Treatment with slow-releasing hydrogen sulfide donors inhibits the nociceptive and depressive-like behaviours accompanying chronic neuropathic pain: Endogenous antioxidant system activation

Integrated transcriptomic and proteomic analyses reveal the effects of chronic benzene exposure on the central nervous system in mice

Benzene exposure is known to cause serious damage to the human hematopoietic system. However, recent studies have found that chronic benzene exposure may also cause neurological damage, but there were few studies in this issue. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of damage to the central nervous system (CNS) by chronic benzene exposure with a multi-omics analysis. We established a chronic benzene exposure model in C57BL/6J mice by gavage of benzene-corn oil suspension, identified the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in mice brain using 4D Label-free proteomic and RNA-seq transcriptomic. We observed that the benzene exposure mice had a significant loss of body weight, reduction in complete blood counts, abnormally high MRI signals in brain white matter, as well as extensive brain edema and neural demyelination. 162 DEPs were identified by the proteome, including 98 up-regulated and 64 down-regulated proteins. KEGG pathway analysis of DEPs showed that they were mainly involved in the neuro-related signaling pathways such as metabolic pathways, pathways of neurodegeneration, chemical carcinogenesis, Alzheimer disease, and autophagy. EPHX1, GSTM1, and LIMK1 were identified as important candidate DEGs/DEPs by integrated proteomic and transcriptomic analyses. We further performed multiple validation of the above DEGs/DEPs using fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR), parallel reaction monitoring (PRM), immunohistochemistry, and immunoblotting to confirm the reliability of the multi-omics study. The functions of these DEGs/DEPs were further explored and analyzed, providing a theoretical basis for the mechanism of nerve damage caused by benzene exposure.

L-Cysteine: A promising nutritional supplement for alleviating anxiety disorders

Anxiety disorders are prevalent chronic psychological disease with complex pathogenic mechanisms. Current anxiolytics have limited efficacy and numerous side effects in many anxiety patients, highlighting the urgent need for new therapies. Recent research has been focusing on nutritional supplements, particularly amino acids, as potential therapies for anxiety disorders. Among these, L-Cysteine plays a crucial role in various biological processes. L-Cysteine exhibits antioxidant properties that can enhance the antioxidant functions of the central nervous system (CNS). Furthermore, metabolites of L-cysteine, such as glutathione and hydrogen sulfide have been shown to alleviate anxiety through distinct molecular mechanisms. Long-term administration of L-Cysteine has anxiolytic, antidepressant, and memory-improving effects. L-Cysteine depletion can lead to increased oxidative stress in the brain. This review delves into the potential mechanisms of L-Cysteine and its main products, glutathione (GSH) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the management of anxiety and related diseases.

Hydrogen sulfide ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced anxiety-like behavior by inhibiting checkpoint kinase 1 activation in the hippocampus of mice

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an endogenous gasotransmitter, exhibits the anxiolytic roles through its anti-inflammatory effects, although its underlying mechanisms remain largely elusive. Emerging evidence has documented that cell cycle checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1)-regulated DNA damage plays an important role in the neurodegenerative diseases; however, there are few relevant reports on the research of Chk1 in neuropsychiatric diseases. Here, we aimed to investigate the regulatory role of H2S on Chk1 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced anxiety-like behavior focusing on inflammasome activation in the hippocampus. Cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE, a H2S-producing enzyme) knockout (CSE-/-) mice displayed anxiety-like behavior and activation of inflammasome-mediated inflammatory responses, manifesting by the increase levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule-1 (Iba-1, microglia marker) expression in the hippocampus. Importantly, expression of p-Chk1 and γ-H2AX (DNA damage marker) levels were also increased in the hippocampus of CSE-/- mice. LPS treatment decreased the expression of CSE and CBS while increased p-Chk1 and γ-H2AX levels and inflammasome-activated neuroinflammation in the hippocampus of mice. Moreover, p-Chk1 and γ-H2AX protein levels and cellular immunoactivity were significantly increased while CSE and CBS were markedly decreased in cultured BV2 cells followed by LPS treatment. Treatment of mice with GYY4137, a donor of H2S, inhibited LPS-induced increased in p-Chk1 and γ-H2AX levels, mitigated inflammasome activation and inflammatory responses as well as amelioration of anxiety-like behavior. Notably, SB-218078, a selective Chk1 inhibitor treatment attenuated the effect of LPS on inflammasome activation and inflammatory responses and the induction of anxiety-like behavior. Finally, STAT3 knockdown with AAV-STAT3 shRNA alleviated LPS-induced anxiety-like behavior and inhibited inflammasome activation in the hippocampus, and blockade of NLRP3 with MCC950 attenuated neuroinflammation induction and ameliorated LPS-induced anxiety-like behavior. Overall, this study indicates that downregulation of Chk1 activity by H2S activation may be considered as a valid strategy for preventing the progression of LPS-induced anxiety-like behavior.

Hydrogen sulfide and sulfaceutic or sulfanutraceutic agents: Classification, differences and relevance in preclinical and clinical studies

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been extensively studied as a signal molecule in the body for the past 30 years. Researchers have conducted studies using both natural and synthetic sources of H2S, known as H2S donors, which have different characteristics in terms of how they release H2S. These donors can be inorganic salts or have various organic structures. In recent years, certain types of sulfur compounds found naturally in foods have been characterized as H2S donors and explored for their potential health benefits. These compounds are referred to as "sulfanutraceuticals," a term that combines "nutrition" and "pharmaceutical". It is used to describe products derived from food sources that offer additional health advantages. By introducing the terms "sulfaceuticals" and "sulfanutraceuticals," we categorize sulfur-containing substances based on their origin and their use in both preclinical and clinical research, as well as in dietary supplements.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of thigmotactic behaviour in the open field test in rodent models associated with persistent pain

Thigmotaxis is an innate predator avoidance behaviour of rodents. To gain insight into how injury and disease models, and analgesic drug treatments affect thigmotaxis, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that assessed thigmotaxis in the open field test. Systematic searches were conducted of 3 databases in October 2020, March and August 2022. Study design characteristics and experimental data were extracted and analysed using a random-effects meta-analysis. We also assessed the correlation between thigmotaxis and stimulus-evoked limb withdrawal. This review included the meta-analysis of 165 studies We report thigmotaxis was increased in injury and disease models associated with persistent pain and this increase was attenuated by analgesic drug treatments in both rat and mouse experiments. Its usefulness, however, may be limited in certain injury and disease models because our analysis suggested that thigmotaxis may be associated with the locomotor function. We also conducted subgroup analyses and meta-regression, but our findings on sources of heterogeneity are inconclusive because analyses were limited by insufficient available data. It was difficult to assess internal validity because reporting of methodological quality measures was poor, therefore, the studies have an unclear risk of bias. The correlation between time in the centre (type of a thigmotactic metric) and types of stimulus-evoked limb withdrawal was inconsistent. Therefore, stimulus-evoked and ethologically relevant behavioural paradigms should be viewed as two separate entities as they are conceptually and methodologically different from each other.

T-type calcium channel modulation by hydrogen sulfide in neuropathic pain conditions

Neuropathic pain can appear as a direct or indirect nerve damage lesion or disease that affects the somatosensory nervous system. If the neurons are damaged or indirectly stimulated, immune cells contribute significantly to inflammatory and neuropathic pain. After nerve injury, peripheral macrophages/spinal microglia accumulate around damaged neurons, producing endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) through the cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) enzyme. H₂S has a pronociceptive modulation on the Ca_v3.2 subtype, the predominant Ca_v3 isoform involved in pain processes. The present review provides relevant information about H₂S modulation on the Ca_v3.2 T-type channels in neuropathic pain conditions. We have discussed that the dual effect of H₂S on T-type channels is concentration-dependent, that is, an inhibitory effect is seen at low concentrations of 10 µM and an augmentation effect on T-current at 100 µM. The modulation mechanism of the Ca_v3.2 channel by H₂S involves the direct participation of the redox/Zn²⁺ affinity site located in the His191 in the extracellular loop of domain I of the channel, involving a group of extracellular cysteines, comprising C114, C123, C128, and C1333, that can modify the local redox environment. The indirect interaction pathways involve the regulation of the Ca_v3.2 channel through cytokines, kinases, and post-translational regulators of channel expression. The findings conclude that the CSE/H₂S/Ca_v3.2 pathway could be a promising therapeutic target for neuropathic pain disorders.

The Role of Hydrogen Sulfide in Regulation of Cell Death following Neurotrauma and Related Neurodegenerative and Psychiatric Diseases

Injuries of the central (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) are a serious problem of the modern healthcare system. The situation is complicated by the lack of clinically effective neuroprotective drugs that can protect damaged neurons and glial cells from death. In addition, people who have undergone neurotrauma often develop mental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases that worsen the quality of life up to severe disability and death. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a gaseous signaling molecule that performs various cellular functions in normal and pathological conditions. However, the role of H₂S in neurotrauma and mental disorders remains unexplored and sometimes controversial. In this large-scale review study, we examined the various biological effects of H₂S associated with survival and cell death in trauma to the brain, spinal cord, and PNS, and the signaling mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of mental illnesses, such as cognitive impairment, encephalopathy, depression and anxiety disorders, epilepsy and chronic pain. We also studied the role of H₂S in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases: Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). In addition, we reviewed the current state of the art study of H₂S donors as neuroprotectors and the possibility of their therapeutic uses in medicine. Our study showed that H₂S has great neuroprotective potential. H₂S reduces oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and neuroinflammation; inhibits processes associated with apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis and pyroptosis; prevents the destruction of the blood-brain barrier; increases the expression of neurotrophic factors; and models the activity of Ca²⁺ channels in neurotrauma. In addition, H₂S activates neuroprotective signaling pathways in psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. However, high levels of H₂S can cause cytotoxic effects. Thus, the development of H₂S-associated neuroprotectors seems to be especially relevant. However, so far, all H₂S modulators are at the stage of preclinical trials. Nevertheless, many of them show a high neuroprotective effect in various animal models of neurotrauma and related disorders. Despite the fact that our review is very extensive and detailed, it is well structured right down to the conclusions, which will allow researchers to quickly find the proper information they are interested in.

Hydrogen-Rich Water as a Novel Therapeutic Strategy for the Affective Disorders Linked with Chronic Neuropathic Pain in Mice

Neuropathic pain manifested with allodynia and hyperalgesia usually becomes a chronic condition accompanied with mood disorders. Clinical therapies for neuropathic pain are still unsatisfactory with notable side effects. Recent studies have reported the protective role of molecular hydrogen (H₂) in different diseases including neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's as well as its antidepressant activities in animals with chronic stress. This study explored the effects of treatment with hydrogen-rich water (HRW) in male mice with neuropathic pain induced by the chronic constriction of the sciatic nerve (CCI) and the accompanying affective deficits. The likely pathways implied in the HRW analgesic activity, as well as the interaction between heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) enzyme and H₂ during neuropathic pain were also studied. The results showed: (i) the inhibitory effects of the repetitive treatment with HRW on the allodynia and hyperalgesia provoked by CCI; (ii) the anxiolytic and antidepressant actions of HRW in animals with neuropathic pain; (iii) the contribution of the antioxidant enzymes (HO-1 and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1) and the ATP sensitive potassium channels in the painkiller activities of HRW during neuropathic pain; (iv) a positive interaction between the HO-1 and H₂ systems in inhibiting the CCI-induced neuropathy; and (v) the antioxidant, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and/or antiapoptotic features of HRW treatment in the dorsal root ganglia and/or amygdala of sciatic nerve-injured mice. This study demonstrates new protective actions of H₂ and suggests that treatment with HRW might be an interesting therapeutic strategy for chronic neuropathic pain and its associated mood disorders.

The Beneficial Effects of Heme Oxygenase 1 and Hydrogen Sulfide Activation in the Management of Neuropathic Pain, Anxiety- and Depressive-like Effects of Paclitaxel in Mice

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy constitutes an unresolved clinical problem that severely decreases the quality of the patient’s life. It is characterized by somatosensory alterations, including chronic pain, and a high risk of suffering mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, an effective treatment for this neuropathology is yet to be found. We investigated the therapeutic potential of cobalt protoporphyrin IX (CoPP), a heme oxygenase 1 inducer, and morpholin-4-ium 4-methoxyphenyl(morpholino) phosphinodithioate dichloromethane complex (GYY4137), a slow hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) donor, in a preclinical model of paclitaxel (PTX)-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN) in mice. At three weeks after PTX injection, we evaluated the effects of the repetitive administration of 5 mg/kg of CoPP and 35 mg/kg of GYY4137 on PTX-induced nociceptive symptoms (mechanical and cold allodynia) and on the associated emotional disturbances (anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors). We also studied the mechanisms that could mediate their therapeutic properties by evaluating the expression of key proteins implicated in the development of nociception, oxidative stress, microglial activation, and apoptosis in prefrontal cortex (PFC) and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of mice with PIPN. Results demonstrate that CoPP and GYY4137 treatments inhibited both the nociceptive symptomatology and the derived emotional alterations. These actions were mainly mediated through potentiation of antioxidant responses and inhibiting oxidative stress in the DRG and/or PFC of mice with PIPN. Both treatments normalized some plasticity changes and apoptotic reactions, and GYY4137 blocked microglial activation induced by PTX in PFC. In conclusion, this study proposes CoPP and GYY4137 as good candidates for treating neuropathic pain, anxiety- and depressive-like effects of PTX.

Hydrogen Sulfide Inhibits Inflammatory Pain and Enhances the Analgesic Properties of Delta Opioid Receptors

Chronic inflammatory pain is present in many pathologies and diminishes the patient's quality of life. Moreover, most current treatments have a low efficacy and significant side effects. Recent studies demonstrate the analgesic properties of slow-releasing hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) donors in animals with osteoarthritis or neuropathic pain, but their effects in inflammatory pain and related pathways are not completely understood. Several treatments potentiate the analgesic actions of δ-opioid receptor (DOR) agonists, but the role of H₂S in modulating their effects and expression during inflammatory pain remains untested. In C57BL/6J male mice with inflammatory pain provoked by subplantar injection of complete Freund's adjuvant, we evaluated: (1) the antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic effects of different doses of two slow-releasing H₂S donors, i.e., diallyl disulfide (DADS) and phenyl isothiocyanate (P-ITC) and their mechanism of action; (2) the pain-relieving effects of DOR agonists co-administered with H₂S donors; (3) the effects of DADS and P-ITC on the oxidative stress and molecular changes caused by peripheral inflammation. Results demonstrate that both H₂S donors inhibited allodynia and hyperalgesia in a dose-dependent manner, potentiated the analgesic effects and expression of DOR, activated the antioxidant system, and reduced the nociceptive and apoptotic pathways. The data further demonstrate the possible participation of potassium channels and the Nrf2 transcription factor signaling pathway in the pain-relieving activities of DADS and P-ITC. This study suggests that the systemic administration of DADS and P-ITC and local application of DOR agonists in combination with slow-releasing H₂S donors are two new strategies for the treatment of inflammatory pain.

The Recovery of Cognitive and Affective Deficiencies Linked with Chronic Osteoarthritis Pain and Implicated Pathways by Slow-Releasing Hydrogen Sulfide Treatment

Chronic osteoarthritis pain is accompanied by several comorbidities whose treatment has not been completely resolved. The anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antidepressant effects of slow-releasing hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) donors during osteoarthritic pain have been shown, but their actions in the accompanying memory impairment and anxious-like behaviors have not yet been demonstrated. Using female mice with chronic osteoarthritic pain, the effects of natural, diallyl disulfide (DADS) or synthetic, morpholin-4-ium 4-methoxyphenyl(morpholino) phosphinodithioate dichloromethane complex (GYY4137) slow-releasing H₂S donors, on associated cognitive and grip strength deficits and anxiodepressive-like behaviors, were assessed. Their effects on specific brain areas implicated in the modulation of pain and emotional responses were also determined. Results demonstrated an improvement in memory and grip strength deficits, as well as in the anxious-like behaviors associated with chronic pain in GYY4137 and/or DADS treated mice. The painkiller and antidepressant properties of both treatments were also established. Treatment with DADS and/or GYY4137 inhibited: oxidative stress in the amygdala; phosphoinositide 3-kinase overexpression in the amygdala, periaqueductal gray matter, and anterior cingulate cortex; protein kinase B activation in the amygdala and infralimbic cortex; up-regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase in the amygdala, periaqueductal gray matter and infralimbic cortex and apoptotic responses in the amygdala. These results might explain the recovery of memory and grip strength and the inhibition of allodynia and associated anxiodepressive-like behaviors by these treatments. In conclusion, this study revealed new properties of slow-releasing H₂S donors in cognitive impairment and affective disorders linked with chronic osteoarthritis pain and their effects on the central nervous system.

Hydrogen sulfide antagonizes sleep deprivation-induced depression- and anxiety-like behaviors by inhibiting neuroinflammation in a hippocampal Sirt1-dependent manner

Increasing evidence confirms that sleep deprivation (SD), which induces hippocampal neuroinflammation, is a risk factor for depression. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a novel neuromodulator that plays antidepressant-like role. Silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (Sirt1) is well-characterized as a regulator of mood disorder. Furthermore, we have previously reported that H₂S upregulates Sirt1 expression in the hippocampus of SD-exposed rats. Here, we explored whether H₂S ameliorates depression- and anxiety-like behaviors as well as hippocampal neuroinflammatory in SD-exposed rats and whether Sirt1 mediates these protective roles of H₂S. In the present work, we showed that NaHS (a donor of H₂S) significantly alleviated depression- and anxiety-like behaviors in the SD-exposed rats tested by novelty-suppressed feeding test (NST), forced swim test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), and elevated plus maze test (EPMT) and that NaHS attenuates neuroinflammatory in the hippocampus of SD-exposed rats, as evidenced by reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) and chemokine CCL2, as well as increasing the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) in the hippocampus. However, Sirt1 inhibitor reversed the protective effects of H₂S against SD-induced depression- and anxiety-like behaviors as well as hippocampal neuroinflammatory. In conclusion, H₂S antagonizes SD-induced depression- and anxiety-like behaviors and neuroinflammation, which is required hippocampal Sirt1. These findings suggested that H₂S is a novel approach to prevent SD-induced depression and anxiety.

The Anxiolytic and Antidepressant Effects of Diallyl Disulfide and GYY4137 in Animals with Chronic Neuropathic Pain

When neuropathic pain is maintained long term, it can also lead to the development of emotional disorders that are even more intense than pain perception and difficult to treat. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) donors relieve chronic pain, but their effects on the associated mood disorders are not completely elucidated. We evaluated if treatment with DADS (diallyl disulfide) or GYY4137 (morpholin-4-ium 4-methoxyphenyl(morpholino) phosphinodithioate dichloromethane complex), two slow-releasing H₂S donors, inhibits the anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors that concur with chronic neuropathic pain generated by sciatic nerve injury in mice. The modulatory role of these drugs in the inflammatory, apoptotic, and oxidative processes implicated in the development of the affective disorders was assessed. Our results revealed the anxiolytic, antidepressant, and antinociceptive properties of DADS and GYY4137 during neuropathic pain by inhibiting microglial activation and the up-regulation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase/phosphorylated protein kinase B and BAX in the amygdala (AMG) and/or periaqueductal gray matter (PAG). Both treatments also normalized and/or activated the endogenous antioxidant system, but only DADS blocked ERK 1/2 phosphorylation. Both H₂S donors decreased allodynia and hyperalgesia in a dose-dependent manner by activating the Kv7 potassium channels and heme oxygenase 1 signaling pathways. This study provides evidence of the anxiolytic and antidepressant properties of DADS and GYY4137 during neuropathic pain and reveals their analgesic actions, suggesting that these therapeutic properties may result from the inhibition of the inflammatory, apoptotic, and oxidative responses in the AMG and/or PAG. These findings support the use of these treatments for the management of affective disorders accompanying chronic neuropathic pain.

Treatment with 5-fluoro-2-oxindole Increases the Antinociceptive Effects of Morphine and Inhibits Neuropathic Pain

The efficacy of µ-opioid receptors (MOR) in neuropathic pain is low and with numerous side effects that limited their use. Chronic neuropathic pain is also linked with emotional disorders that aggravate the sensation of pain and which treatment has not been resolved. This study investigates whether the administration of an oxindole, 5-fluoro-2-oxindole, could inhibit the nociceptive and emotional behaviors and increase the effectiveness of morphine via modulating the microglia and activating the nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway and MOR expression. In C57BL/6 mice with neuropathic pain provoked by the total constriction of sciatic nerve we studied the effects of 10 mg/kg 5-fluoro-2-oxindole in: (i) the allodynia and hyperalgesia caused by the injury; (ii) the anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors; (iii) the local antinociceptive actions of morphine; (iv) the expression of CD11b/c (a microglial marker), the antioxidant and detoxificant enzymes Nrf2, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1), and of MOR in the spinal cord and hippocampus. Results showed that the inhibition of the main nociceptive symptoms and the anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors induced by 5-fluoro-2-oxindole were accompanied with the suppression of microglial activation and the activation of Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 signaling pathway in the spinal cord and/or hippocampus. This treatment also potentiated the pain-relieving activities of morphine by normalizing the reduced MOR expression. This work demonstrates the antinociceptive, anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of 5-fluoro-2-oxindole, suggests a new strategy to enhance the antinociceptive actions of morphine and proposes a new mechanism of action of oxindoles during chronic neuropathic pain.