Characterization of the Inducible and Slow-Releasing Hydrogen Sulfide and Persulfide Donor P*: Insights into Hydrogen Sulfide Signaling

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an important mediator of inflammatory processes. However, controversial findings also exist, and its underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. Recently, the byproducts of H2S, per-/polysulfides, emerged as biological mediators themselves, highlighting the complex chemistry of H2S. In this study, we characterized the biological effects of P*, a slow-releasing H2S and persulfide donor. To differentiate between H2S and polysulfide-derived effects, we decomposed P* into polysulfides. P* was further compared to the commonly used fast-releasing H2S donor sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaHS). The effects on oxidative stress and interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression were assessed in ATDC5 cells using superoxide measurement, qPCR, ELISA, and Western blotting. The findings on IL-6 expression were corroborated in primary chondrocytes from osteoarthritis patients. In ATDC5 cells, P* not only induced the expression of the antioxidant enzyme heme oxygenase-1 via per-/polysulfides, but also induced activation of Akt and p38 MAPK. NaHS and P* significantly impaired menadione-induced superoxide production. P* reduced IL-6 levels in both ATDC5 cells and primary chondrocytes dependent on H2S release. Taken together, P* provides a valuable research tool for the investigation of H2S and per-/polysulfide signaling. These data demonstrate the importance of not only H2S, but also per-/polysulfides as bioactive signaling molecules with potent anti-inflammatory and, in particular, antioxidant properties.

Keywords

• hydrogen sulfide
• polysulfides
• ATDC5
• human chondrocytes
• osteoarthritis
• oxidative stress