AMPK S-sulfuration contributes to H2S donors-induced AMPK phosphorylation and autophagy activation in dopaminergic cells

Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Metabolism, Iron Overload, and Apoptosis-Autophagy Equilibrium in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Iron overload contributes to proliferative vascular diseases, yet its interplay with hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation remains poorly understood. This study elucidates H2S's role in mitigating iron-overload-induced oxidative stress and cellular damage. Using aortic VSMCs from wildtype (WT) and cystathionine γ-lyase-knockout (CSE-KO) mice treated with ferric ammonium citrate (FAC) at concentrations equivalent to serum levels of iron and citrate, we demonstrate that FAC triggers the integrated stress response (ISR) in WT cells, upregulating CSE to enhance H2S production. The ISR mediator ATF4 activates caspases but simultaneously induces CSE, which inhibits caspase activity and promotes autophagy via AMPK signaling. In CSE-KO cells, iron overload leads to diminished Ferritin upregulation, unchecked Caspase activation, and impaired autophagy compared to WT cells. Exogenous H2S restored iron homeostasis by enhancing Ferritin expression, activating NRF2 antioxidant pathways, and restoring apoptosis-autophagy equilibrium in both WT and KO cells. These findings establish H2S as a critical regulator of iron-induced VSMC dysfunction, highlighting its therapeutic potential in managing vascular pathologies linked to iron dysregulation.

Parkinson's Disease and the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis: Metabolites, Mechanisms, and Innovative Therapeutic Strategies Targeting the Gut Microbiota

The human gut microbiota is diverse and abundant and plays important roles in regulating health by participating in metabolism and controlling physiological activities. The gut microbiota and its metabolites have been shown to affect the functioning of the gut and central nervous system through the microbiota-gut-brain axis. It is well established that microbiota play significant roles in the pathogenesis and progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). Disorders of the intestinal microbiota and altered metabolite levels are closely associated with PD. Here, the changes in intestinal microbiota and effects of metabolites in patients with PD are reviewed. Potential mechanisms underlying intestinal microbiota disorders in the pathogenesis of PD are briefly discussed. Additionally, we outline the current strategies for the treatment of PD that target the gut microbiota, emphasizing the development of promising novel strategies.

Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S- or H2Sn-Polysulfides) in Synaptic Plasticity: Modulation of NMDA Receptors and Neurotransmitter Release in Learning and Memory

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has emerged as a pivotal gaseous transmitter in the central nervous system, influencing synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory by modulating various molecular pathways. This review examines recent evidence regarding how H2S regulates NMDA receptor function and neurotransmitter release in neuronal circuits. By synthesizing findings from animal and cellular models, we investigate the impacts of enzymatic H2S production and exogenous H2S on excitatory synaptic currents, long-term potentiation, and intracellular calcium signaling. Data suggest that H2S interacts directly with NMDA receptor subunits, altering receptor function and modulating neuronal excitability. Simultaneously, H2S promotes the release of neurotransmitters such as glutamate and GABA, shaping synaptic dynamics and plasticity. Furthermore, reports indicate that disruptions in H2S metabolism contribute to cognitive impairments and neurodegenerative disorders, underscoring the potential therapeutic value of targeting H2S-mediated pathways. Although the precise mechanisms of H2S-induced changes in synaptic strength remain elusive, a growing body of evidence positions H2S as a significant regulator of memory formation processes. This review calls for more rigorous exploration into the molecular underpinnings of H2S in synaptic plasticity, paving the way for novel pharmacological interventions in cognitive dysfunction.

Allicin Promotes Glucose Uptake by Activating AMPK through CSE/H2S-Induced S-Sulfhydration in a Muscle-Fiber Dependent Way in Broiler Chickens

SCOPE

Allicin, a product of enzymatic reaction when garlic is injured, plays an important role in maintaining glucose homeostasis in mammals. However, the effect of allicin on glucose homeostasis in the state of insulin resistance remains to be elucidated. This study investigates the effect of allicin on glucose metabolism using different muscle fibers in a chicken model.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Day-old male Arbor Acres broilers are randomly divided into three groups and fed a basal diet supplemented with 0, 150, or 300 mg kg-1 allicin for 42 days. Results show that allicin improves the zootechnical performance of broilers at the finishing stage. The glucose loading test (2 g kg-1 body mass) indicates the regulatory role of allicin on glucose homeostasis. In vitro results demonstrate allicin increases glutathione (GSH) level and the expression of cystathionine γ lyase (CSE), leading to endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production in M. pectoralis major (PM) muscle-derived myotubes. Allicin stimulates adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) S-sulfhydration and AMPK phosphorylation to promote glucose uptake, which is suppressed in the presence of d,l-propargylglycine (PAG, a CSE inhibitor).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that allicin induces AMPK S-sulfhydration and AMPK phosphorylation to promote glucose uptake via the CSE/H2S system in a muscle fiber-dependent manner.

Mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 coordinates the hydrogen sulfide - AMPK axis to attenuate high glucose-induced pancreatic β-cell dysfunction by glutathione antioxidant system

Progression of β-cell loss in diabetes mellitus is significantly influenced by persistent hyperglycemia. At the cellular level, a number of signaling cascades affect the expression of apoptotic genes, ultimately resulting in β-cell failure; these cascades have not been elucidated. Mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) plays a central role in the detoxification of reactive aldehydes generated from endogenous and exogenous sources and protects against mitochondrial deterioration in cells. Here we report that under diabetogenic conditions, ALDH2 is strongly inactivated in β-cells through CDK5-dependent glutathione antioxidant imbalance by glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) degradation. Intriguingly, CDK5 inhibition strengthens mitochondrial antioxidant defense through ALDH2 activation. Mitochondrial ALDH2 activation selectively preserves β-cells against high-glucose-induced dysfunction by activating AMPK and Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) signaling. This is associated with the stabilization and enhancement of the activity of G6PD by SIRT2, a cytoplasmic NAD+-dependent deacetylase, and is thereby linked to an elevation in the GSH/GSSG ratio, which leads to the inhibition of mitochondrial dysfunction under high-glucose conditions. Furthermore, treatment with NaHS, an H2S donor, selectively preserves β-cell function by promoting ALDH2 activity, leading to the inhibition of lipid peroxidation by high-glucose concentrations. Collectively, our results provide the first direct evidence that ALDH2 activation enhances H2S-AMPK-G6PD signaling, leading to improved β-cell function and survival under high-glucose conditions via the glutathione redox balance.

A novel hydrogen sulfide donor reduces neuroinflammation and seizures by activating ATP-sensitive potassium channels

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder worldwide. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been found to have anti-seizure effects. However, its mechanism remains to be explored. In the present study, we showed that a novel H2S donor attenuated neuroinflammation by up-regulating ATP-sensitive potassium channel (KATP) expression to reduce seizures. The novel H2S donor significantly reduced the expression of TNF-α and increased the expression of IL-10 in LPS-treated BV2 cells and the hippocampus of pilocarpine-induced epileptic mice. The modulatory effects of the H2S donor on inflammatory cytokines were prevented by glibenclamide, a common KATP channels blocker. The H2S donor promoted the expression of KATP channel subunits SUR2 and Kir6.1 in LPS-treated BV2 cells and the hippocampus of pilocarpine-induced epileptic mice. In addition, the H2S donor reduced the electroencephalography amplitude of hippocampal epileptic waves and reduced seizures in pilocarpine-induced epileptic mice, which were also attenuated by glibenclamide. These results indicated that the novel H2S donor reduced seizures and regulated microglial inflammatory cytokines by activating KATP channels, which may provide a prospective therapeutic strategy for the anti-seizure effects of H2S donor.

Hydrogen Sulfide Regulates Glucose Uptake in Skeletal Muscles via S-Sulfhydration of AMPK in Muscle Fiber Type-Dependent Way

BACKGROUND

The effect of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on glucose homeostasis remains to be elucidated, especially in the state of insulin resistance.

OBJECTIVES

In the present study, we aimed to investigate H2S-regulated glucose uptake in the M. pectoralis major (PM) muscle (which mainly consists of fast-twitch glycolytic fibers) and M. biceps femoris (BF) muscle (which mainly consists of slow-twitch oxidative fibers) of the chicken, a potential model of insulin resistance.

METHODS

Chicks were subjected to intraperitoneal injection of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, 50 μmol/kg body mass/day) twice a day to explore glucose homeostasis. In vitro, myoblasts from PM and BF muscles were used to detect glucose uptake and utilization. Effects of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation, AMPK S-sulfhydration, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway induction by NaHS were detected.

RESULTS

NaHS enhanced glucose uptake and utilization in chicks (P < 0.05). In myoblasts from PM muscle, NaHS (100 μM) increased glucose uptake by activating AMPK S-sulfhydration, AMPK phosphorylation, and the AMPK/p38 MAPK pathway (P < 0.05). However, NaHS decreased glucose uptake in myoblasts from BF muscle by suppressing the p38 MAPK pathway (P < 0.05). Moreover, NaHS increased S-sulfhydration and, in turn, the phosphorylation of AMPK (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals the role of H2S in enhancing glucose uptake and utilization in chicks. The results suggest that NaHS is involved in glucose uptake in skeletal muscle in a fiber type-dependent way. The AMPK/p38 pathway and protein S-sulfhydration promote glucose uptake in fast-twitch glycolytic muscle fibers, which provides a muscle fiber-specific potential therapeutic target to ameliorate glucose metabolism.

Sodium hydrosulfide moderately alleviates the hallmark symptoms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in mdx mice

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an incurable disease caused by mutations in the X-linked DMD gene that encodes a structural muscle protein, dystrophin. This, in turn, leads to progressive degeneration of the skeletal muscles and the heart. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), the pleiotropic agent with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pro-angiogenic activities, could be considered a promising therapeutic factor for DMD. In this work, we studied the effect of daily intraperitoneal administration of the H2S donor, sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, 100 μmol/kg/day for 5 weeks) on skeletal muscle (gastrocnemius, diaphragm and tibialis anterior) pathology in dystrophin-deficient mdx mice, characterized by decreased expression of H2S-generating enzymes. NaHS reduced the level of muscle damage markers in plasma (creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and osteopontin). It lowered oxidative stress by affecting the GSH/GSSG ratio, up-regulating the level of cytoprotective heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and down-regulating the NF-κB pathway. In the gastrocnemius muscle, it also increased angiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor (Vegf) and its receptor (Kdr) expression, accompanied by the elevated number of α-SMA/CD31/lectin-positive blood vessels. The expression of fibrotic regulators, like Tgfβ, Col1a1 and Fn1 was decreased by NaHS in the tibialis anterior, while the level of autophagy markers (AMPKα signalling and Atg genes), was mostly affected in the gastrocnemius. Histological and molecular analysis showed no effect of H2S donor on regeneration and the muscle fiber type composition. Overall, the H2S donor modified the gene expression and protein level of molecules associated with the pathophysiology of DMD, contributing to the regulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, autophagy, and angiogenesis.

Protein persulfidation: Rewiring the hydrogen sulfide signaling in cell stress response

The past few decades have witnessed significant progress in the discovery of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) as a ubiquitous gaseous signaling molecule in mammalian physiology, akin to nitric oxide and carbon monoxide. As the third gasotransmitter, H₂S is now known to exert a wide range of physiological and cytoprotective functions in the biological systems. However, endogenous H₂S concentrations are usually low, and its potential biologic mechanisms responsible have not yet been fully clarified. Recently, a growing body of evidence has demonstrated that protein persulfidation, a posttranslational modification of cysteine residues (RSH) to persulfides (RSSH) elicited by H₂S, is a fundamental mechanism of H₂S-mediated signaling pathways. Persulfidation, as a biological switch for protein function, plays an important role in the maintenance of cell homeostasis in response to various internal and external stress stimuli and is also implicated in numerous diseases, such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. In this review, the biological significance of protein persulfidation by H₂S in cell stress response is reviewed providing a framework for understanding the multifaceted roles of H₂S. A mechanism-guided perspective can help open novel avenues for the exploitation of therapeutics based on H₂S-induced persulfidation in the context of diseases.

Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Signaling as a Protective Mechanism against Endogenous and Exogenous Neurotoxicants

In view of the significant role of H₂S in brain functioning, it is proposed that H₂S may also possess protective effects against adverse effects of neurotoxicants. Therefore, the objective of the present review is to discuss the neuroprotective effects of H₂S against toxicity of a wide spectrum of endogenous and exogenous agents involved in the pathogenesis of neurological diseases as etiological factors or key players in disease pathogenesis. Generally, the existing data demonstrate that H₂S possesses neuroprotective effects upon exposure to endogenous (amyloid β, glucose, and advanced-glycation end-products, homocysteine, lipopolysaccharide, and ammonia) and exogenous (alcohol, formaldehyde, acrylonitrile, metals, 6-hydroxydopamine, as well as 1-methyl-4-phenyl- 1,2,3,6- tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and its metabolite 1-methyl-4-phenyl pyridine ion (MPP)) neurotoxicants. On the one hand, neuroprotective effects are mediated by S-sulfhydration of key regulators of antioxidant (Sirt1, Nrf2) and inflammatory response (NF-κB), resulting in the modulation of the downstream signaling, such as SIRT1/TORC1/CREB/BDNF-TrkB, Nrf2/ARE/HO-1, or other pathways. On the other hand, H₂S appears to possess a direct detoxicative effect by binding endogenous (ROS, AGEs, Aβ) and exogenous (MeHg) neurotoxicants, thus reducing their toxicity. Moreover, the alteration of H₂S metabolism through the inhibition of H₂S-synthetizing enzymes in the brain (CBS, 3-MST) may be considered a significant mechanism of neurotoxicity. Taken together, the existing data indicate that the modulation of cerebral H₂S metabolism may be used as a neuroprotective strategy to counteract neurotoxicity of a wide spectrum of endogenous and exogenous neurotoxicants associated with neurodegeneration (Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease), fetal alcohol syndrome, hepatic encephalopathy, environmental neurotoxicant exposure, etc. In this particular case, modulation of H₂S-synthetizing enzymes or the use of H₂S-releasing drugs should be considered as the potential tools, although the particular efficiency and safety of such interventions are to be addressed in further studies.

N-acetylneuraminic acid and chondroitin sulfate modified nanomicelles with ROS-sensitive H2S donor via targeting E-selectin receptor and CD44 receptor for the efficient therapy of atherosclerosis

Currently, very limited therapeutic approaches are available for the drug treatment of atherosclerosis(AS). H2S-donor is becoming a common trend in much life-threatening research. Several studies have documented that H2S-lyase is predominantly present in endothelial cells. N-Acetylneuraminic acid (SA), natural carbohydrate, binds specifically to the E-selectin receptor of endothelial cells. Meanwhile, recent studies related to Chondroitin sulfate have excellent target binding ability with CD44 receptor. We conjecture that the N-Acetylneuraminic acid and Chondroitin sulfate modified nanomicelles not only enhances the accumulation of the drug but also cleaves the H2S donor in the lesion, thus one stone two birds. Given these findings, we synthesized two kinds of nanoparticles, Carrier I (SCCF) and Carrier II (SCTM), for atherosclerosis to validate our guesses. Initially, S-allyl-L-cysteine and 4-methoxyphenylthiourea were used as H2S donors for SCCF and SCTM, respectively. After the introduction of ROS-sensitive groups. Then, micelles with N-Acetylneuraminic acid and Chondroitin sulfate were prepared to load rapamycin(RAP). Further, in atherosclerosis Oil Red O staining (ORO) results confirmed remarkable treatment effect with SCCF@RAP and SCTM@RAP. Thus, we conclude that the effect of dual-targeting nanomicelles with ROS-sensitive H2S donor based on N-Acetylneuraminic acid and Chondroitin sulfate will have a better role in atherosclerosis.