also induced by GYY4137, a slow-releasing H(2)S donor, when used together with sodium nitroprusside, an NO-releasing donor. More importantly, enzymatic generation of H(2)S from recombinant cystathionine-γ-lyase protein also interacted with endogenous NO generated from l-arginine to stimulate heart contraction. In summary, our data suggest that endogenous NO may interact with H(2)S to produce a new biological mediator that produces positive inotropic effect. The crosstalk between H(2)S and NO also suggests an intriguing potential for the endogenous formation of a thiol-sensitive molecule, which may be of physiological significance in the heart.

Hydrogen sulphide protects mouse pancreatic β-cells from cell death induced by oxidative stress, but not by endoplasmic reticulum stress

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), a potentially toxic gas, is also involved in the neuroprotection, neuromodulation, cardioprotection, vasodilatation and the regulation of inflammatory response and insulin secretion. We have recently reported that H₂S suppresses pancreatic β-cell apoptosis induced by long-term exposure to high glucose. Here we examined the protective effects of sodium hydrosulphide (NaHS), an H₂S donor, on various types of β-cell damage.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Isolated islets from mice or the mouse insulinoma MIN6 cells were cultured with palmitate, cytokines (a mixture of tumour necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ and interleukin-1β), hydrogen peroxide, thapsigargin or tunicamycin with or without NaHS. We examined DNA fragmentation, caspase-3 and -7 activities and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the treated cells thereafter. Apoptotic cell death in isolated islets was also assessed by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labelling (TUNEL) method.

KEY RESULTS

NaHS suppressed DNA fragmentation and the activities of caspase-3 and -7 induced by palmitate, the cytokines or hydrogen peroxide. In contrast, NaHS failed to protect islets and MIN6 cells from apoptosis induced by thapsigargin and tunicamycin, both of which cause endoplasmic reticulum stress. NaHS suppressed ROS production induced by cytokines or hydrogen peroxide but it had no effect on ROS production in thapsigargin-treated cells. NaHS increased Akt phosphorylation in MIN6 cells treated with cytokines but not in cells treated with thapsigargin. Treatment with NaHS decreased TUNEL-positive cells in cytokine-exposed islets.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

H₂S may prevent pancreatic β-cells from cell apoptosis via an anti-oxidative mechanism and the activation of Akt signalling.

Hydrogen sulfide and cell signaling

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a gaseous mediator synthesized from cysteine by cystathionine γ lyase (CSE) and other naturally occurring enzymes. Pharmacological experiments using H₂S donors and genetic experiments using CSE knockout mice suggest important roles for this vasodilator gas in the regulation of blood vessel caliber, cardiac response to ischemia/reperfusion injury, and inflammation. That H₂S inhibits cytochrome c oxidase and reduces cell energy production has been known for many decades, but more recently, a number of additional pharmacological targets for this gas have been identified. H₂S activates K(ATP) and transient receptor potential (TRP) channels but usually inhibits big conductance Ca²(+)-sensitive K(+) (BK(Ca)) channels, T-type calcium channels, and M-type calcium channels. H₂S may inhibit or activate NF-κB nuclear translocation while affecting the activity of numerous kinases including p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and Akt. These disparate effects may be secondary to the well-known reducing activity of H₂S and/or its ability to promote sulfhydration of protein cysteine moieties within the cell.

Cardioprotective pathways during reperfusion: focus on redox signaling and other modalities of cell signaling

Post-ischemic reperfusion may result in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, reduced availability of nitric oxide (NO•), Ca(2+)overload, prolonged opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore, and other processes contributing to cell death, myocardial infarction, stunning, and arrhythmias. With the discovery of the preconditioning and postconditioning phenomena, reperfusion injury has been appreciated as a reality from which protection is feasible, especially with postconditioning, which is under the control of physicians. Potentially cooperative protective signaling cascades are recruited by both pre- and postconditioning. In these pathways, phosphorylative/dephosphorylative processes are widely represented. However, cardioprotective modalities of signal transduction also include redox signaling by ROS, S-nitrosylation by NO• and derivative, S-sulfhydration by hydrogen sulfide, and O-linked glycosylation with beta-N-acetylglucosamine. All these modalities can interact and regulate an entire pathway, thus influencing each other. For instance, enzymes can be phosphorylated and/or nitrosylated in specific and/or different site(s) with consequent increase or decrease of their specific activity. The cardioprotective signaling pathways are thought to converge on mitochondria, and various mitochondrial proteins have been identified as targets of these post-transitional modifications in both pre- and postconditioning.

Hydrogen sulfide mitigates transition from compensatory hypertrophy to heart failure

We reported previously that although there is disruption of coordinated cardiac hypertrophy and angiogenesis in transition to heart failure, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 induced antiangiogenic factors play a vital role in this process. Previous studies have shown the cardioprotective role of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) in various cardiac diseases, but its role during transition from compensatory hypertrophy to heart failure is yet to be unveiled. We hypothesize that H₂S induces MMP-2 activation and inhibits MMP-9 activation, thus promoting angiogenesis, and mitigates transition from compensatory cardiac hypertrophy to heart failure. To verify this, aortic banding (AB) was created to mimic pressure overload in wild-type (WT) mice, which were treated with sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, H₂S donor) in drinking water and compared with untreated control mice. Mice were studied at 3 and 8 wk. In the NaHS-treated AB 8 wk group, the expression of MMP-2, CD31, and VEGF was increased while the expression of MMP-9, endostatin, angiostatin, and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP)-3 was decreased compared with untreated control mice. There was significant reduction in fibrosis in NaHS-treated groups. Echocardiograph and pressure-volume data revealed improvement of cardiac function in NaHS-treated groups over untreated controls. These results show that H₂S by inducing MMP-2 promotes VEGF synthesis and angiogenesis while it suppresses MMP-9 and TIMP-3 levels, inhibits antiangiogenic factors, reduces intracardiac fibrosis, and mitigates transition from compensatory hypertrophy to heart failure.

Protective effect of hydrogen sulphide against 6-OHDA-induced cell injury in SH-SY5Y cells involves PKC/PI3K/Akt pathway

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Hydrogen sulphide (H(2)S) is a novel neuromodulator. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of H(2)S against cell injury induced by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), a selective dopaminergic neurotoxin often used to establish a model of Parkinson's disease for studying the underlying mechanisms of this condition.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Cell viability in SH-SY5Y cells was measured using MTT assay. Western blot analysis and pharmacological manipulation were employed to study the signalling mechanisms.

KEY RESULTS

Treatment of SH-SY5Y cells with 6-OHDA (50-200 microM) for 12 h decreased cell viability. Exogenous application of NaHS (an H(2)S donor, 100-1000 microM) or overexpression of cystathionine beta-synthase (a predominant enzyme to produce endogenous H(2)S in SH-SY5Y cells) protected cells against 6-OHDA-induced cell apoptosis and death. Furthermore, NaHS reversed 6-OHDA-induced loss of tyrosine hydroxylase. Western blot analysis showed that NaHS reversed the down-regulation of PKCalpha, epsilon and Akt and the up-regulation of PKCdelta in 6-OHDA-treated cells. Blockade of PKCalpha with Gö6976 (2 microM), PKCepsilon with EAVSLKPT (200 microM) or PI3K with LY294002 (20 microM) reduced the protective effects of H(2)S. However, inhibition of PKCdelta with rottlerin (5 microM) failed to affect 6-OHDA-induced cell injury. These data suggest that the protective effects of NaHS mainly resulted from activation of PKCalpha, epsilon and PI3K/Akt pathway. In addition, NaHS-induced Akt phosphorylation was significantly attenuated by Gö6976 and EAVSLKPT, suggesting that the activation of Akt by NaHS is PKCalpha, epsilon-dependent.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

H(2)S protects SH-SY5Y cells against 6-OHDA-induced cell injury by activating the PKCalpha, epsilon/PI3K/Akt pathway.

Hydrogen sulphide: novel opportunity for drug discovery

Hydrogen sulphide (H(2)S) is emerging as an important endogenous modulator, which exhibits the beneficial effects of nitric oxide (NO) on the cardiovascular (CV) system, without producing toxic metabolites. H(2)S is biosynthesized in mammalian tissues by cystathionine-β-synthase and cystathionine-γ-lyase. H(2)S exhibits the antioxidant properties of inorganic and organic sulphites, behaving as a scavenger of reactive oxygen species. There is also clear evidence that H(2)S triggers other important effects, mainly mediated by the activation of ATP-sensitive potassium channels (K(ATP)). This mechanism accounts for the vasorelaxing and cardioprotective effects of H(2)S. Furthermore, H(2)S inhibits smooth muscle proliferation and platelet aggregation. In non-CV systems, H(2)S regulates the functions of the central nervous system, as well as respiratory, gastroenteric, and endocrine systems. Conversely, H(2)S deficiency contributes to the pathogenesis of hypertension. Likewise, impairment of H(2)S biosynthesis is involved in CV complications associated with diabetes mellitus. There is also evidence of a cross-talk between the H(2)S and the endothelial NO pathways. In particular, recent observations indicate a possible pathogenic link between deficiencies of H(2 S activity and the progress of endothelial dysfunction. These biological aspects of endogenous H(2)S have led several authors to look at this mediator as "the new NO" that has given attractive opportunities to develop innovative classes of drugs. In this review, the main biological actions of H(2)S are discussed. Moreover, some examples of H(2)S-donors are shown, as well as some hybrids, in which H(2)S-releasing moieties are added to well-known drugs, for improving their pharmacodynamic profile or reducing the potential for adverse effects, are reported.

Hydrogen sulfide-mediated cardioprotection: mechanisms and therapeutic potential

H2S (hydrogen sulfide), viewed with dread for more than 300 years, is rapidly becoming a ubiquitously present and physiologically relevant signalling molecule. Knowledge of the production and metabolism of H2S has spurred interest in delineating its functions both in physiology and pathophysiology of disease. Although its role in blood pressure regulation and interaction with NO is controversial, H2S, through its anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, has demonstrated significant cardioprotection. As a result, a number of sulfide-donor drugs, including garlic-derived polysulfides, are currently being designed and investigated for the treatment of cardiovascular conditions, specifically myocardial ischaemic disease. However, huge gaps remain in our knowledge about this gasotransmitter. Only by additional studies will we understand more about the role of this intriguing molecule in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Cardioprotective effects of hydrogen sulfide

The gaseous mediator hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) is synthesized mainly by cystathionine γ-lyase in the heart and plays a role in the regulation of cardiovascular homeostasis. Here we first overview the state of the art in the literature on the cardioprotective effects of H(2)S in various models of cardiac injury. Subsequently, we present original data showing the beneficial effects of parenteral administration of a donor of H(2)S on myocardial and endothelial function during reperfusion in a canine experimental model of cardiopulmonary bypass. Overview of the literature demonstrates that various formulations of H(2)S exert cardioprotective effects in cultured cells, isolated hearts and various rodent and large animal models of regional or global myocardial ischemia and heart failure. In addition, the production of H(2)S plays a role in myocardial pre- and post-conditioning responses. The pathways implicated in the cardioprotective action of H(2)S are multiple and involve K(ATP) channels, regulation of mitochondrial respiration, and regulation of cytoprotective genes such as Nrf-2. In the experimental part of the current article, we demonstrate the cardioprotective effects of H(2)S in a canine model of cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. Anesthetized dogs were subjected hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass with 60 min of hypothermic cardiac arrest in the presence of either saline (control, n=8), or H(2)S infusion (1 mg/kg/h for 2 h). Left ventricular hemodynamic variables (via combined pressure-volume-conductance catheter) as well as coronary blood flow, endothelium-dependent vasodilatation to acetylcholine and endothelium-independent vasodilatation to sodium nitroprusside were measured at baseline and after 60 min of reperfusion. Ex vivo vascular function and high-energy phosphate contents were also measured. H(2)S led to a significantly better recovery of preload recruitable stroke work (p<0.05) after 60 min of reperfusion. Coronary blood flow was also significantly higher in the H(2)S group (p<0.05). While the vasodilatory response to sodium nitroprusside was similar in both groups, acetylcholine resulted in a significantly higher increase in coronary blood flow in the H(2)S-treated group (p<0.05) both in vivo and ex vivo. Furthermore, high-energy phosphate contents were better preserved in the H(2)S group. Additionally, the cytoprotective effects of H(2)S were confirmed also using in vitro cell culture experiments in H9c2 cardiac myocytes exposed to hypoxia and reoxygenation or to the cytotoxic oxidant hydrogen peroxide. Thus, therapeutic administration of H(2)S exerts cardioprotective effects in a variety of experimental models, including a significant improvement of the recovery of myocardial and endothelial function in a canine model of cardiopulmonary bypass with hypothermic cardiac arrest.

Hydrogen sulfide interacts with nitric oxide in the heart: possible involvement of nitroxyl

AIMS

The present study aims to investigate the interaction between nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S), the two important gaseous mediators in rat hearts.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Intracellular calcium in isolated cardiomyocytes was measured with a spectrofluorometric method using Fura-2. Myocyte contractility was measured with a video edge system. NaHS (50 µM, an H(2)S donor) had no significant effect on the resting calcium level, electrically induced (EI) calcium transients, and cell contractility in ventricular myocytes. Stimulating endogenous NO production with l-arginine or exogenous application of NO donors [sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and 2-(N,N-diethylamino)-diazenolate-2-oxide] decreased myocyte twitch amplitudes accompanied by slower velocities of both cell contraction and relaxation. Surprisingly, NaHS reversed the negative inotropic and lusitropic effects of the above three NO-increasing agents. In addition, the mixture of SNP + NaHS increased, whereas SNP alone decreased, the resting calcium level and the amplitudes of EI calcium transients. Angeli's salt, a nitroxyl anion (HNO) donor, mimicked the effect of SNP + NaHS on calcium handling and myocyte contractility. Three thiols, N-acetyl-cysteine, l-cysteine, and glutathione, abolished the effects of HNO and SNP + NaHS on myocyte contraction. Neither Rp-cAMP [a protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor] nor Rp-cGMP [a protein kinase G (PKG) inhibitor] affected the effects of SNP + NaHS, suggesting a cAMP/PKA- or cGMP/PKG-independent mechanism.

CONCLUSION

H(2)S may interact with NO to form a thiol sensitive molecule (probably HNO) which produces positive inotropic and lusitropic effects. Our findings may shed light on the interaction of NO and H(2)S and provide new clues to treat cardiovascular diseases.

Development of hydrogen sulfide-based therapeutics for cardiovascular disease

The physiological role of the gaseous signaling molecule hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) was first realized in the mid-1990s with the work of Abe and Kimura. Since then, it has become evident that this endogenous gas is extremely important in the homeostasis of the cardiovascular system and the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. Several biotechnology companies have developed and are developing H(2)S-based therapeutic compounds, and there are ongoing clinical trials investigating the therapeutic potential of H(2)S. Several organic and chemical compounds that are known H(2)S donors have the potential to be developed into effective H(2)S-based therapeutic agents. This review will provide a historical and current perspective on the role(s) of H(2)S in the cardiovascular system and the current state of development and future outlook of H(2)S-based therapies for cardiovascular disease.

Hydrogen sulphide induces micro opioid receptor-dependent analgesia in a rodent model of visceral pain

BACKGROUND

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is a gaseous neuro-mediator that exerts analgesic effects in rodent models of visceral pain by activating KATP channels. A body of evidence support the notion that KATP channels interact with endogenous opioids. Whether H2S-induced analgesia involves opioid receptors is unknown.

METHODS

The perception of painful sensation induced by colorectal distension (CRD) in conscious rats was measured by assessing the abdominal withdrawal reflex. The contribution of opioid receptors to H2S-induced analgesia was investigated by administering rats with selective mu, kappa and delta opioid receptor antagonists and antisenses. To investigate whether H2S causes mu opioid receptor (MOR) transactivation, the neuronal like cells SKNMCs were challenged with H2S in the presence of MOR agonist (DAMGO) or antagonist (CTAP). MOR activation and phosphorylation, its association to beta arrestin and internalization were measured.

RESULTS

H2S exerted a potent analgesic effects on CRD-induced pain. H2S-induced analgesia required the activation of the opioid system. By pharmacological and molecular analyses, a robust inhibition of H2S-induced analgesia was observed in response to central administration of CTAP and MOR antisense, while kappa and delta receptors were less involved. H2S caused MOR transactivation and internalization in SKNMCs by a mechanism that required AKT phosphorylation. MOR transactivation was inhibited by LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, and glibenclamide, a KATP channels blocker.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides pharmacological and molecular evidence that antinociception exerted by H2S in a rodent model of visceral pain is modulated by the transactivation of MOR. This observation provides support for development of new pharmacological approaches to visceral pain.

Novel insights into hydrogen sulfide--mediated cytoprotection

Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) is a colorless, water soluble, flammable gas that has the characteristic smell of rotten eggs. Like other members of the gasotransmitter family (nitric oxide and carbon monoxide), H(2)S has traditionally been considered to be a highly toxic gas and environmental hazard. However, much like for nitric oxide and carbon monoxide, the initial negative perception of H(2)S has evolved with the discovery that H(2)S is produced enzymatically in mammals under normal conditions. As a result of this discovery, there has been a great deal of work to elucidate the physiological role of H(2)S. H(2)S is now recognized to be cytoprotective in various models of cellular injury. Specifically, it has been demonstrated that the acute administration of H(2)S, either prior to ischemia or at reperfusion, significantly ameliorates in vitro or in vivo myocardial and hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury. These studies have also demonstrated a cardioprotective role for endogenous H(2)S. This review article summarizes the current body of evidence demonstrating the cytoprotective effects of H(2)S with an emphasis on the cardioprotective effects. This review also provides a detailed description of the current signaling mechanisms shown to be responsible for these cardioprotective actions.

Regulation of cardiovascular cell function by hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S)

Since the discovery of endogenously-produced hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) in various tissues, there has been an explosion of interest in H(2)S as a biological mediator alongside other gaseous mediators, nitric oxide and carbon monoxide. The identification of enzyme-regulated H(2)S synthetic pathways in the cardiovascular system has led to a number of studies examining specific regulatory actions of H(2)S. We review evidence showing that endogenously-generated and exogenously-administered H(2)S exerts a wide range of actions in vascular and myocardial cells including vasodilator/vasoconstrictor effects via modification of the smooth muscle tone, induction of apoptosis and anti-proliferative responses in the smooth muscle cells, angiogenic actions, effects relevant to inflammation and shock, and cytoprotection in models of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Several molecular mechanisms of action of H(2)S have been described. These include interactions of H(2)S with NO, redox regulation of multiple signaling proteins and regulation of K(ATP) channel opening. The gaps in our current understanding of precise mechanisms, the absence of selective pharmacological tools and the limited availability of H(2)S measurement techniques for living tissues, leave many questions about physiological and pathophysiological roles of H(2)S unanswered at present. Nevertheless, this area of investigation is advancing rapidly. We believe H(2)S holds promise as an endogenous mediator controlling a wide range of cardiovascular cell functions and integrated responses under both physiological and pathological conditions and may be amenable to therapeutic manipulation.

Endogenous production of H2S in the gastrointestinal tract: still in search of a physiologic function

Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) has long been associated with the gastrointestinal tract, especially the bacteria-derived H(2)S present in flatus. Along with evidence from other organ systems, the finding that gastrointestinal tissues are capable of endogenous production of H(2)S has led to the hypothesis that H(2)S is an endogenous gaseous signaling molecule. In this review, the criteria of gasotransmitters are reexamined, and evidence from the literature regarding H(2)S as a gaseous signaling molecule is discussed. H(2)S is produced enzymatically by gastrointestinal tissues, but evidence is lacking on whether H(2)S production is regulated. H(2)S causes well-defined physiologic effects in gastrointestinal tissues, but evidence for a receptor for H(2)S is lacking. H(2)S is inactivated through enzymatic oxidation, but evidence is lacking on whether manipulating H(2)S oxidation alters endogenous cell signaling. Remaining questions regarding the role of H(2)S as a gaseous signaling molecule in the gastrointestinal tract suggest that H(2)S currently remains a molecule in search of a physiologic function.

Hydrogen sulfide improves survival after cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation via a nitric oxide synthase 3-dependent mechanism in mice

BACKGROUND

Sudden cardiac arrest (CA) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. We sought to evaluate the impact of hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) on the outcome after CA and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in mouse.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Mice were subjected to 8 minutes of normothermic CA and resuscitated with chest compression and mechanical ventilation. Seven minutes after the onset of CA (1 minute before CPR), mice received sodium sulfide (Na(2)S) (0.55 mg/kg IV) or vehicle 1 minute before CPR. There was no difference in the rate of return of spontaneous circulation, CPR time to return of spontaneous circulation, and left ventricular function at return of spontaneous circulation between groups. Administration of Na(2)S 1 minute before CPR markedly improved survival rate at 24 hours after CPR (15/15) compared with vehicle (10/26; P=0.0001 versus Na(2)S). Administration of Na(2)S prevented CA/CPR-induced oxidative stress and ameliorated left ventricular and neurological dysfunction 24 hours after CPR. Delayed administration of Na(2)S at 10 minutes after CPR did not improve outcomes after CA/CPR. Cardioprotective effects of Na(2)S were confirmed in isolated-perfused mouse hearts subjected to global ischemia and reperfusion. Cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression of cystathionine gamma-lyase (an enzyme that produces H(2)S) markedly improved outcomes of CA/CPR. Na(2)S increased phosphorylation of nitric oxide synthase 3 in left ventricle and brain cortex, increased serum nitrite/nitrate levels, and attenuated CA-induced mitochondrial injury and cell death. Nitric oxide synthase 3 deficiency abrogated the protective effects of Na(2)S on the outcome of CA/CPR.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that administration of Na(2)S at the time of CPR improves outcome after CA possibly via a nitric oxide synthase 3-dependent signaling pathway.

Hydrogen sulfide and the vasculature: a novel vasculoprotective entity and regulator of nitric oxide bioavailability?

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a well known and pungent toxic gas that has recently been shown to be synthesised in man from the amino acids cystathionine, homocysteine and cysteine by at least two distinct enzymes; cystathionine-γ-lyase and cystathionine-β-synthase. In the past few years, H₂S has emerged as a novel and increasingly important mediator in the cardiovascular system but delineating the precise physiology and pathophysiology of H₂S is proving to be complex and difficult to unravel with disparate findings reported with cell types, tissue types and animal species reported. Therefore, in this review we summarize the mechanisms by which H₂S has been proposed to regulate blood pressure and cardiac function, discuss the mechanistic discrepancies reported in the literature as well as the therapeutic potential of H₂S. We also examine the methods of H₂S detection in biological fluids, processes for H₂S removal and discuss the reported blood levels of H₂S in man and animal models of cardiovascular pathology. We also highlight the complex interaction of H₂S with nitric oxide in regulating cardiovascular function in health and disease.

Hypothermic organ preservation by static storage methods: Current status and a view to the future

The donor organ shortage is the largest problem in transplantation today and is one where organ preservation technology has an important role to play. Static storage of solid organs, especially of the kidney, continues to be the most common method employed for storage and transport of organs from deceased donors. However, the increase in organs obtained from expanded criteria donors and donors with cardiac death provide new challenges in crafting effective preservation methods for the future. This article reviews the current status of static hypothermic storage methods and discusses potential avenues for future exploitation of this technology as the available organ pool is expanded into the more marginal donor categories.