Pharmacology of Hydrogen Sulfide and Its Donors in Cardiometabolic Diseases.

Cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) are major contributors to global mortality, emphasizing the critical need for novel therapeutic interventions. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has garnered enormous attention as a significant gasotransmitter with various physiological, pathophysiological, and pharmacological impacts within mammalian cardiometabolic systems. In addition to its roles in attenuating oxidative stress and inflammatory response, burgeoning research emphasizes the significance of H2S in regulating proteins via persulfidation, a well known modification intricately associated with the pathogenesis of CMDs. This review seeks to investigate recent updates on the physiological actions of endogenous H2S and the pharmacological roles of various H2S donors in addressing diverse aspects of CMDs across cellular, animal, and clinical studies. Of note, advanced methodologies, including multiomics, intestinal microflora analysis, organoid, and single-cell sequencing techniques, are gaining traction due to their ability to offer comprehensive insights into biomedical research. These emerging approaches hold promise in characterizing the pharmacological roles of H2S in health and diseases. We will critically assess the current literature to clarify the roles of H2S in diseases while also delineating the opportunities and challenges they present in H2S-based pharmacotherapy for CMDs. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This comprehensive review covers recent developments in H2S biology and pharmacology in cardiometabolic diseases CMDs. Endogenous H2S and its donors show great promise for the management of CMDs by regulating numerous proteins and signaling pathways. The emergence of new technologies will considerably advance the pharmacological research and clinical translation of H2S.

o8G Site-Specifically Modified tRF-1-AspGTC: A Novel Therapeutic Target and Biomarker for Pulmonary Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Hypoxia and oxidative stress contribute to the development of pulmonary hypertension (PH). tRNA-derived fragments play important roles in RNA interference and cell proliferation, but their epitranscriptional roles in PH development have not been investigated. We aimed to gain insight into the mechanistic contribution of oxidative stress-induced 8-oxoguanine in pulmonary vascular remodeling. METHODS: Through small RNA modification array analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction, a significant upregulation of the 8-oxoguanine -modified tRF-1-AspGTC was found in the lung tissues and the serum of patients with PH. RESULTS: This modification occurs at the position 5 of the tRF-1-AspGTC (5o8G tRF). Inhibition of the 5o8G tRF reversed hypoxia-induced proliferation and apoptosis resistance in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. Further investigation unveiled that the 5o8G tRF retargeted mRNA of WNT5A (Wingless-type MMTV integration site family, member 5A) and CASP3 (Caspase3) and inhibited their expression. Ultimately, BMPR2 (Bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2) -reactive oxygen species/5o8G tRF/WNT5A signaling pathway exacerbated the progression of PH. CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights the role of site-specific 8-oxoguanine-modified tRF in promoting the development of PH. Our findings present a promising therapeutic avenue for managing PH and propose 5o8G tRF as a potential innovative marker for diagnosing this disease.

The Role of H2S in the Metabolism of Glucose and Lipids.

Glucose and lipids are essential elements for maintaining the body's homeostasis, and their dysfunction may participate in the pathologies of various diseases, particularly diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular ailments, and cancers. Among numerous endogenous mediators, the gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide (H2S) plays a central role in the maintenance of glucose and lipid homeostasis. Current evidence from both pharmacological studies and transgenic animal models suggest a complex relationship between H2S and metabolic dysregulation, especially in diabetes and obesity. This notion is achieved through tissue-specific expressions and actions of H2S on target metabolic and hormone organs including the pancreas, skeletal muscle, livers, and adipose. In this chapter, we will summarize the roles and mechanisms of H2S in several metabolic organs/tissues that are necessary for glucose and lipid metabolic homeostasis. In addition, future research directions and valuable therapeutic avenues around the pharmacological regulation of H2S in glycolipid metabolism disorder will be also discussed.

Role of nitroxyl (HNO) in cardiovascular system: From biochemistry to pharmacology.

Cardiovascular diseases are recognized to be a major cause of people morbidity and mortality. A host of stress signals contribute to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disorders. Deficiency of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) or nitric oxide (NO) coordinately plays essential roles in the development of cardiovascular diseases. Recent studies have shown that interaction between the two gaseostransmitters, H2S and NO, may give rise to nitroxyl (HNO), one-electron-reduced product of NO. HNO is found to exhibit a variety of biological and pharmacological properties including positive inotropy and cardiovascular protective effects, etc. In this review, recent progresses regarding HNO generation, detection, biochemical and pharmacological functions are discussed.

Hydrogen Sulfide: Recent Progression and Perspectives for the Treatment of Diabetic Nephropathy.

Diabetic kidney disease develops in approximately 40% of diabetic patients and is a major cause of chronic kidney diseases (CKD) and end stage kidney disease (ESKD) worldwide. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), the third gasotransmitter after nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO), is synthesized in nearly all organs, including the kidney. Though studies on H2S regulation of renal physiology and pathophysiology are still in its infancy, emerging evidence shows that H2S production by renal cells is reduced under disease states and H2S donors ameliorate kidney injury. Specifically, aberrant H2S level is implicated in various renal pathological conditions including diabetic nephropathy. This review presents the roles of H2S in diabetic renal disease and the underlying mechanisms for the protective effects of H2S against diabetic renal damage. H2S may serve as fundamental strategies to treat diabetic kidney disease. These H2S treatment modalities include precursors for H2S synthesis, H2S donors, and natural plant-derived compounds. Despite accumulating evidence from experimental studies suggests the potential role of the H2S signaling pathway in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy, these results need further clinical translation. Expanding understanding of H2S in the kidney may be vital to translate H2S to be a novel therapy for diabetic renal disease.

[Effect of electro-acupuncture on clinical outcomes and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in in vitro fertilization and embryo transplantation].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) on clinical outcomes and the occurrence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in in vitro fertilization and embryo transplantation. METHODS: Totally 109 patients who routinely received in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) at Reproductive Center were assigned to the control group (56 cases) and the EA group (53 cases) according to even and odd-numbered date. Patients in the control group received controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) referring to GnRH-a long protocol. On the basis of COH, those in the EA group received EA from the day of Gn injection to the day of embryo transfer. Estradiol (E2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and angiotensin (AT) II were measured in all patients on the day of hCG injection, the day of ovum pick up (OPU), and the day of embryo transfer (ET), respectively. The oocyte retrieval rate, good quality embryo rate, clinical pregnancy rate, the abortion rate, and the occurrence of OHSS were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, serum E2 levels on the day of OPU and the day of ET were significantly lower in the EA group (P < 0.05). On the day of OPU levels of VEGF and IL-6 also significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Serum levels of VEGF and IL-6 reached the highest line on the day of hCG in the two groups, and then showed a decreasing trend. Compared with the control group at the same time point, serum levels of VEGF and IL-6 obviously decreased on on the day of OPU, hCG, and ET (P < 0.05). The occurrence of OHSS and the canceling rate of transplant cycle were significantly lower in the EA group than in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: EA, as an adjunctive therapy, could reduce the occurrence of OHSS in IVF. Besides, it did not decrease good embryo rates and pregnancy rates in IVF-ET, which might be associated with lowering local vascular permeability of ovaries.

Targeting NKAα1 to treat Parkinson's disease through inhibition of mitophagy-dependent ferroptosis.

Dysfunction of the Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) has been documented in various neurodegenerative diseases, yet the specific role of NKAα1 in Parkinson's disease (PD) remains incompletely understood. In this investigation, we utilized NKAα1 haploinsufficiency (NKAα1+/-) mice to probe the influence of NKAα1 on dopaminergic (DA) neurodegeneration induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Our findings reveal that NKAα1+/- mice displayed a heightened loss of DA neurons and more pronounced motor dysfunction compared to the control group when exposed to MPTP. Intriguingly, this phenomenon coincided with the activation of ferroptosis and impaired mitophagy both in vivo and in vitro. To scrutinize the role and underlying mechanism of NKAα1 in PD, we employed DR-Ab, an antibody targeting the DR-region of the NKA α subunit. Our study demonstrates that the administration of DR-Ab effectively reinstated the membrane abundance of NKAα1, thereby mitigating MPTP-induced DA neuron loss and subsequent improvement in behavioral deficit. Mechanistically, DR-Ab heightened the formation of the surface NKAα1/SLC7A11 complex, inhibiting SLC7A11-dependent ferroptosis. Moreover, DR-Ab disrupted the cytosolic interaction between NKAα1 and Parkin, facilitating the translocation of Parkin to mitochondria and enhancing the process of mitophagy. In conclusion, this study establishes NKAα1 as a key regulator of ferroptosis and mitophagy, identifying its DR-region as a promising therapeutic target for PD.

Hydrogen Sulfide in Diabetic Complications Revisited: The State of the Art, Challenges, and Future Directions.

Significance: Diabetes and its related complications are becoming an increasing public health problem that affects hundreds of millions of people globally. Increased disability and mortality rate of diabetic individuals are closely associated with various life-threatening complications, such as atherosclerosis, nephropathy, retinopathy, and cardiomyopathy. Recent Advances: Conventional treatments for diabetes are still limited because of undesirable side effects, including obesity, hypoglycemia, and hepatic and renal toxicity. Studies have shown that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) plays a critical role in the modulation of glycolipid metabolism, pancreatic ß cell functions, and diabetic complications. Critical Issues: Preservation of endogenous H2S systems and supplementation of H2S donors are effective in attenuating diabetes-induced complications, thus representing a new avenue to treat diabetes and its associated complications. Future Directions: This review systematically recapitulates and discusses the most recent updates regarding the therapeutic effects of H2S on diabetes and its various complications, with an emphasis on the molecular mechanisms that underlie H2S-mediated protection against diabetic complications. Furthermore, current clinical trials of H2S in diabetic populations are highlighted, and the challenges and solutions to the clinical transformation of H2S-derived therapies in diabetes are proposed. Finally, future research directions of the pharmacological actions of H2S in diabetes and its related complications are summarized. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 38, 18-44.

DR region of NKAα1 is a target to ameliorate hepatic lipid metabolism disturbance in obese mice.

BACKGROUND: Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA), an ion pumping enzyme ubiquitously expressed in various cells, is critically involved in cellular ion homeostasis and signal transduction. However, the role of NKA in hepatic lipid homeostasis has yet to be fully characterized. METHODS: The activity of NKA and NKAα1 expression were determined in steatotic cells, mice and patients. The roles of NKAα1 in hepatosteatosis were detected using hepatocyte knockout or specific overexpression of NKAα1 in mice. RESULTS: Herein, we demonstrated that the expression and activity of α1 subunit of NKA (NKAα1) were lowered in the livers of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients, high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice, and genetically obese (ob/ob, db/db) mice, as well as oleic acid-induced hepatocytes. Hepatic deficiency of NKAα1 exacerbated, while adeno-associated virus-mediated liver specific overexpression of NKAα1 alleviated hepatic steatosis through regulation of fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and lipogenesis. Mechanistically, we revealed that NKAα1 upregulated sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) via interacting with ubiquitin specific peptidase 22 (USP22), a deubiquitinating enzyme for the stabilization and deubiquitination of SIRT1, thus activating the downstream autophagy signaling. Blockade of the SIRT1/autophagy signaling pathway eliminated the protective effects of NKAα1 against lipid deposition in hepatocytes. Importantly, we found that an antibody against the DR region (897DVEDSYGQQWTYEQR911) of NKAα1 subunit (DR-Ab) ameliorated hepatic steatosis through maintaining the membrane density of NKAα1 and inducing its activation. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, this study renews the functions of NKAα1 in liver lipid metabolism and provides a new clue for gene therapy or antibody treatment of hepatic lipid metabolism disturbance by targeting NKAα1.

Polysulfide Protects Against Diabetic Cardiomyopathy Through Sulfhydration of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ and Sirtuin 3.

Aims: Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by cardiac dysfunction and heart failure. However, the effective therapy for DCM is still lacking. Polysulfide contains chains of sulfur atoms, and accumulative evidence has shown that it actively participates in mammalian physiology or pathophysiology. Nevertheless, the potential effects and mechanisms of polysulfide in DCM need further investigation. In the present study, Na2S4, a polysulfide donor, was employed to investigate the therapeutic effects of polysulfide in DCM. Results: Our results showed that Na2S4 protected cardiomyocytes against high glucose (HG)-induced cardiomyocyte injury. The pathological changes in DCM including cell death, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and cardiac hypertrophy were improved by Na2S4 treatment. The left ventricular contractile function in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice was significantly improved by Na2S4. Mechanistically, Na2S4 upregulated and sulfhydrated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) and sirtuin 3 (SIRT-3) in cardiomyocytes. Suppression of PPARγ or SIRT-3 with their specific inhibitors or blockade of sulfhydration abolished the protective effects of Na2S4. Moreover, mutations of PPARγ or SIRT-3 at specific cysteines diminished the benefits of Na2S4 in HG-challenged cardiomyocytes. Innovation and Conclusion: We demonstrated that Na2S4 prevented the development of DCM via sulfhydration of both PPARγ and SIRT-3. Our results imply that polysulfide may be a potential and promising agent to treat DCM. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 38, 1-17.

Therapeutic potential of carbon monoxide in hypertension-induced vascular smooth muscle cell damage revisited: From physiology and pharmacology.

As a chronic and progressive disorder, hypertension remains to be a serious public health problem around the world. Among the different types of hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a devastating disease associated with pulmonary arteriole remodeling, right ventricular failure and death. The contemporary management of systemic hypertension and PAH has substantially grown since more therapeutic targets and/or agents have been developed. Evolving treatment strategies targeting the vascular remodeling lead to improving outcomes in patients with hypertension, nevertheless, significant advancement opportunities for developing better antihypertensive drugs remain. Carbon monoxide (CO), an active endogenous gasotransmitter along with hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and nitric oxide (NO), is primarily generated by heme oxygenase (HO). Cumulative evidence suggests that CO is considered as an important signaling molecule under both physiological and pathological conditions. Studies have shown that CO confers a number of biological and pharmacological properties, especially its involvement in the pathological process and treatment of hypertension-related vascular remodeling. This review will critically outline the roles of CO in hypertension-associated vascular remodeling and discuss the underlying mechanisms for the protective effects of CO against hypertension and vascular remodeling. In addition, we will propose the challenges and perspectives of CO in hypertensive vascular remodeling. It is expected that a comprehensive understanding of CO in the vasculature might be essential to translate CO to be a novel pharmacological agent for hypertension-induced vascular remodeling.

An Updated Insight Into Molecular Mechanism of Hydrogen Sulfide in Cardiomyopathy and Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury Under Diabetes.

Cardiovascular diseases are the most common complications of diabetes, and diabetic cardiomyopathy is a major cause of people death in diabetes. Molecular, transcriptional, animal, and clinical studies have discovered numerous therapeutic targets or drugs for diabetic cardiomyopathy. Within this, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an endogenous gasotransmitter alongside with nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO), is found to play a critical role in diabetic cardiomyopathy. Recently, the protective roles of H2S in diabetic cardiomyopathy have attracted enormous attention. In addition, H2S donors confer favorable effects in myocardial infarction, ischaemia-reperfusion injury, and heart failure under diabetic conditions. Further studies have disclosed that multiplex molecular mechanisms are responsible for the protective effects of H2S against diabetes-elicited cardiac injury, such as anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-necrotic properties. In this review, we will summarize the current findings on H2S biology and pharmacology, especially focusing on the novel mechanisms of H2S-based protection against diabetic cardiomyopathy. Also, the potential roles of H2S in diabetes-aggravated ischaemia-reperfusion injury are discussed.

Role of Hydrogen Sulfide and Polysulfides in Neurological Diseases: Focus on Protein S-Persulfidation.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and hydrogen polysulfides are recognized as important signaling molecules that are generated physiologically in the body, including the central nervous system (CNS). Studies have shown that these two molecules are involved in cytoprotection against oxidative stress and inflammatory response. In the brain system, H2S and polysulfides exert multiple functions in both health and diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), memory decline, and glioma. Mechanistically, S-Persulfidation (also known as S-sulfuration or S-sulfhydration) of target proteins is believed to be a fundamental mechanism that underlies H2S-regulated signaling pathways. Cysteine S-Persulfidation is an important paradigm of post translational protein modification in the process of H2S signaling. This model is established as a critical redox mechanism to regulate numerous biological functions, especially in H2S-mediated neuroprotection and neurogenesis. Although the current research of S-Persulfidation is still in its infancy, accumulative evidence suggests that protein S-Persulfidation may share similar characteristics with protein S-nitrosylation. In this review, we will provide a comprehensive insight into the S-Persulfidation biology of H2S and polysulfides in neurological ailments and presume potential avenues for therapeutic development in these disorders based on S-Persulfidation of target proteins.

Implications of hydrogen sulfide in liver pathophysiology: Mechanistic insights and therapeutic potential.

BACKGROUND: Over the last several decades, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been found to exert multiple physiological functions in mammal systems. The endogenous production of H2S is primarily mediated by cystathione ß-synthase (CBS), cystathione γ-lyase (CSE), and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST). These enzymes are widely expressed in the liver tissues and regulate hepatic functions by acting on various molecular targets. AIM OF REVIEW: In the present review, we will highlight the recent advancements in the cellular events triggered by H2S under liver diseases. The therapeutic effects of H2S donors on hepatic diseases will also be discussed. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW: As a critical regulator of liver functions, H2S is critically involved in the etiology of various liver disorders, such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), hepatic fibrosis, hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury, and liver cancer. Targeting H2S-producing enzymes may be a promising strategy for managing hepatic disorders.

Melatonin ameliorates cypermethrin-induced impairments by regulating oxidative stress, DNA damage and apoptosis in porcine Sertoli cells.

Cypermethrin (CYP) is a widely used insecticide that may be harmful to nontarget species. However, the toxicity of CYP to porcine Sertoli cells (SCs) and its associated mechanism is not known. We investigated the toxicity of CYP and showed that CYP induced cytotoxicity in porcine SCs in a dose-dependent manner. Mechanistic investigations revealed that CYP induced oxidative stress and DNA damage in porcine SCs, which provoked mitochondria-associated apoptosis. CYP also stimulated the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) to induce porcine SC apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation via the inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) expression. The natural antioxidant melatonin had an obvious protective effect against CYP-induced porcine SC toxicity. Overall, our results reveal that the mechanism underlying CYP-induced toxicity in porcine SCs involves oxidative stress, DNA damage, and apoptosis and suggest that melatonin may be used as a highly effective protective agent against oxidative stress.

[Semen cryopreservation applied to intrauterine insemination cycles for oligospermia and asthenospermia in infertile men].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the application value of semen cryopreservation in intrauterine insemination cycles for the treatment of oligospermia and asthenospermia in infertile males. METHODS: A total of 152 cycles of intrauterine insemination were performed for 103 couples with constitutional infertility, which were divided into Groups 1 (normal semen, n=53), 2 (oligospermia and asthenospermia, n=52) and 3 (fresh combined with cryopreserved semen, n=47). Semen parameters and forward motile sperm count after processing were recorded by Makler chamber, and all were followed up for the outcome of clinical pregnancy. RESULTS: Compared with Group 2, Group 3 showed obviously lower semen volume, sperm motility and grade a sperm count before semen processing, with extremely significant differences (P < 0.01), but a higher rate of grade a sperm after semen processing, though with no significant differences (P > 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the pregnancy rate between Groups 2 and 3 (9.6% versus 14.9%, P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Semen cryopreservation can improve the forward motile sperm count and pregnancy rate in oligospermia and asthenospermia patients after intrauterine insemination. Semen cryopreservation combined with intrauterine insemination seems an ideal treatment for oligospermia and asthenospermia in infertile men.

DR-region of Na+/K+-ATPase is a target to ameliorate hepatic insulin resistance in obese diabetic mice.

Reduced hepatic Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) activity and NKAα1 expression are engaged in the pathologies of metabolism diseases. The present study was designed to investigate the potential roles of NKAα1 in hepatic gluconeogenesis and glycogenesis in both hepatocytes and obese diabetic mice. Methods: Insulin resistance was mimicked by glucosamine (GlcN) in either human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells or primary mouse primary hepatocytes. Obese diabetic mice were induced by high-fat diet (HFD) feeding for 12 weeks. Results: We found that both NKA activity and NKAα1 protein level were downregulated in GlcN-treated hepatocytes and in the livers of obese diabetic mice. Pharmacological inhibition of NKA with ouabain worsened, while activation of NKAα1 with an antibody against an extracellular DR region of NKAα1 subunit (DR-Ab) prevented GlcN-induced increase in gluconeogenesis and decrease in glycogenesis. Likewise, the above results were also corroborated by the opposite effects of genetic knockout/overexpression of NKAα1 on both gluconeogenesis and glycogenesis. In obese diabetic mice, hepatic activation or overexpression of NKAα1 stimulated the PI3K/Akt pathway to suppress hyperglycemia and improve insulin resistance. More importantly, loss of NKA activities in NKAα1+/- mice was associated with more susceptibility to insulin resistance following HFD feeding. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that NKAα1 is a physiological regulator of glucose homoeostasis and its DR-region is a novel target to treat hepatic insulin resistance.

Role of Endothelial Dysfunction in Cardiovascular Diseases: The Link Between Inflammation and Hydrogen Sulfide.

Endothelial cells are important constituents of blood vessels that play critical roles in cardiovascular homeostasis by regulating blood fluidity and fibrinolysis, vascular tone, angiogenesis, monocyte/leukocyte adhesion, and platelet aggregation. The normal vascular endothelium is taken as a gatekeeper of cardiovascular health, whereas abnormality of vascular endothelium is a major contributor to a plethora of cardiovascular ailments, such as atherosclerosis, aging, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. Endothelial dysfunction is characterized by imbalanced vasodilation and vasoconstriction, elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS), and proinflammatory factors, as well as deficiency of nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. The occurrence of endothelial dysfunction disrupts the endothelial barrier permeability that is a part of inflammatory response in the development of cardiovascular diseases. As such, abrogation of endothelial cell activation/inflammation is of clinical relevance. Recently, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an entry as a gasotransmitter, exerts diverse biological effects through acting on various targeted signaling pathways. Within the cardiovascular system, the formation of H2S is detected in smooth muscle cells, vascular endothelial cells, and cardiomyocytes. Disrupted H2S bioavailability is postulated to be a new indicator for endothelial cell inflammation and its associated endothelial dysfunction. In this review, we will summarize recent advances about the roles of H2S in endothelial cell homeostasis, especially under pathological conditions, and discuss its putative therapeutic applications in endothelial inflammation-associated cardiovascular disorders.

Rosmarinic acid treatment during porcine oocyte maturation attenuates oxidative stress and improves subsequent embryo development in vitro.

BACKGROUND: In vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes has been widely used in the field of assisted reproductive technology. However, oocytes can be injured by oxidative stress during the process of IVM. METHODS: The present study was designed to evaluate the influences of rosmarinic acid (RA) on the IVM of porcine oocytes and the subsequent development of early-stage embryos as well as its underlying mechanisms. Various concentrations of RA (5 µM, 10 µM, and 25 µM) were treated with porcine oocyte maturation medium during the period of IVM. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The results showed that 5 µM RA treatment during the period of porcine oocyte IVM improves blastocyst quality and hatching ability after parthenogenetic activation. Furthermore, the presence of RA during the period of IVM dramatically improved the total number of cells after somatic cell nuclear transfer compared to the number of cells in the control group. Notably, RA treatment during the period of porcine oocyte IVM decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species generation not only in oocytes but also in cumulus cells. Further analysis showed that the intracellular free thiols levels in the oocytes were enhanced by treatment with RA during the period of porcine oocyte IVM compared to the free thiols levels in the control groups. These results indicate that RA improves the developmental competence of porcine oocytes during the IVM period by attenuating oxidative stress.

Derivation of Porcine Embryonic Stem-Like Cells from In Vitro-Produced Blastocyst-Stage Embryos.

Efficient isolation of embryonic stem (ES) cells from pre-implantation porcine embryos has remained a challenge. Here, we describe the derivation of porcine embryonic stem-like cells (pESLCs) by seeding the isolated inner cell mass (ICM) from in vitro-produced porcine blastocyst into α-MEM with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). The pESL cells kept the normal karyotype and displayed flatten clones, similar in phenotype to human embryonic stem cells (hES cells) and rodent epiblast stem cells. These cells exhibited alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity and expressed pluripotency markers such as OCT4, NANOG, SOX2, SSEA-4, TRA-1-60, and TRA-1-81 as determined by both immunofluorescence and RT-PCR. Additionally, these cells formed embryoid body (EB), teratomas and also differentiated into 3 germ layers in vitro and in vivo. Microarray analysis showed the expression of the pluripotency markers, PODXL, REX1, SOX2, KLF5 and NR6A1, was significantly higher compared with porcine embryonic fibroblasts (PEF), but expression of OCT4, TBX3, REX1, LIN28A and DPPA5, was lower compared to the whole blastocysts or ICM of blastocyst. Our results showed that porcine embryonic stem-like cells can be established from in vitro-produced blastocyst-stage embryos, which promote porcine naive ES cells to be established.