The SOD1 Inhibitor, LCS-1, Oxidizes H2S to Reactive Sulfur Species, Directly and Indirectly, through Conversion of SOD1 to an Oxidase.

LCS-1, a putative selective inhibitor of SOD1, is a substituted pyridazinone with rudimentary similarity to quinones and naphthoquinones. As quinones catalytically oxidize H2S to biologically active reactive sulfur species (RSS), we hypothesized LCS-1 might have similar attributes. Here, we examine LCS-1 reactions with H2S and SOD1 using thiol-specific fluorophores, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), UV-vis spectrometry, and oxygen consumption. We show that LCS-1 catalytically oxidizes H2S in buffer solutions to form RSS, namely per- and polyhydrosulfides (H2Sn, n = 2-6). These reactions consume oxygen and produce hydrogen peroxide, but they do not have an EPR signature, nor do they affect the UV-vis spectrum. Surprisingly, LCS-1 synergizes with SOD1, but not SOD2, to oxidize H2S to H2S3-6. LCS-1 forms monothiol adducts with H2S, glutathione (GSH), and cysteine (Cys), but not with oxidized glutathione or cystine; both thiol adducts inhibit LCS-1-SOD1 synergism. We propose that LCS-1 forms an adduct with SOD1 that disrupts the intramolecular Cys57-Cys146 disulfide bond and transforms SOD1 from a dismutase to an oxidase. This would increase cellular ROS and polysulfides, the latter potentially affecting cellular signaling and/or cytoprotection.

Reaction Mechanisms of H2S Oxidation by Naphthoquinones.

1,4-naphthoquinones (NQs) catalytically oxidize H2S to per- and polysufides and sulfoxides, reduce oxygen to superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, and can form NQ-SH adducts through Michael addition. Here, we measured oxygen consumption and used sulfur-specific fluorophores, liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and UV-Vis spectrometry to examine H2S oxidation by NQs with various substituent groups. In general, the order of H2S oxidization was DCNQ ~ juglone > 1,4-NQ > plumbagin >DMNQ ~ 2-MNQ > menadione, although this order varied somewhat depending on the experimental conditions. DMNQ does not form adducts with GSH or cysteine (Cys), yet it readily oxidizes H2S to polysulfides and sulfoxides. This suggests that H2S oxidation occurs at the carbonyl moiety and not at the quinoid 2 or 3 carbons, although the latter cannot be ruled out. We found little evidence from oxygen consumption studies or LC-MS/MS that NQs directly oxidize H2S2-4, and we propose that apparent reactions of NQs with inorganic polysulfides are due to H2S impurities in the polysulfides or an equilibrium between H2S and H2Sn. Collectively, NQ oxidation of H2S forms a variety of products that include hydropersulfides, hydropolysulfides, sulfenylpolysulfides, sulfite, and thiosulfate, and some of these reactions may proceed until an insoluble S8 colloid is formed.

Always enough but never too much: the how and why of downregulating tissue oxygenation.

Cardiovascular regulation of tissue oxygenation is generally viewed as an anti-drop process that prevents tissue oxygen concentration from falling below some minimum. I propose that cardiovascular regulation is predominately an anti-rise process designed to downregulate oxygen delivery. This maintains an evolutionarily conserved, reduced intracellular environment to prevent oxidation of redox-sensitive regulatory protein thiols. A number of points support this hypothesis. First, oxygen is the only nutrient with a positive, fourfold diffusion gradient from the environment to systemic tissues, minimizing the likelihood that oxygen delivery is limited. Second, hemoglobin (Hb) retains oxygen unless offloading is absolutely necessary. The allosteric properties of Hb keep oxygen tightly bound until absolutely needed, and the Bohr shift, which favors offloading, is only transient and lost when metabolism is restored. Third, a myoglobin-like Hb (xHb) would offload all of its oxygen and could easily have evolved, but it did not. Fourth, oxygen-sensitive vasoconstrictors and hyperoxic-rarefaction prevent acute and chronic over perfusion. Fifth, Fåhraeus and Fåhraeus-Lindqvist effects reduce capillary hematocrit to minimize microcirculatory oxygen content. Sixth, venous blood remains 75% saturated, wasting 75% of cardiac output were an oxygen reserve not needed. Finally, xHb-containing red blood cells could be considerably smaller and thereby decrease Fåhraeus and Fåhraeus-Lindqvist effects and cardiac load. In summary, the capacity of the cardiovascular system to deliver oxygen to the tissues generally exceeds demand, and although maintenance of an oxygen delivery reserve is important, it is more important to prevent excess oxygen delivery.

Redox and Nucleophilic Reactions of Naphthoquinones with Small Thiols and Their Effects on Oxidization of H2S to Inorganic and Organic Hydropolysulfides and Thiosulfate.

Naphthoquinone (1,4-NQ) and its derivatives (NQs, juglone, plumbagin, 2-methoxy-1,4-NQ, and menadione) have a variety of therapeutic applications, many of which are attributed to redox cycling and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We previously demonstrated that NQs also oxidize hydrogen sulfide (H2S) to reactive sulfur species (RSS), potentially conveying identical benefits. Here we use RSS-specific fluorophores, mass spectroscopy, EPR and UV-Vis spectrometry, and oxygen-sensitive optodes to examine the effects of thiols and thiol-NQ adducts on H2S-NQ reactions. In the presence of glutathione (GSH) and cysteine (Cys), 1,4-NQ oxidizes H2S to both inorganic and organic hydroper-/hydropolysulfides (R2Sn, R=H, Cys, GSH; n = 2-4) and organic sulfoxides (GSnOH, n = 1, 2). These reactions reduce NQs and consume oxygen via a semiquinone intermediate. NQs are also reduced as they form adducts with GSH, Cys, protein thiols, and amines. Thiol, but not amine, adducts may increase or decrease H2S oxidation in reactions that are both NQ- and thiol-specific. Amine adducts also inhibit the formation of thiol adducts. These results suggest that NQs may react with endogenous thiols, including GSH, Cys, and protein Cys, and that these adducts may affect both thiol reactions as well as RSS production from H2S.

The Effects of Antioxidant Nutraceuticals on Cellular Sulfur Metabolism and Signaling.

Significance: Nutraceuticals are ingested for health benefits, in addition to their general nutritional value. These dietary supplements have become increasingly popular since the late 20th century and they are a rapidly expanding global industry approaching a half-trillion U.S. dollars annually. Many nutraceuticals are promulgated as potent antioxidants. Recent Advances: Experimental support for the efficacy of nutraceuticals has lagged behind anecdotal exuberance. However, accumulating epidemiological evidence and recent, well-controlled clinical trials are beginning to support earlier animal and in vitro studies. Although still somewhat limited, encouraging results have been suggested in essentially all organ systems and against a wide range of pathophysiological conditions. Critical Issues: Health benefits of "antioxidant" nutraceuticals are largely attributed to their ability to scavenge oxidants. This has been criticized based on several factors, including limited bioavailability, short tissue retention time, and the preponderance of endogenous antioxidants. Recent attention has turned to nutraceutical activation of downstream antioxidant systems, especially the Keap1/Nrf2 (Kelch like ECH associated protein 1/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) axis. The question now becomes, how do nutraceuticals activate this axis? Future Directions: Reactive sulfur species (RSS), including hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and its metabolites, are potent activators of the Keap1/Nrf2 axis and avid scavengers of reactive oxygen species. Evidence is beginning to accumulate that a variety of nutraceuticals increase cellular RSS by directly providing RSS in the diet, or through a number of catalytic mechanisms that increase endogenous RSS production. We propose that nutraceutical-specific targeting of RSS metabolism will lead to the design and development of even more efficacious antioxidant therapeutic strategies. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 38, 68-94.

Recent Development of the Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Hydrogen Sulfide Gasotransmitter.

Hydrogen sulfide has been recently identified as the third biological gasotransmitter, along with the more well studied nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO). Intensive studies on its potential as a therapeutic agent for cardiovascular, inflammatory, infectious and neuropathological diseases have been undertaken. Here we review the possible direct targets of H2S in mammals. H2S directly interacts with reactive oxygen/nitrogen species and is involved in redox signaling. H2S also reacts with hemeproteins and modulates metal-containing complexes. Once being oxidized, H2S can persulfidate proteins by adding -SSH to the amino acid cysteine. These direct modifications by H2S have significant impact on cell structure and many cellular functions, such as tight junctions, autophagy, apoptosis, vesicle trafficking, cell signaling, epigenetics and inflammasomes. Therefore, we conclude that H2S is involved in many important cellular and physiological processes. Compounds that donate H2S to biological systems can be developed as therapeutics for different diseases.

'Antioxidant' berries, anthocyanins, resveratrol and rosmarinic acid oxidize hydrogen sulfide to polysulfides and thiosulfate: A novel mechanism underlying their biological actions.

Nutraceutical polyphenol catechins in green tea oxidize H2S to polysulfides (PS) in buffer and in cells thereby conveying their cytoprotective effects. Here we measure H2S oxidation in buffer and HEK293 cells by over-the-counter nutraceuticals, blueberry, bilberry and cranberry, and by polyphenols, cyanadin (Cya), quercetin (Que), rosmarinic acid (RA) and resveratrol (Res). H2S and PS were measured with specific fluorophores, AzMc and SSP4 respectively, and thiosulfate (TS) production was measured in buffer using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). All compounds increased polysulfide production from H2S in buffer and increased polysufides in cells. Decreasing oxygen from 100% to 21% and 0% progressively decreased PS production by Que and RA in buffer and Que decreased PS production in cells incubated in 5% O2 compared to 21% O2. Que, RA and Res, but not Cya, increased TS production from H2S in 21% O2 but not in 0% O2. Superoxide dismutase did not affect PS production from H2S by Que or TS production from H2S by Que, RA or Res, whereas catalase inhibited TS production by all three polyphenols. Conversely, these polyphenols only slightly reduce a mixed polysulfide (K2Sn) or thiosulfate to H2S in 0% O2. Collectively, our results suggest that polyphenols are autoxidized to a semiquinone radical and that this, in turn, oxidizes H2S to a thiyl radical from which polysulfides and thiosulfate derived. They also suggest that this is catalyzed by a semiquinone radical and it is independent of either superoxide or hydrogen peroxide concomitantly produced during polyphenol autoxidation. The polysulfides produced in these reactions are potent antioxidants and also initiate a variety of downstream cytoprotective effector mechanisms. It is also possible that H2S can be regenerated from the thiosulfate produced in these reactions by other cellular reductants and reused in subsequent reactions.

Oxidation of Hydrogen Sulfide by Quinones: How Polyphenols Initiate Their Cytoprotective Effects.

We have shown that autoxidized polyphenolic nutraceuticals oxidize H2S to polysulfides and thiosulfate and this may convey their cytoprotective effects. Polyphenol reactivity is largely attributed to the B ring, which is usually a form of hydroxyquinone (HQ). Here, we examine the effects of HQs on sulfur metabolism using H2S- and polysulfide-specific fluorophores (AzMC and SSP4, respectively) and thiosulfate sensitive silver nanoparticles (AgNP). In buffer, 1,4-dihydroxybenzene (1,4-DB), 1,4-benzoquinone (1,4-BQ), pyrogallol (PG) and gallic acid (GA) oxidized H2S to polysulfides and thiosulfate, whereas 1,2-DB, 1,3-DB, 1,2-dihydroxy,3,4-benzoquinone and shikimic acid did not. In addition, 1,4-DB, 1,4-BQ, PG and GA also increased polysulfide production in HEK293 cells. In buffer, H2S oxidation by 1,4-DB was oxygen-dependent, partially inhibited by tempol and trolox, and absorbance spectra were consistent with redox cycling between HQ autoxidation and H2S-mediated reduction. Neither 1,2-DB, 1,3-DB, 1,4-DB nor 1,4-BQ reduced polysulfides to H2S in either 21% or 0% oxygen. Epinephrine and norepinephrine also oxidized H2S to polysulfides and thiosulfate; dopamine and tyrosine were ineffective. Polyphenones were also examined, but only 2,5-dihydroxy- and 2,3,4-trihydroxybenzophenones oxidized H2S. These results show that H2S is readily oxidized by specific hydroxyquinones and quinones, most likely through the formation of a semiquinone radical intermediate derived from either reaction of oxygen with the reduced quinones, or from direct reaction between H2S and quinones. We propose that polysulfide production by these reactions contributes to the health-promoting benefits of polyphenolic nutraceuticals.

The biological legacy of sulfur: A roadmap to the future.

"Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution" (Theodosius Dobzhansky) and "For such a large number of problems there will be some animal of choice, or a few such animals, on which it can be most conveniently studied" (August Krogh); dictums that can be used to illustrate the past and provide a guide to the future. Although sulfur was integral in the origin of life, and nearly seven-eights of subsequent evolution, its physiological importance is largely overlooked because much of contemporary life it is based on oxygen and the adherent problems associated with oxygen deficit (hypoxia) or excess (oxidative stress). This graphical review will summarize sulfur's role in evolution and make a case that many of the regulatory activities attributed to oxygen and reactive oxygen species (ROS) can also be ascribed to reactive sulfur species (RSS). ROS and RSS are chemically similar and signal via identical cysteine residues on regulatory proteins and have identical downstream effector responses. Antioxidant mechanisms, generally attributed to the advent of an oxic existence, actually appeared over 2 billion years prior, in sulfur metabolizing organisms. Recent evidence suggests they are active in sulfur metabolism to this day. Understanding these aspects of ROS and RSS suggests that alternative mechanisms for oxidant/antioxidant pathways and therapies must be considered. As oxygen and reduced sulfur do not coexist, either in cells or the environment, it is also important to design and conduct experiments in oxygen levels that are physiologically relevant. For every experiment there are optimal conditions under which it must be studied.

Green tea polyphenolic antioxidants oxidize hydrogen sulfide to thiosulfate and polysulfides: A possible new mechanism underpinning their biological action.

Matcha and green tea catechins such as (-)-epicatechin (EC), (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC) and (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) have long been studied for their antioxidant and health-promoting effects. Using specific fluorophores for H2S (AzMC) and polysulfides (SSP4) as well as IC-MS and UPLC-MS/MS-based techniques we here show that popular Japanese and Chinese green teas and select catechins all catalytically oxidize hydrogen sulfide (H2S) to polysulfides with the potency of EGC > EGCG >> EG. This reaction is accompanied by the formation of sulfite, thiosulfate and sulfate, consumes oxygen and is partially inhibited by the superoxide scavenger, tempol, and superoxide dismutase but not mannitol, trolox, DMPO, or the iron chelator, desferrioxamine. We propose that the reaction proceeds via a one-electron autoxidation process during which one of the OH-groups of the catechin B-ring is autooxidized to a semiquinone radical and oxygen is reduced to superoxide, either of which can then oxidize HS- to thiyl radicals (HS•) which react to form hydrogen persulfide (H2S2). H2S oxidation reduces the B-ring back to the hydroquinone for recycling while the superoxide is reduced to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Matcha and catechins also concentration-dependently and rapidly produce polysulfides in HEK293 cells with the potency order EGCG > EGC > EG, an EGCG threshold of ~300 nM, and an EC50 of ~3 µM, suggesting green tea also acts as powerful pro-oxidant in vivo. The resultant polysulfides formed are not only potent antioxidants, but elicit a cascade of secondary cytoprotective effects, and we propose that many of the health benefits of green tea are mediated through these reactions. Remarkably, all green tea leaves constitutively contain small amounts of H2S2.

Are Reactive Sulfur Species the New Reactive Oxygen Species?

Significance: Oxidative stress in moderation positively affects homeostasis through signaling, while in excess it is associated with adverse health outcomes. Both activities are generally attributed to reactive oxygen species (ROS); hydrogen peroxide as the signal, and cysteines on regulatory proteins as the target. However, using antioxidants to affect signaling or benefit health has not consistently translated into expected outcomes, or when it does, the mechanism is often unclear. Recent Advances: Reactive sulfur species (RSS) were integral in the origin of life and throughout much of evolution. Sophisticated metabolic pathways that evolved to regulate RSS were easily "tweaked" to deal with ROS due to the remarkable similarities between the two. However, unlike ROS, RSS are stored, recycled, and chemically more versatile. Despite these observations, the relevance and regulatory functions of RSS in extant organisms are generally underappreciated. Critical Issues: A number of factors bias observations in favor of ROS over RSS. Research conducted in room air is hyperoxic to cells, and promotes ROS production and RSS oxidation. Metabolic rates of rodent models greatly exceed those of humans; does this favor ROS? Analytical methods designed to detect ROS also respond to RSS. Do these disguise the contributions of RSS? Future Directions: Resolving the ROS/RSS issue is vital to understand biology in general and human health in particular. Improvements in experimental design and analytical methods are crucial. Perhaps the most important is an appreciation of all the attributes of RSS and keeping an open mind.

Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Hydrogen Sulfide Production Critically Impacts the Release of Other Paracrine Mediators After Injury.

BACKGROUND: The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for treatment during ischemia is novel. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an important paracrine mediator that is released from MSCs to facilitate angiogenesis and vasodilation. Three enzymes, cystathionine-beta-synthase (CBS), cystathionine-gamma-lyase (CSE), and 3-mercaptopyruvate-sulfurtransferase (MPST), are mainly responsible for H2S production. However, it is unclear how these enzymes impact the production of other critical growth factors and chemokines. We hypothesized that the enzymes responsible for H2S production in human MSCs would also critically regulate other growth factors and chemokines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human MSCs were transfected with CBS, MPST, CSE, or negative control small interfering RNA. Knockdown of enzymes was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. Cells were plated in 12-well plates at 100,000 cells per well and stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α; 50 ng/mL), lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 200 ng/mL), or 5% hypoxia for 24 h. Supernatants were collected, and cytokines measured by multiplex beaded assay. Data were compared with the Mann-Whitney U-test, and P < 0.05 was significant. RESULTS: TNF-α, LPS, and hypoxia effectively stimulated MSCs. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF), epidermal growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, granulocyte/monocyte colony-stimulating factor (GMCSF), vascular endothelial growth factor, and interferon gamma-inducible protein 10 were all significantly elevated when CSE was knocked down during TNF-α stimulation (P < 0.05). Knockdown of MPST during LPS stimulation more readily increased GCSF and epidermal growth factor but decreased GMCSF (P < 0.05). CBS knockdown decreased production of GCSF, fibroblast growth factor, GMCSF, and vascular endothelial growth factor (P < 0.05) after hypoxia. CONCLUSIONS: The enzymes that produce H2S in MSCs are also responsible for the production of other stem cell paracrine mediators under stressful stimuli. Therefore, reprogramming MSCs to endogenously produce more H2S as a therapeutic intervention could also critically impact other paracrine mediators, which may alter the desired beneficial effects.

Reactive oxygen species or reactive sulfur species: why we should consider the latter.

The biological effects of oxidants, especially reactive oxygen species (ROS), include signaling functions (oxidative eustress), initiation of measures to reduce elevated ROS (oxidative stress), and a cascade of pathophysiological events that accompany excessive ROS (oxidative distress). Although these effects have long been studied in animal models with perturbed ROS, their actions under physiological conditions are less clear. I propose that some of the apparent uncertainty may be due to confusion of ROS with endogenously generated reactive sulfur species (RSS). ROS and RSS are chemically similar, but RSS are more reactive and versatile, and can be stored and reused. Both ROS and RSS signal via oxidation reactions with protein cysteine sulfur and they produce identical effector responses, but RSS appear to be more effective. RSS in the form of persulfidated cysteines (Cys-S-S) are produced endogenously and co-translationally introduced into proteins, and there is increasing evidence that many cellular proteins are persulfidated. A number of practical factors have contributed to confusion between ROS and RSS, and these are discussed herein. Furthermore, essentially all endogenous antioxidant enzymes appeared shortly after life began, some 3.8 billion years ago, when RSS metabolism dominated evolution. This was long before the rise in ROS, 600 million years ago, and I propose that these same enzymes, with only minor modifications, still effectively metabolize RSS in extant organisms. I am not suggesting that all ROS are RSS; however, I believe that the relative importance of ROS and RSS in biological systems needs further consideration.

Are the beneficial effects of 'antioxidant' lipoic acid mediated through metabolism of reactive sulfur species?

The health benefits of lipoic acid (LA) are generally attributed to mitigating the harmful effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are chemically similar to reactive sulfur species (RSS) and signal through identical mechanisms. Here we examined the effects of LA on RSS in HEK293 cells using H2S and polysulfide (PS) specific fluorophores, AzMC and SSP4. We show that LA concentration-dependently increased both H2S and PS. Physioxia (5% O2) augmented the effects of LA on H2S production but decreased PS production. Thiosulfate, a known substrate for reduced LA, and an intermediate in the catabolism of H2S enhanced the effects of LA on H2S and PS production. Inhibiting peroxiredoxins with conoidin A and gluraredoxins with tiopronin augmented the effects of LA on PS and H2S, respectively while decreasing glutathione with buthionine-sulfoximine (BSO) or diethyl maleate (DEM) decreased the stimulatory effect of LA on H2S production but augmented LA's effect on PS. Aminooxyacetate (AOA) and propargylglycine (PPG), inhibitors of H2S production from cysteine partially inhibited LA augmentation of H2S production and further decreased the LA effect when applied concurrently with BSO and DEM. The selective and cell-permeable H2S scavenger, SS20, inhibited the effects of LA on cellular H2S. Estimates of single-cell H2S production suggest that 0.1-0.2% of O2 consumption is used to metabolize H2S and these requirements may increase to 1-2% with 1 mM LA. Collectively, these results suggest that LA rescues H2S from irreversible oxidation and that the effects of LA on RSS directly confer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective responses. They also suggest that TS may be an effective supplement to increase the efficacy of LA in clinical settings.

Extended hypoxia-mediated H2 S production provides for long-term oxygen sensing.

AIM: Numerous studies have shown that H2 S serves as an acute oxygen sensor in a variety of cells. We hypothesize that H2 S also serves in extended oxygen sensing. METHODS: Here, we compare the effects of extended exposure (24-48 hours) to varying O2 tensions on H2 S and polysulphide metabolism in human embryonic kidney (HEK 293), human adenocarcinomic alveolar basal epithelial (A549), human colon cancer (HTC116), bovine pulmonary artery smooth muscle, human umbilical-derived mesenchymal stromal (stem) cells and porcine tracheal epithelium (PTE) using sulphur-specific fluorophores and fluorometry or confocal microscopy. RESULTS: All cells continuously produced H2 S in 21% O2 and H2 S production was increased at lower O2 tensions. Decreasing O2 from 21% to 10%, 5% and 1% O2 progressively increased H2 S production in HEK293 cells and this was partially inhibited by a combination of inhibitors of H2 S biosynthesis, aminooxyacetate, propargyl glycine and compound 3. Mitochondria appeared to be the source of much of this increase in HEK 293 cells. H2 S production in all other cells and PTE increased when O2 was lowered from 21% to 5% except for HTC116 cells where 1% O2 was necessary to increase H2 S, presumably reflecting the hypoxic environment in vivo. Polysulphides (H2 Sn , where n = 2-7), the key signalling metabolite of H2 S also appeared to increase in many cells although this was often masked by high endogenous polysulphide concentrations. CONCLUSION: These results show that cellular H2 S is increased during extended hypoxia and they suggest this is a continuously active O2 -sensing mechanism in a variety of cells.

Inhibiting hydrogen sulfide production in umbilical stem cells reduces their protective effects during experimental necrotizing enterocolitis.

INTRODUCTION: Umbilical mesenchymal stem cells (USC) have been shown to reduce illness in animal models of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), possibly through the paracrine release of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). We hypothesized that animals treated with USCs with inhibited H2S synthesis would exhibit more severe disease. METHODS: NEC was induced in five-day-old mouse pups by formula feeding and hypoxic and hypothermic stress. Experimental groups received intraperitoneal injection of either saline vehicle or 80,000cells/gram of one of the following cell types: USC, USCs with negative-control siRNA, or USCs with targeted siRNA inhibition of the H2S-producing enzymes. Pups were monitored by clinical assessment and after euthanasia, intestine and lung histologic injury were scored. Tissue was homogenized, and concentrations of IL-6, IL-10, and VEGF were determined by ELISA. For statistical analysis, p<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Animals treated with negative-control siRNA USCs were significantly improved compared to vehicle. Clinical sickness scores as well as intestinal and lung histologic injury scores in the targeted siRNA groups were significantly worse when compared to the negative-control siRNA group. IL-6, IL-10, and VEGF had varying patterns of expression in the different groups. CONCLUSION: Inhibition of H2S production in USCs reduces the beneficial effects of these cells during therapy in experimental NEC. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Animal studies are typically described as "foundational evidence" without a true level assigned. TYPE OF STUDY: Animal Study.

Effects of inhibiting antioxidant pathways on cellular hydrogen sulfide and polysulfide metabolism.

Elaborate antioxidant pathways have evolved to minimize the threat of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and to regulate ROS as signaling entities. ROS are chemically and functionally similar to reactive sulfur species (RSS) and both ROS and RSS have been shown to be metabolized by the antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase and catalase. Here we use fluorophores to examine the effects of a variety of inhibitors of antioxidant pathways on metabolism of two important RSS, hydrogen sulfide (H2S with AzMC) and polysulfides (H2Sn, where n = 2-7, with SSP4) in HEK293 cells. Cells were exposed to inhibitors for up to 5 days in normoxia (21% O2) and hypoxia (5% O2), conditions also known to affect ROS production. Decreasing intracellular glutathione (GSH) with l-buthionine-sulfoximine (BSO) or diethyl maleate (DEM) decreased H2S production for 5 days but did not affect H2Sn. The glutathione reductase inhibitor, auranofin, initially decreased H2S and H2Sn but after two days H2Sn increased over controls. Inhibition of peroxiredoxins with conoidin A decreased H2S and increased H2Sn, whereas the glutathione peroxidase inhibitor, tiopronin, increased H2S. Aminoadipic acid, an inhibitor of cystine uptake did not affect either H2S or H2Sn. In buffer, the glutathione reductase and thioredoxin reductase inhibitor, 2-AAPA, the glutathione peroxidase mimetic, ebselen, and tiopronin variously reacted directly with AzMC and SSP4, reacted with H2S and H2S2, or optically interfered with AzMC or SSP4 fluorescence. Collectively these results show that antioxidant inhibitors, generally known for their ability to increase cellular ROS, have various effects on cellular RSS. These findings suggest that the inhibitors may affect cellular sulfur metabolism pathways that are not related to ROS production and in some instances they may directly affect RSS or the methods used to measure them. They also illustrate the importance of carefully evaluating RSS metabolism when biologically or pharmacologically attempting to manipulate ROS.

H2S and polysulfide metabolism: Conventional and unconventional pathways.

It is now well established that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an effector of a wide variety of physiological processes. It is also clear that many of the effects of H2S are mediated through reactions with cysteine sulfur on regulatory proteins and most of these are not mediated directly by H2S but require prior oxidation of H2S and the formation of per- and polysulfides (H2Sn, n = 2-8). Attendant with understanding the regulatory functions of H2S and H2Sn is an appreciation of the mechanisms that control, i.e., both increase and decrease, their production and catabolism. Although a number of standard "conventional" pathways have been described and well characterized, novel "unconventional" pathways are continuously being identified. This review summarizes our current knowledge of both the conventional and unconventional.

Metabolism of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and Production of Reactive Sulfur Species (RSS) by superoxide dismutase.

Reactive sulfur species (RSS) such as H2S, HS•, H2Sn, (n = 2-7) and HS2•- are chemically similar to H2O and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) HO•, H2O2, O2•- and act on common biological effectors. RSS were present in evolution long before ROS, and because both are metabolized by catalase it has been suggested that "antioxidant" enzymes originally evolved to regulate RSS and may continue to do so today. Here we examined RSS metabolism by Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) using amperometric electrodes for dissolved H2S, a polysulfide-specific fluorescent probe (SSP4), and mass spectrometry to identify specific polysulfides (H2S2-H2S5). H2S was concentration- and oxygen-dependently oxidized by 1µM SOD to polysulfides (mainly H2S2, and to a lesser extent H2S3 and H2S5) with an EC50 of approximately 380µM H2S. H2S concentrations > 750µM inhibited SOD oxidation (IC50 = 1.25mM) with complete inhibition when H2S > 1.75mM. Polysulfides were not metabolized by SOD. SOD oxidation preferred dissolved H2S over hydrosulfide anion (HS-), whereas HS- inhibited polysulfide production. In hypoxia, other possible electron donors such as nitrate, nitrite, sulfite, sulfate, thiosulfate and metabisulfite were ineffective. Manganese SOD also catalyzed H2S oxidation to form polysulfides, but did not metabolize polysulfides indicating common attributes of these SODs. These experiments suggest that, unlike the well-known SOD-mediated dismutation of two O2•- to form H2O2 and O2, SOD catalyzes a reaction using H2S and O2 to form persulfide. These can then combine in various ways to form polysulfides and sulfur oxides. It is also possible that H2S (or polysulfides) interact/react with SOD cysteines to affect catalytic activity or to directly contribute to sulfide metabolism. Our studies suggest that H2S metabolism by SOD may have been an ancient mechanism to detoxify sulfide or to regulate RSS and along with catalase may continue to do so in contemporary organisms.

Hydrogen Sulfide: A Potential Novel Therapy for the Treatment of Ischemia.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a novel signaling molecule most recently found to be of fundamental importance in cellular function as a regulator of apoptosis, inflammation, and perfusion. Mechanisms of endogenous H2S signaling are poorly understood; however, signal transmission is thought to occur via persulfidation at reactive cysteine residues on proteins. Although much has been discovered about how H2S is synthesized in the body, less is known about how it is metabolized. Recent studies have discovered a multitude of different targets for H2S therapy, including those related to protein modification, intracellular signaling, and ion channel depolarization. The most difficult part of studying hydrogen sulfide has been finding a way to accurately and reproducibly measure it. The purpose of this review is to: elaborate on the biosynthesis and catabolism of H2S in the human body, review current knowledge of the mechanisms of action of this gas in relation to ischemic injury, define strategies for physiological measurement of H2S in biological systems, and review potential novel therapies that use H2S for treatment.