Roles of CFTR Cl- channels in hydrogen sulfide-induced cardioprotection and cell proliferation in H9c2 cells

AIM: To explore the roles of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl- channels in hydrogen sulfide (H2S)-induced cardioprotection and cell proliferation in H9c2 cells. METHODS: Cobalt chloride (CoCl2) was used to set up the chemical hypoxia-induced injury model in H9c2 cells. Myocardial cell viability was detected by the CCK-8 assay kit. Apoptotic changes in H9c2 cells were observed by using Hoechst 33342 staining and photofluorography. RESULTS: At the concentrations from 400 to 2 000 μmol/L, CoCl2 dose-dependently inhibited cell viability in H9c2 cells. CoCl2 at concentration of 600 μmol/L significantly induced H9c2 cell apoptosis. Sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) at concentrations from 100 to 400 μmol/L dose-dependently enhanced proliferation in H9c2 cells. NaHS protected H9c2 cells against CoCl2-induced injury, including an increase in cell viability and a decrease in percentage of apoptosis. 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoic acid (NPPB, 100 μmol/L), an inhibitor of CFTR Cl- channels alone did not damaged H9c2 cells, but considerably blocked the inhibitory effect of NaHS on CoCl2 cytotoxicity. However, NPPB did not antagonize the NaHS-induced antiapoptotic effect and cell proliferation in H9c2 cells. CONCLUSION: CFTR Cl- channels may be involved in the inhibitory effect of H2S on CoCl2-induced cytotoxicity in H9c2 cells.     

Protective effect of hydrogen sulfide on hypoxia-induced injury of rat cortical neurons

AIM:To explore the role of hydrogen sulfide (H 2S) in cortial neuronal injury induced by hypoxia.METHODS:The SD rat cortical neurons were cultured in hypoxic conditions (2% O 2, 5% CO 2 and 93% N 2 at 37 °C) to establish the hypoxic model. Sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) was used as the donor of H 2S and neuronal viability was detected by CCK-8 assay. Neuronal content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was determined by DCFH-DA method, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was detected using Rh123 staining. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release rate was measured by a commercial kit to reflect the degree of neuronal injury. RESULTS:Hypoxic treatment increased ROS content and the release rate of LDH in the neurons. However, NaHS pretreatment significantly inhibited the hypoxia-induced increases in ROS content and LDH release. Hypoxia decreased MMP and cell viability. Pretreatment with NaHS and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), a ROS scavenger, significantly inhibited the decreases in MMP and viability of the neurons. CONCLUSION:Hypoxia induces ROS generation in the neurons, thereby decreases MMP and neuronal viability. H 2S significantly attenuates hypoxia-induced neuronal injury by its antioxygenation.     

Hydrogen sulfide protects H9c2 cardiomyocytes against high glucose-induced injury by inhibiting necroptosis

AIM: To study whether hydrogen sulfide(H₂S) protects H9c2 cardiomyocytes against high glucose(HG)-induced injury by inhibiting necroptosis. METHODS: The protein levels of RIP3(an indicator of necroptosis) and cleaved caspase-3 were determined by Western blot. The cell viability was measured by CCK-8 assay. The intracellular le-vels of reactive oxygen species(ROS) were detected by 2', 7'-dichlorfluorescein diacetate staining followed by photofluorography. Mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP) was examined by rhodamine 123 staining followed by photofluorography. The number of apoptotic cells was observed by Hoechst 33258 nuclear staining followed by photofluorography. RESULTS: After the H9c2 cells were treated with HG(35 mmol/L glucose) for 0~24 h, the protein expression of RIP3 in the H9c2 cells was significantly increased at 3 h, 6 h, 9 h, 12 h and 24 h, reaching the maximum level at 24 h. Pretreatment of the cells with 400μmol/L NaHS(a donor of H₂S) or co-treatment of the cells with necrostatin-1(Nec-1; a speci-fic inhibitor of necroptosis) considerably blocked the up-regulation of RIP3 protein induced by HG. Moreover, pretreatment with NaHS or co-treatment with Nec-1 obviously inhibited HG-induced injuries, leading to an increase in the cell viability, and decreases in the generation of ROS and MMP loss. On the other hand, pretreatment with NaHS also reduced the number of apoptotic cells and the protein level of cleaved caspase-3 in the HG-treated H9c2 cardiomyocytes. CONCLUSION: H₂S protects H9c2 cardiomyocytes against HG-induced injury by inhibiting necroptosis.     

Effect of hydrogen sulfide donor on oxidative stress of myocardium in adriamycin-induced dilated cardiomyopathy rats

AIM: To investigate the effect of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donor (NAHS) on oxidative stress of adriamycin-induced dilated cardiomyopathy rats. METHODS: Weight-matched adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups as follows: (1) ADR group (n=12), in which 2.5 mg/kg of adriamycin was injected intraperitoneally once a week for 10 weeks (total dose of 25 mg/kg). (2) ADR+small-dose NaHS group (n=12), in which the dosage and the use of adriamycin were as mentioned above, while NaHS solution was injected to rats at a dosage of 2.8 μmol·kg-1·d-1 at the same time. (3) ADR + large-dose NaHS group (n=12), in which the dosage and the use of adriamycin were as mentioned above, while NaHS solution was injected to rats at a dosage of 14 μmol·kg-1·d-1 at the same time. (4) Control group (n=9), in which an equivalent volume of physiological saline was administered weekly for a total of 10 weeks. (5) NaHS group (n=9), in which 14 μmol/kg of NaHS solution was injected to rats intraperitonealy once a week for 10 weeks. Hemodynamic and echocardiographic measurements were obtained 10 weeks after the treatment. Meanwhile, H2S and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in serum and myocardial tissues were evaluated, respectively. RESULTS: The cardiac functions in the group of ADR rats depressed obviously. H2S concentrations, SOD and GSH-Px activities in serum and myocardial tissues of ADR group rats were all significantly decreased as compared with those in the control group (P<0.01). The MDA concentrations in serum and myocardial tissues in ADR group rats were both increased significantly (P<0.01). Exogenous administration of H2S donor NaHS markedly attenuated ADR-induced cardiac dysfunction, and MDA concentration in myocardial tissues was significantly reduced (P<0.01). Serum SOD activity was obviously increased in ADR+large-dose NaHS group compared with control group (P<0.01), and GSH-Px activity in myocardial tissues was markedly increased in ADR+large-dose NaHS group compared with control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: H2S might play an important role in the development of adriamycin-induced dilated cardiomyopathy. Administration of exogenous H2S effectively improves myocardial contractile activity, reduces the accumulation of lipid peroxides and increases the capability of antioxidants to inhibit oxidative stress and prevents myocardial damage.     

Effect of hydrogen molecule on apoptosis-related proteins and Nrf2 signaling pathway in glomerular mesangial cells cultured with high glucose

AIM: To investigate the role of hydrogen molecule on apoptosis-related proteins in glomerular mesangial cells cultured with high glucose and to explore its possible mechanism. METHODS: Mouse glomerular mesangial cells cultured in vitro were divided into 4 groups:normal control group (C group, 5.5 mmol/L glucose), mannitol group (G group, 5.5 mmol/L glucose+19.5 mmol/L mannitol), high glucose group (H group, 25 mmol/L glucose), high glucose+hydrogen-rich water group (HH group, 25 mmol/L glucose+hydrogen-rich water), and cultured for 48 h. The protein levels of Bax, Bcl-2, cleaved caspase-3, nuclear factor E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO-1) were determined by Western blot, and the mRNA expression of HO-1 and NQO-1 was determined by RT-PCR. The level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected by dihydroethidium method, and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was measured by WST-8 assay. RESULTS: Compared with C group, the protein levels of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 were up-regulated, and Bcl-2 was down-regulated in H group (P <0.05). No significantly difference of the protein levels mentioned above between C and HH group was observed. Compared with H group, the protein levels of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 were down-regulated, and Bcl-2 was up-regulated in HH group (P <0.05). The level of intracellular ROS was higher and the activity of SOD was lower in H group than those in C group (P<0.05). However, there was no difference of the SOD activity between C group and HH group. The level of intracellular ROS decreased and the activity of SOD increased in HH group as compared with H group (P<0.05). Compared with C group, clearly reduced protein expression of Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO-1, and decreased mRNA expression of HO-1 and NQO-1 in H group were observed (P<0.05). Compared with H group, the protein levels of Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO-1 as well as the mRNA levels of HO-1 and NQO-1 were obviously increased in HH group (P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Hydrogen molecule inhibits the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins and induces the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins in glomerular mesangial cells cultured with high glucose. The mechanism may be related to activation of Nrf2 signaling pathway.     

H2S与ABA缓解低温胁迫对黄瓜幼苗氧化损伤的交互效应

为了探明硫化氢（H2S）与脱落酸（ABA）在提高植物耐冷性中的互作关系,以黄瓜幼苗为试材,叶面分别喷施1.0 mmol · L-1硫氢化钠（NaHS,H2S供体）、0.15 mmol · L-1次牛磺酸（HT,H2S清除剂）、50 μmol · L-1ABA、3 mmol · L-1 Na2WO4（钨酸钠,ABA合成抑制剂）、3 mmol · L-1 Na2WO4 + 1.0 mmol · L-1 NaHS、0.15 mmol · L-1 HT + 50 μmol · L-1 ABA及去离子水（H2O）,研究低温（8 ℃昼/5 ℃夜）胁迫下H2S和ABA对黄瓜幼苗活性氧积累及抗氧化系统的影响。结果表明,低温胁迫48 h,NaHS和ABA预处理的幼苗冷害指数显著降低。ABA可以提高L–/D–半胱氨酸脱巯基酶（LCD/DCD）活性及其基因表达量,促进内源H2S产生;NaHS处理的9–顺式–环氧类胡萝卜素双加氧酶（NCED）活性及其基因相对表达也明显增加,内源ABA含量快速升高。低温下NaHS和ABA处理均可减少活性氧积累,提高超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、过氧化物酶（POD）、抗坏血酸过氧化物酶（APX）和谷胱甘肽还原酶（GR）活性与基因相对表达量,增加抗坏血酸（AsA）和谷胱甘肽（GSH）含量及还原型/氧化型抗坏血酸（AsA/DHA）和还原型/氧化型谷胱甘肽（GSH/GSSG）比例,从而减轻低温胁迫对黄瓜幼苗的过氧化伤害。ABA合成抑制剂Na2WO4处理后,H2S对黄瓜幼苗抗氧化能力的促进效应明显减弱;同样,ABA对黄瓜幼苗活性氧的调控作用也被H2S清除剂HT所逆转。可见,H2S和ABA可诱导黄瓜幼苗耐冷性,二者在信号转导过程中存在交互效应和“对话”机制。     

Hydrogen sulfide inhibits doxorubicin-induced inflammation and cytotoxicity in rat cardiomyocytes by modulating activation of NF-κB pathway

AIM：To investigate whether hydrogen sulfide (H2S) attenuates doxorubicin (DOX)-induced inflammation and cytotoxicity in rat cardiomyocytes (H9c2 cells) by modulating nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway. METHODS：The expression of NF-κB p65 was measured by western blotting. The secretion levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cell viability was detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Hoechst 33258 nuclear staining was used to detect the morphological changes and number of apoptotic cells. RESULTS：Treatment of H9c2 cells with 5 μmol/L DOX significantly up-regulated the expression level of phosphorylated NF-κB p65 (p-p65), and induced inflammation and cytotoxicity, as evidenced by increases in secretion levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α and number of apoptotic cells as well as a decrease in cell viability. Pretreatment of H9c2 cells with 400 μmol/L NaHS (a donor of H2S) for 30 min markedly depressed the up-regulation of p-p65 expression induced by DOX. In addition, NaHS pretreatment also reduced DOX-induced inflammatory response and injury, leading to decreases in IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α secretion and number of apoptotic cells as well as an increase in cell viability. Similar to the effect of NaHS, pretreatment with 100 μmol/L pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), an inhibitor of NF-κB, also blocked DOX-induced cardiac inflammation and cytotoxicity. Co-administration of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) and DOX reduced DOX-induced activation of NF-κB and cytotoxicity in H9c2 cells. CONCLUSION：During the DOX-induced cardiomyocyte inflammation, there is positive interaction between NF-κB pathway and IL-1β. H2S may protect cardiomyocytes against DOX-induced inflammatory response and cytotoxicity by inhibiting NF-κB pathway.     

Impact of hydrogen sulfide donor on endothelin-1 and connective tissue growth factor expression in rats with pulmonary hypertension induced by high pulmonary blood flow

AIM: To explore the possible impact of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donor-sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) on endothelin-1 (ET-1) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expressions in rats with pulmonary hypertension induced by high pulmonary blood flow. METHODS: Thirty-two male SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: shunt group, shunt+NaHS group, sham group and sham+NaHS group. Rats in shunt group and shunt+NaHS group were subjected to an abdominal aorta-inferior vena cava shunt to create an animal model of high pulmonary flow. After 11 weeks of experiment, rat systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP), lung tissue H2S, plasma ET-1 concentration and lung tissue ET-1mRNA expression, as well as pulmonary artery CTGF protein expression were detected.RESULTS: After 11 weeks of experiment, SPAP, lung tissue ET-1mRNA, plasma ET-1 as well as pulmonary artery CTGF expressions were increased markedly, respectively, whereas H2S in lung tissue decreased significantly in rats of shunt group as compared with that in sham group (all P<0.05). After administration of NaHS for 11 weeks, H2S in lung tissue increased significantly, whereas SPAP, plasma ET-1 and lung tissue ET-1 mRNA expression as well as pulmonary artery CTGF protein expression decreased significantly, respectively, in rats of shunt+NaHS group as compared with that in shunt group (all P<0.05).CONCLUSION: NaHS might be involved in the development of pulmonary hypertension induced by high pulmonary blood flow by down-regulating vasoactive peptides ET-1 and CTGF expressions in lung tissues of rats.     

Effects of HSP90 on complement-mediated hypoxia/reoxygenation injury of H9c2 cardiomyocytes during hypoxic postconditioning

AIM To investigate the effects and mechanisms of heat shock protein 90 （HSP90） on complement-mediated hypoxia/reoxygenation （H/R） injury of rat H9c2 cardiomyocytes during hypoxic postconditioning （HPC）. METHODS Rat H9c2 cardiomyocytes were divided into 7 groups according to different treatments： （1） control group （cultured for 10 h under normal oxygen）; （2） H/R group （hypoxia for 4 h and reoxygenation for 6 h）; （3） HPC group （3 cycles of 5 min H/R after hypoxia for 4 h, followed by reoxygenation for 6 h）; （4） HPC+geldanamycin （GA） group （1 μmol/L HSP90 inhibitor GA was added 20 min before HPC）; （5） negative control group （empty plasmid was transfected before HPC）; （6） C3 over-expression group （C3a plasmid was transfected before HPC）; （7） C5 over-expression group （C5a plasmid was transfected before HPC）. Morphological changes of the H9c2 cells were detected by Hoechst 33242 staining. The effects of HPC on the apoptosis of H9c2 cells were examined by flow cytometry. The protein levels of HSP90, C3a, C5a, NF-κB p65, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, Bcl-2 and Bax were determined by Western blot. RESULTS With up-regulation of HSP90, HPC significantly reduced H/R-induced apoptosis of the H9c2 cells, inhibited the expression of C3a, C5a, NF-κB p65, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and Bax, and increased the expression of Bcl-2. These effects were blocked by GA. The inhibitory effects of HPC on NF-κB p65 expression and H9c2 cell apoptosis were offset after over-expression of C3a or C5a. CONCLUSION HSP90 attenuates H/R injury of H9c2 cardiomyocytes by inhibiting complement-NF-κB signaling pathway during HPC.     

外源H2S对低温下日光温室黄瓜光合作用及抗氧化系统的影响

为了探讨外源硫化氢（H2S）对黄瓜耐冷性的调控机理,以‘津优3号’黄瓜为试材,叶面喷施H2S供体硫氢化钠（NaHS）,以清水处理为对照,研究H2S对温度变化的响应,以及对黄瓜叶片光合作用和抗氧化系统的影响。结果表明：随着日光温室内气温降低和低温持续时间的延长,黄瓜叶片的H2S含量及D–/L–半胱氨酸脱巯基酶（CDes）活性先升高,后降低;光合速率（Pn）、气孔导度（Gs）、蒸腾速率（Tr）、核酮糖–1,5–二磷酸羧化酶（RuBPCase）活性,以及暗下光系统Ⅱ最大光化学效率（Fv/Fm）、光下实际光化学效率（ΦPSII）、电子传递效率（ETR）和光化学猝灭（qP）逐渐降低,胞间CO2浓度（Ci）、初始荧光（Fo）和非光化学猝灭（NPQ）趋于升高。低温胁迫可使MDA含量增加,超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、过氧化物酶（POD）、过氧化氢酶（CAT）、抗坏血酸过氧化物酶（APX）和谷胱甘肽还原酶（GR）活性先升高后降低。与对照相比,NaHS处理叶片的H2S含量和CDes活性及Pn、Gs、Tr、RuBPCase活性、Fv/Fm、ΦPSII、ETR和qP明显升高,Ci、Fo和NPQ显著降低。低温下NaHS处理的MDA含量显著低于对照,而SOD、POD、CAT、APX和GR活性明显高于对照。NaHS处理的黄瓜产量比对照增加15.3%。可见CDes催化合成H2S受低温胁迫诱导,外源H2S可增强活性氧清除能力,减轻低温对黄瓜叶片光合机构的伤害。     

Role of ATP-sensitive potassium channels in inhibitory effect of hydrogen sulfide on high glucose-induced injury in H9c2 cardiac cells

AIM: To investigate the roles of ATP-sensitive potassium (K_ATP) channels in high glucose-induced cardiac injury and the inhibitory effect of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) on the cardiomyocyte injury. METHODS: The expression level of K_ATP channel protein was tested by Western blot. The cell viability was measured by CCK-8 assay. The number of apoptotic cells was observed by Hoechst 33258 nuclear staining. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was examined by JC-1 staining. RESULTS: After the H9c2 cells were treated with 35 mmol/L glucose (high glucose, HG) for 1~24 h, the protein level of K_ATP channel was significantly reduced at 6 h, 9 h, 12 h and 24 h, reaching the minimum level at 12 h and 24 h. Pretreatment of the cells with 400 μmol/L NaHS (a donor of H₂S) prior to exposure to HG for 12 h considerably blocked the down-regulation of K_ATP channels induced by HG. Pretreatment of the cells with 100 μmol/L mitochondrial K_ATP channel opener diazoxide, 50 μmol/L non-selective K_ATP channel opener pinacidil or NaHS obviously inhibited HG-induced injuries, leading to an increase in the cell viability, and decreases in the number of apoptotic cells and the MMP loss. Pretreatment with 100 μmol/L mitochondrial K_ATP channel antagonist 5-hydroxydecanoic acid or 1 mmol/L non-selective K_ATP channel antagonist glibenclamide attenuated the above cardioprotective effects of NaHS. CONCLUSION: K_ATP channels mediate the inhibitory effect of H₂S on HG-induced cardiac injury.     

Effect of 1-methyl, 4-phenyl pyridium on endogenous hydrogen sulfide production in PC12 cells

AIM: To observe the effect of 1-methyl, 4-phenyl pyridium (MPP+) on the production of endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in PC12 cells and to explore the novel molecular mechanisms of MPP+-induced damage in PC12 cells. METHODS: The production of H2S and the activity of cystathionine-beta-synthase (CBS) in PC12 cells were detected by methylene blue spectrophotometric method. The expression of CBS mRNA in PC12 cells was determined by RT-PCR. The viability of PC12 cells was observed by the trypan blue dye exclusion assay. RESULTS: MPP+ inhibited the expression of CBS mRNA and the activity of CBS, and also decreased the production of endogenous H2S in PC12 cells. MPP+ significantly inhibited viability of PC12 cells. NaHS, a donor for H2S, inhibited the MPP+-induced PC12 cells damage. CONCLUSION: MPP+ inhibits the expression and activity of CBS, as well as endogenous H2S production in PC12 cells, which may be associated with MPP+-induced PC12 cells damage.     

Astragaloside IV attenuates apoptosis of H9c2 cardiomyocytes induced by angiotensin II

AIM: To investigate the protective effect of astragaloside IV (ASIV) on angiotensin II (Ang II)- induced apoptosis of H9c2 cardiomyocytes. METHODS: H9c2 cardiomyocytes were treated with different concentrations of Ang II and ASIV. The effects of Ang II and ASIV on the viability of H9c2 cells was measured by CCK-8 assay. The optimum concentration of Ang II was 1 μmol/L and the concentrations of ASIV were 25, 50 and 100 μmol/L. The H9c2 cells was divided into 6 groups:control group, ASIV group, Ang II group, Ang II+ASIV (25 μmol/L) group, Ang II+ASIV 50 (μmol/L) group and Ang II+ASIV (100 μmol/L) group. The morphological changes of the H9c2 cells were observed under inverted phase-contrast microscope. Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL assay. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected by DCFH-DA staining. The protein expression of Bax, Bcl-2, nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) was determined by Western blot. H9c2 cardiomyocytes were transfected with negative control shRNA (NC) or Nrf2-shRNA (shRNA), and the cells were divided into 8 groups:NC+control group, NC+AngⅡgroup, NC+ASIV group, NC+AngⅡ+ASIV group, shRNA+control group, shRNA+AngⅡgroup, shRNA+ASIV group and shRNA+AngⅡ+ASIV group. ROS level was detected by ROS detection kit. The protein expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 was determined by Western blot. RESULTS: Ang II decreased the viability of H9c2 cells in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05). ASIV reversed the effect of Ang II on the viability of H9c2 cells in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05). Compared with control group, the apoptotic rate, the level of ROS and the protein expression of Bax in Ang II group were increased significantly, while the protein expression of Bcl-2, Nrf2 and HO-1 was decreased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with Ang II group, ASIV reversed the increase in apoptotic rate of H9c2 cells induced by Ang II in a concentration-dependent manner, reduced ROS level, down-regulated the protein expression of Bax and up-regulated the protein expression of Bcl-2, Nrf2 and HO-1 (P<0.05). After shRNA transfection, the effects of ASIV decreasing ROS production induced by Ang II and up-regulating the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 were eliminated. CONCLUSION: ASIV protects H9c2 cardiomyocytes from apoptosis induced by Ang II, which may be related to reducing ROS generation and mediating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.     

Changes of hydrogen sulfide and heme oxygenase-1 in blood of children with congenital heart disease and pulmonary hypertension before and after surgery

AIM: To evaluate the changes and clinical significance of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) and pulmonary hypertension (PH). METHODS: Forty-eight patients with CHD and left-to-right shunt were selected randomly from cardiac surgery in the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University. Forty-eight patients were divided into 3 groups according to the pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) by Doppler echocardiography before operation: group A was normal (PASP<30 mmHg, n=15); group B was mild PH (PASP 30-49 mmHg, n=15); group C was moderate-severe PH (PASP≥50 mmHg, n=18). The radical operation was performed successfully under complex intravenous anesthesia in all 48 patients. The radial arterial blood was collected immediately before operation, 1 h and 24 h after operation. The concentration of plasma H2S was measured by optical absorbance method at 670 nm and HO-1 activity in serum was detected by dual wavelength spectrophotometer at different time points. RESULTS: Plasma level of H2S in all groups after operation was higher than that in the same group before operation. Significant difference of the plasma H2S level was observed between pre-operation and 24 h post-operation in the same group (P<0.05). The plasma level of H2S in group C and group B at time points of pre-operation, 1 h post-operation or 24 h post-operation was significantly lower than that in group A, the plasma level of H2S in group C was significantly lower than that in group B. Compared to the values in each group before operation, the activity of serum HO-1 among groups after operation was not obviously and statistically different (P>0.05). No obvious difference of HO-1 activity in blood among 3 groups was observed (P>0.05). There was a negative correlation between PASP and the level of H2S in 3 groups at time points of pre-operation, 1 h and 24 h post-operation (pre-operation, r=-0.66, P<0.01; 1 h post-operation, r=-0.458, P<0.01; 24 h post-operation, r=-0.730, P<0.01). No correlation between PASP and HO-1 activity in blood serum was found. CONCLUSION: H2S plays an important role in the formation of PH and remodeling of pulmonary vasculature. There is no correlation between PASP and HO-1 activities in blood, but HO-1 may play an indirect action in the formation of PH and remodeling of pulmonary vasculature. Measuring the level of H2S may be a reliable method to follow the change of pulmonary pressure and worsened PH.     

N-acetylcysteine protects H9c2 cells against injuries induced by methyl-glyoxal

AIM: To investigate the protective effect of N-acetylcysteine(NAC) on H9c2 cells from injuries induced by methylglyoxal(MG) and the potential mechanism. METHODS: H9c2 cells were divided into control group, MG treatment group, NAC + MG treatment group, SP600125 pretreatment + MG group, NAC group and SP600125 group. The viability of the H9c2 cells was measured by CCK-8 assay. The protein levels of p-JNK and t-JNK were tested by Western blot. The changes of intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS) were evaluated by 2', 7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate(DCFH-DA) staining. Mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP) was measured by rhodamine 123(Rh123) staining. The morphological changes in apoptotic cardiomyocytes were detected by Hoechst 33258 staining. RESULTS: Du-ring 100~800μmol/L concentration range, MG caused significantly reduced viability of the H9c2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. NAC had a protective effect on H9c2 cells against the injuries induced by MG during 500~1500μmol/L concentration range through raising cell viability, inhibiting cellular oxidative stress and improving MMP(P<0.01). SP600125, an inhibitor of JNK, showed the protective effect similar to NAC on H9c2 cells against MG-induced injuries, including attenuating oxidative stress, improving MMP and suppressing apoptosis.CONCLUSION: N-acetylcysteine offers obvious protective effect on H9c2 cells against the injuries induced by methylglyoxal. The underlying mechanisms may be associated with decreasing the production of ROS, ameliorating MMP, inhibiting the activation of JNK and suppressing apoptosis.     

Hydrogen sulfide regulates the expression of nitric oxide/nitric oxide synthase system during recurrent febrile seizures

AIM: To explore the effect of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on nitric oxide (NO)/nitric oxide synthase (NOS) system during recurrent febrile seizures (FS). METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats aged 21 days were randomly divided into four groups: control group (37.0 ℃ water, n=8); FS group (45.2 ℃ water, n=8); FS+NaHS group (45.2 ℃ water, n=8), FS+HA (hydroxylamine) group (45.2 ℃ water, n=8). FS in rats were induced ten times in a bath of warm water, once every 2 days. The plasma level of H2S and NO was detected by the spectrophotometer method. The expression of NOS mRNA was examined by in situ hybridization. The expression of nNOS protein was observed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The plasma level of NO decreased significantly in FS+NaHS group while elevated obviously in FS+HA group compared with that in FS group. At the same time, the expression of nNOS down-regulated in FS+NaHS group while up-regulated in FS+HA group compared with that in FS group. CONCLUSION: H2S down-regulated the expression of NO/NOS system during recurrent FS.     

Role of ATP-sensitive potassium channels in inhibitory effect of hydrogen sulfide on high glucose-induced inflammation mediated by necroptosis in H9c2 cardiac cells

AIM: To investigate the role of ATP-sensitive potassium (K_ATP) channels in the inhibitory effect of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) on high glucose(HG)-induced inflammation mediated by necroptosis in H9c2 cardiac cells.METHODS: The expression levels of receptor-interacting protein 3 (RIP3; an indicator of necroptosis) and cyclooxyge-nase-2 (COX-2) were determined by Western blot. The levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by ELISA.RESULTS: After H9c2 cardiac cells were treated with 35 mmol/L glucose (HG) for 24 h, the expression of RIP3 was significantly increased. Pre-treatment of the cells with 100 μmol/L diazoxide (DZ; a K_ATP channel opener) or 400 μmol/L NaHS (a donor of H₂S) for 30 min considerably blocked the up-regulation of RIP3 induced by HG. Moreover, pre-treatment of the cells with 100 μmol/L 5-hydroxydecanoic acid (5-HD; a K_ATP channel blocker) attenuated the inhibitory effect of NaHS on HG-induced up-regulation of RIP3. On the other hand, co-treatment of the cells with 100 μmol/L necrostatin-1 (a specific inhibitor of necroptosis) or pre-treatment of the cells with 100 μmol/L DZ or 400 μmol/L NaHS attenuated HG-induced inflammatory responses, evidenced by decreases in the expression of COX-2 and secretion levels of IL-1β and TNF-α. However, pre-treatment of the cells with 100 μmol/L 5-HD significantly attenuated the above anti-inflammatory effects of NaHS.CONCLUSION: K_ATP channels play an important role in the inhibitory effect of H₂S on HG-induced inflammation mediated by necroptosis in H9c2 cardiac cells.     

Protective effect of hydrogen sulfide on PC12 cells injured by ATP

AIM: To prove the purinergic signaling mechanism of the neuroprotective action of hydrogen sulfide by observing the effects of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), a donor of hydrogen sulfide, on the cell viability, intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) and the change of membrane permeability in the PC12 cells injured by adenosine triphosphate (ATP). METHODS: PC12 cells in logarithmic growth phase were randomly divided into 4 groups. In control group, the cells were cultured without ATP treatment. In ATP group, the cells were treated with ATP after cultured for 24 h. In NaHS+ATP group, the cells were incubated with NaHS for 30 min before treated with ATP, and NaHS always existed in the reaction system. In KN-62+ATP group, the cells were pretreated with KN-62 for 30 min, and the other treatments were as the same as those in NaHS+ATP group. The cell viability was assessed by MTT assay. The [Ca²⁺]_i was detected by Fura-2/AM staining. The membrane permeability was observed by staining with fluorescent dye YO-PRO-1.RESULTS: ATP at concentration of 0.3 mmol/L showed no injury effect on the cells. However, the cell viability was dropped gradually in a dose-dependent manner as the ATP at doses of 1, 3, 5 and 10 mmol/L. The decline of cell viability by ATP was obviously reversed by 200 μmol/L of NaHS in the PC12 cells (P<0.05), but exasperated by 800 μmol/L of NaHS (P<0.05). At the same time, ATP evoked the increase in [Ca²⁺]_i in a dose-dependent manner, which was inhibited by NaHS (P<0.05). Furthermore, the YO-PRO-1 uptake induced by ATP in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner was also reduced by NaHS (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Hydrogen sulfide has protective effect on the PC12 cells injured by ATP. The mechanism may be related to the reverse of the increased [Ca²⁺]_i and YO-PRO-1 uptake.     

Hydrogen sulfide inhibits inflammatory responses induced by acute myocardial ischemia in isolated rat hearts

AIM：To investigate whether hydrogen sulfide (H2S) protects the hearts against inflammatory responses induced by acute myocardial ischemia in isolated rat hearts. METHODS：Rat acute myocardial ischemia injury was induced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery for 4 h, and the normal perfusate was replaced with NaHS (5 μmol/L, 10 μmol/L and 20 μmol/L) perfusate accordingly in NaHS groups 2 h after ischemia. The changes of cardiac function in the myocardial ischemic injury rats were observed. The mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10 and ICAM-1 was detected by real-time PCR. The protein level of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in the myocardial tissues was detected by Western blotting. RESULTS：The cardiac function in ischemia group was lower than that in sham group (P<0.01). Compared with ischemia group, perfusion of NaHS resulted in the improvement of the cardiac function (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with sham group, the mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and ICAM-1 in the cardiac tissues was significantly increased, and the mRNA expression of IL-10 in the cardiac tissues was significantly decreased in ischemia group (P<0.01). Compared with ischemia group, the perfusion of NaHS significantly decreased the mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and ICAM-1 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The perfusion of NaHS at concentrations of 10 μmol/L and 20 μmol/L significantly increased the mRNA expression of IL-10 (P<0.01). The protein level of NF-κB in ischemia group was markedly higher than that in sham group (P<0.01). Compared with ischemia group, the perfusion of NaHS at concentrations of 10 μmol/L and 20 μmol/L significantly decreased the expression of NF-κB (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSION：H2S protects the hearts against acute ischemia injury through inhibition of NF-κB activation and subsequent down-regulation of NF-κB-dependent inflammatory gene expression.