Purpose S-propargyl-cysteine (SPRC), an excellent endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donor, could elevate H2S levels via the cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE)/H2S pathway both in vitro and in vivo. However, the immediate release of H2S in vivo and daily administration of SPRC potentially limited its clinical use. Methods To solve the fore-mentioned problem, in this study, the dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (DMSN) was firstly prepared, and a sustained H2S delivery system consisted of SPRC and DMSN (SPRC@DMSN) was then constructed. Their release profiles, both in vitro and in vivo, were investigated, and their therapeutical effect toward adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rats was also studied. Results The spherical morphology of DMSN could be observed under scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and the transmission electron microscope (TEM) images showed a central-radiational pore channel structure of DMSN. DMSN showed excellent SPRC loading capacity and attaining a sustained releasing ability than SPRC both in vitro and in vivo, and the prolonged SPRC releasing could further promote the release of H2S in a sustained manner through CSE/H2S pathway both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, the SPRC@DMSN showed promising anti-inflammation effect against AIA in rats was also observed. Conclusions A sustained H2S releasing donor consisting of SPRC and DMSN was constructed in this study, and this sustained H2S releasing donor might be of good use for the treatment of AIA.
