Pancreatic islet overproduction of H2S and suppressed insulin release in Zucker diabetic rats

Interaction of H2S with Calcium Permeable Channels and Transporters

A growing amount of evidence has suggested that hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), as a gasotransmitter, is involved in intensive physiological and pathological processes. More and more research groups have found that H₂S mediates diverse cellular biological functions related to regulating intracellular calcium concentration. These groups have demonstrated the reciprocal interaction between H₂S and calcium ion channels and transporters, such as L-type calcium channels (LTCC), T-type calcium channels (TTCC), sodium/calcium exchangers (NCX), transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, β-adrenergic receptors, and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR) in different cells. However, the understanding of the molecular targets and mechanisms is incomplete. Recently, some research groups demonstrated that H₂S modulates the activity of calcium ion channels through protein S-sulfhydration and polysulfide reactions. In this review, we elucidate that H₂S controls intracellular calcium homeostasis and the underlying mechanisms.

Hydrogen sulfide-based therapeutics: exploiting a unique but ubiquitous gasotransmitter

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has become recognized as an important signalling molecule throughout the body, contributing to many physiological and pathological processes. In recent years, improved methods for measuring H2S levels and the availability of a wider range of H2S donors and more selective inhibitors of H2S synthesis have helped to more accurately identify the many biological effects of this highly reactive gaseous mediator. Animal studies of several H2S-releasing drugs have demonstrated considerable promise for the safe treatment of a wide range of disorders. Several such drugs are now in clinical trials.

Sulfur as a signaling nutrient through hydrogen sulfide

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has emerged as an important signaling molecule with beneficial effects on various cellular processes affecting, for example, cardiovascular and neurological functions. The physiological importance of H₂S is motivating efforts to develop strategies for modulating its levels. However, advancement in the field of H₂S-based therapeutics is hampered by fundamental gaps in our knowledge of how H₂S is regulated, its mechanism of action, and its molecular targets. This review provides an overview of sulfur metabolism; describes recent progress that has shed light on the mechanism of H₂S as a signaling molecule; and examines nutritional regulation of sulfur metabolism, which pertains to health and disease.

Chemiluminescent Probes for Imaging H2S in Living Animals

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is an endogenous mediator of human health and disease, but precise measurement in living cells and animals remains a considerable challenge. We report the total chemical synthesis and characterization of three 1,2-dioxetane chemiluminescent reaction-based H2S probes, CHS-1, CHS-2, and CHS-3. Upon treatment with H2S at physiological pH, these probes display instantaneous light emission that is sustained for over an hour with high selectivity against other reactive sulphur, oxygen, and nitrogen species. Analysis of the phenol/phenolate equilibrium and atomic charges has provided a generally applicable predictive model to design improved chemiluminescent probes. The utility of these chemiluminescent reagents was demonstrated by applying CHS-3 to detect cellularly generated H2S using a multi-well plate reader and to image H2S in living mice using CCD camera technology.

Chemiluminescent detection of enzymatically produced H2S

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has emerged as an important biological signaling molecule. To better understand the multifaceted biological roles of H2S, the development of selective and sensitive biocompatible assays for H2S is becoming increasingly important. Motivated by these challenges, our laboratory is developing new methods to further detect and monitor biological H2S. Here, we describe in detail our recent advances in the development and the use of chemiluminescence-based H2S sensors to assist other investigators with use of these chemical tools. We highlight the use of these tools use by displaying their selectivity and high sensitivity toward H2S and provide examples of assays we have developed to detect enzymatically produced H2S.

Azide-based fluorescent probes: imaging hydrogen sulfide in living systems

Hydrogen sulfide is a redox active sulfur species that is endogenously generated in mammalian systems as an antioxidant and signaling molecule to support cellular function. The fundamental and ubiquitous actions of hydrogen sulfide demand sensitive and specific methods to track this biomolecule as it is produced within living organisms with temporal and spatial regulation. In this context, the hydrogen sulfide-mediated reduction of an azide to an amine is a useful method for organic synthesis, and this reaction has successfully been exploited to yield biocompatible fluorescent probes for hydrogen sulfide detection in vitro and in cells. This chapter provides protocols and guidelines for applying azide-based fluorescence probes to detecting hydrogen sulfide in living systems, including a protocol that was used to detect endogenous hydrogen sulfide in living single cells using a confocal microscope.

Chromogenic and fluorogenic chemosensors for hydrogen sulfide: review of detection mechanisms since the year 2009

The development of probes for the biologically important gas hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has been an active area of research in recent years.

Role of hydrogen sulfide in skeletal muscle biology and metabolism

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a novel endogenous gaseous signal transducer (gasotransmitter). Its emerging role in multiple facets of inter- and intra-cellular signaling as a metabolic, inflammatory, neuro and vascular modulator has been increasingly realized. Although H2S is known for its effects as an anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant molecule, the relevance of these effects in skeletal muscle biology during health and during metabolic syndromes is unclear. H2S has been implicated in vascular relaxation and vessel tone enhancement, which might lead to mitigation of vascular complications caused by the metabolic syndromes. Metabolic complications may also lead to mitochondrial remodeling by interfering with fusion and fission, therefore, leading to mitochondrial mitophagy and skeletal muscle myopathy. Mitochondrial protection by H2S enhancing treatments may mitigate deterioration of muscle function during metabolic syndromes. In addition, H2S might upregulate uncoupling proteins and might also cause browning of white fat, resulting in suppression of imbalanced cytokine signaling caused by abnormal fat accumulation. Likewise, as a source for H(+) ions, it has the potential to augment anaerobic ATP synthesis. However, there is a need for studies to test these putative H2S benefits in different patho-physiological scenarios before its full-fledged usage as a therapeutic molecule. The present review highlights current knowledge with regard to exogenous and endogenous H2S roles in skeletal muscle biology, metabolism, exercise physiology and related metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and obesity, and also provides future directions.

Chemiluminescent detection of enzymatically produced hydrogen sulfide: substrate hydrogen bonding influences selectivity for H2S over biological thiols

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is now recognized as an important biological regulator and signaling agent that is active in many physiological processes and diseases. Understanding the important roles of this emerging signaling molecule has remained challenging, in part due to the limited methods available for detecting endogenous H2S. Here we report two reaction-based ChemiLuminescent Sulfide Sensors, CLSS-1 and CLSS-2, with strong luminescence responses toward H2S (128- and 48-fold, respectively) and H2S detection limits (0.7 ± 0.3, 4.6 ± 2.0 μM, respectively) compatible with biological H2S levels. CLSS-2 is highly selective for H2S over other reactive sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen species (RSONS) including GSH, Cys, Hcy, S2O3(2–), NO2(–), HNO, ONOO(–), and NO. Despite its similar chemical structure, CLSS-1 displays lower selectivity toward amino acid-derived thiols than CLSS-2. The origin of this differential selectivity was investigated using both computational DFT studies and NMR experiments. Our results suggest a model in which amino acid binding to the hydrazide moiety of the luminol-derived probes provides differential access to the reactive azide in CLSS-1 and CLSS-2, thus eroding the selectivity of CLSS-1 for H2S over Cys and GSH. On the basis of its high selectivity for H2S, we used CLSS-2 to detect enzymatically produced H2S from isolated cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) enzymes (p < 0.001) and also from C6 cells expressing CSE (p < 0.001). CLSS-2 can readily differentiate between H2S production in active CSE and CSE inhibited with β-cyanoalanine (BCA) in both isolated CSE enzymes (p < 0.005) and in C6 cells (p < 0.005). In addition to providing a highly sensitive and selective reaction-based tool for chemiluminescent H2S detection and quantification, the insights into substrate–probe interactions controlling the selectivity for H2S over biologically relevant thiols may guide the design of other selective H2S detection scaffolds.

A highly responsive and selective fluorescent probe for imaging physiological hydrogen sulfide

The discovery of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) as a novel gasotransmitter for cell signaling and other pathophysiological processes has spurred tremendous interest in developing analytical methods for its detection in biological systems. Herein, we report the development of a highly responsive and selective genetically encoded H2S probe, hsGFP, for the detection of H2S both in vitro and in living mammalian cells. hsGFP bestows a combination of favorable properties, including large fluorescence responses, high efficiency in folding and chromophore formation, and excellent sensitivity and selectivity toward H2S. As a genetically encoded probe, hsGFP can be readily and precisely localized to subcellular domains such as mitochondria, cell nuclei, and ion channels. hsGFP was further utilized to image H2S enzymatically produced from l-cysteine in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293T cells.

Gas what: NO is not the only answer to sexual function

The ability to get and keep an erection is important to men for several reasons and the inability is known as erectile dysfunction (ED). ED has started to be accepted as an early indicator of systemic endothelial dysfunction and subsequently of cardiovascular diseases. The role of NO in endothelial relaxation and erectile function is well accepted. The discovery of NO as a small signalling gasotransmitter led to the investigation of the role of other endogenously derived gases, carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulphide (H2 S) in physiological and pathophysiological conditions. The role of NO and CO in sexual function and dysfunction has been investigated more extensively and, recently, the involvement of H2 S in erectile function has also been confirmed. In this review, we focus on the role of these three sister gasotransmitters in the physiology, pharmacology and pathophysiology of sexual function in man, specifically erectile function. We have also reviewed the role of soluble guanylyl cyclase/cGMP pathway as a common target of these gasotransmitters. Several studies have proposed alternative therapies targeting different mechanisms in addition to PDE-5 inhibition for ED treatment, since some patients do not respond to these drugs. This review highlights complementary and possible coordinated roles for these mediators and treatments targeting these gasotransmitters in erectile function/ED.

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor-isoform diversity in cell death and survival

Cell-death and -survival decisions are critically controlled by intracellular Ca(2+) homeostasis and dynamics at the level of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptors (IP3Rs) play a pivotal role in these processes by mediating Ca(2+) flux from the ER into the cytosol and mitochondria. Hence, it is clear that many pro-survival and pro-death signaling pathways and proteins affect Ca(2+) signaling by directly targeting IP3R channels, which can happen in an IP3R-isoform-dependent manner. In this review, we will focus on how the different IP3R isoforms (IP3R1, IP3R2 and IP3R3) control cell death and survival. First, we will present an overview of the isoform-specific regulation of IP3Rs by cellular factors like IP3, Ca(2+), Ca(2+)-binding proteins, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), thiol modification, phosphorylation and interacting proteins, and of IP3R-isoform specific expression patterns. Second, we will discuss the role of the ER as a Ca(2+) store in cell death and survival and how IP3Rs and pro-survival/pro-death proteins can modulate the basal ER Ca(2+) leak. Third, we will review the regulation of the Ca(2+)-flux properties of the IP3R isoforms by the ER-resident and by the cytoplasmic proteins involved in cell death and survival as well as by redox regulation. Hence, we aim to highlight the specific roles of the various IP3R isoforms in cell-death and -survival signaling. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Calcium signaling in health and disease. Guest Editors: Geert Bultynck, Jacques Haiech, Claus W. Heizmann, Joachim Krebs, and Marc Moreau.

H2S relaxes isolated human airway smooth muscle cells via the sarcolemmal K(ATP) channel

Here we explored the impact of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on biophysical properties of the primary human airway smooth muscle (ASM)-the end effector of acute airway narrowing in asthma. Using magnetic twisting cytometry (MTC), we measured dynamic changes in the stiffness of isolated ASM, at the single-cell level, in response to varying doses of GYY4137 (1-10mM). GYY4137 slowly released appreciable levels of H2S in the range of 10-275 μM, and H2S released was long lived. In isolated human ASM cells, GYY4137 acutely decreased stiffness (i.e. an indicator of the single-cell relaxation) in a dose-dependent fashion, and stiffness decreases were sustained in culture for 24h. Human ASM cells showed protein expressions of cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE; a H2S synthesizing enzyme) and ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels. The KATP channel opener pinacidil effectively relaxed isolated ASM cells. In addition, pinacidil-induced ASM relaxation was completely inhibited by the treatment of cells with the KATP channel blocker glibenclamide. Glibenclamide also markedly attenuated GYY4137-mediated relaxation of isolated human ASM cells. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that H2S causes the relaxation of human ASM and implicate as well the role for sarcolemmal KATP channels. Finally, given that ASM cells express intrinsic enzymatic machinery of generating H2S, we suggest thereby this class of gasotransmitter can be further exploited for potential therapy against obstructive lung disease.

Decreased cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) activity in livers of type 1 diabetic rats and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of type 1 diabetic patients

The liver plays a major role in the formation of H2S, a novel signaling molecule. Diabetes is associated with lower blood levels of H2S. This study investigated the activities of cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE, the enzyme that catalyzes H2S formation) in livers of type 1 diabetic (T1D) animals and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) isolated from T1D patients. T1D is associated with both hyperketonemia (acetoacetate and β-hydroxybutyrate) and hyperglycemia. This study also examined the role of hyperglycemia and hyperketonemia per se in decreased CSE activity using U937 monocytes and PBMC isolated from healthy subjects. Livers from streptozotocin-treated T1D rats demonstrated a significantly higher reactive oxygen species production, lower CSE protein expression and activity, and lower H2S formation compared with those of controls. Studies with T1D patients showed a decrease in CSE protein expression and activity in PBMC compared with those of age-matched normal subjects. Cell culture studies demonstrated that high glucose (25 mm) and/or acetoacetate (4 mm) increased reactive oxygen species, decreased CSE mRNA expression, protein expression, and enzymatic activity, and reduced H2S levels; however, β-hydroxybutyrate treatment had no effect. A similar effect, which was also observed in PBMC treated with high glucose alone or along with acetoacetate, was prevented by vitamin D supplementation. Studies with CSE siRNA provide evidence for a relationship between impaired CSE expression and reduced H2S levels. This study demonstrates for the first time that both hyperglycemia and hyperketonemia mediate a reduction in CSE expression and activity, which can contribute to the impaired H2S signaling associated with diabetes.

Hydrogen sulfide and the liver

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gasotransmitter that regulates numerous physiological and pathophysiological processes in our body. Enzymatic production of H2S is catalyzed by cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MST). All these three enzymes present in the liver and via H2S production regulate liver functions. The liver is the hub for metabolism of glucose and lipids, and maintains the level of circulatory lipids through lipoprotein metabolism. Hepatic H2S metabolism affects glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, lipoprotein synthesis, mitochondrial biogenetics and biogenesis. Malfunction of hepatic H2S metabolism may be involved in many liver diseases, such as hepatic fibrosis and hepatic cirrhosis.

Hydrogen sulfide regulates Ca(2+) homeostasis mediated by concomitantly produced nitric oxide via a novel synergistic pathway in exocrine pancreas

AIM

The present study was designed to explore the effects of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on Ca(2+) homeostasis in rat pancreatic acini.

RESULTS

Sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS; an H2S donor) induced a biphasic increase in the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) in a dose-dependent manner. The NaHS-induced [Ca(2+)]i elevation persisted with an EC50 of 73.3 μM in the absence of extracellular Ca(2+) but was abolished by thapsigargin, indicating that both Ca(2+) entry and Ca(2+) release contributed to the increase. The [Ca(2+)]i increase was markedly inhibited in the presence of NG-monomethyl L-arginine or 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (cPTIO), and diaminofluorescein-2/diaminofluorescein-2 triazole (DAF-2/DAF-2T) fluorometry demonstrated that nitric oxide (NO) was also produced by H2S in a dose-dependent manner with an EC50 of 64.8 μM, indicating that NO was involved in the H2S effect. The H2S-induced [Ca(2+)]i increase was inhibited by pretreatment with U73122, xestospongin C, 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one, KT5823, and GP2A, indicating that phospholipase C (PLC), the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor, soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), protein kinase G (PKG), and Gq-protein play roles as intermediate components in the H2S-triggered intracellular signaling.

INNOVATION

To our knowledge, our study is the first one highlighting the effect of H2S on intracellular Ca(2+) dynamics in pancreatic acinar cells. Moreover, a novel cascade was presumed to function via the synergistic interaction between H2S and NO.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that H2S affects [Ca(2+)]i homeostasis that is mediated by H2S-evoked NO production via an endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-NO-sGC-cyclic guanosine monophosphate-PKG-Gq-protein-PLC-IP3 pathway to induce Ca(2+) release, and this pathway is identical to the one we recently proposed for a sole effect of NO and the two gaseous molecules synergistically function to regulate Ca(2+) homeostasis.

Enzymology of H2S biogenesis, decay and signaling

SIGNIFICANCE

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), produced by the desulfuration of cysteine or homocysteine, functions as a signaling molecule in an array of physiological processes including regulation of vascular tone, the cellular stress response, apoptosis, and inflammation.

RECENT ADVANCES

The low steady-state levels of H2S in mammalian cells have been recently shown to reflect a balance between its synthesis and its clearance. The subversion of enzymes in the cytoplasmic trans-sulfuration pathway for producing H2S from cysteine and/or homocysteine versus producing cysteine from homocysteine, presents an interesting regulatory problem.

CRITICAL ISSUES

It is not known under what conditions the enzymes operate in the canonical trans-sulfuration pathway and how their specificity is switched to catalyze the alternative H2S-producing reactions. Similarly, it is not known if and whether the mitochondrial enzymes, which oxidize sulfide and persulfide (or sulfane sulfur), are regulated to increase or decrease H2S or sulfane-sulfur pools.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

In this review, we focus on the enzymology of H2S homeostasis and discuss H2S-based signaling via persulfidation and thionitrous acid.

Development of a highly selective H2S fluorescent probe and its application to evaluate CSE inhibitors

C359, a novel fluorescent probe for highly selective detection of H₂S over biothiols, was applied to evaluate CSE inhibitors.

Up-regulation of aldolase A and methylglyoxal production in adipocytes

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

We previously reported that up-regulation of aldolase B, a key enzyme in fructose metabolism, was mainly responsible for vascular methylglyoxal (MG) overproduction under different pathological conditions. Here we investigated whether aldolase A, an enzyme of the glycolytic pathway, also caused MG overproduction in insulin-sensitive adipocytes.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The relative contributions of different metabolic pathways or enzymes to MG generation were evaluated in cultured 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

KEY RESULTS

Glucose (25 mM) had no effect on aldolase A gene expression, but insulin (100 nM) up-regulated aldolase A mRNA and protein levels in the absence or presence of 25 mM glucose in adipocytes. Treatment with insulin increased levels of basal or glucose (25 mM)-induced MG and glucose 6-phosphate. However, insulin, glucose (25 mM) or their combination had no effect on cellular levels of sorbitol and fructose, but down-regulated gene expression of aldolase B to a similar extent, when compared with the control group. Incubation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes with fructose, acetone, acetol, threonine or glycine (25 mM), with or without insulin did not alter cellular MG levels. The elevated MG levels induced by insulin, glucose (25 mM) or their combination in adipocytes was completely reduced by siRNA knock down of aldolase A or application of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (a non-specific inhibitor of glucose uptake and glycolysis), but not by knock down of aldolase B.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Insulin enhanced MG overproduction in insulin-sensitive adipocytes by up-regulating aldolase A, a mechanism that could be involved in the development of insulin resistance and obesity.

Oxygen-sensitive mitochondrial accumulation of cystathionine β-synthase mediated by Lon protease

Oxygen-sensitive accumulation and degradation, two opposite but intrinsically linked events, of heme proteins in mitochondria affect mitochondrial functions, including bioenergetics and oxygen-sensing processes. Cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) contains a prosthetic heme group and catalyzes the production of hydrogen sulfide in mammalian cells. Here we show that CBS proteins were present in liver mitochondria at a low level under normoxia conditions. Ischemia/hypoxia increased the accumulation of CBS proteins in mitochondria. The normalization of oxygen partial pressure accelerated the degradation of CBS proteins. Lon protease, a major degradation enzyme in mitochondrial matrix, recognized and degraded mitochondrial CBS by specifically targeting at the oxygenated heme group of CBS proteins. The accumulation of CBS in mitochondria increased hydrogen sulfide production, which prevented Ca(2+)-mediated cytochrome c release from mitochondria and decreased reactive oxygen species generation. Mitochondrial accumulation of heme oxygenase-1, another heme protein, was also regulated by oxygen level and Lon protease in the same mechanism as for CBS. Our findings provide a fundamental and general mechanism for oxygen-sensitive regulation of mitochondrial functions by linking oxygenation level to the accumulation/degradation of mitochondrial heme proteins.

Hydrogen sulfide treatment promotes glucose uptake by increasing insulin receptor sensitivity and ameliorates kidney lesions in type 2 diabetes

AIMS

To examine if hydrogen sulfide (H2S) can promote glucose uptake and provide amelioration in type 2 diabetes.

RESULTS

Treatment with sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, an H2S donor) increased glucose uptake in both myotubes and adipocytes. The H2S gas solution showed similar effects. The NaHS effects were blocked by an siRNA-mediated knockdown of the insulin receptor (IR). NaHS also increased phosphorylation of the IR, PI3K, and Akt. In Goto-Kakizaki (GK) diabetic rats, chronic NaHS treatment (30 μmol·kg(-1)·day(-1)) decreased fasting blood glucose, increased insulin sensitivity, and increased glucose tolerance with increased phosphorylation of PI3K and Akt in muscles. Similar insulin-sensitizing effects of NaHS treatment were also observed in Wistar rats. Moreover, glucose uptake was reduced in the cells with siRNA-mediated knockdown of the H2S-generating enzyme cystathionine γ-lyase in the presence or absence of exogenous H2S. Moreover, chronic NaHS treatment reduced oxygen species and the number of crescentic glomeruli in the kidney of GK rats.

INNOVATION AND CONCLUSION

This study provides the first piece of evidence for the insulin-sensitizing effect of NaHS/H2S in the both in vitro and in vivo models of insulin resistance. REBOUND TRACK: This work was rejected during a standard peer review and rescued by the Rebound Peer Review (Antoxid Redox Signal 16: 293-296, 2012) with the following serving as open reviewers: Jin-Song Bian, Samuel Dudley, Hideo Kimura, and Xian Wang.

Testing the rebound peer review concept

This invited Editorial addresses the rescue of the article by Xue et al. "Hydrogen sulfide treatment promotes glucose uptake by increasing insulin receptor sensitivity and ameliorates kidney lesions in type 2 diabetes." The work was rejected by the standard peer review system and subsequently rescued via the Rebound Peer Review mechanism offered by Antioxidants and Redox Signaling (Antoxid Redox Signal 16: 293-296, 2012). The open reviewers rescuing the work were Jin-Song Bian, Samuel Dudley, Hideo Kimura, and Xian Wang. The initial article was reviewed by six reviewers who had valid concerns; they recommended extensive revision and additional experiments. In the subsequent two iterations, the authors nearly doubled the number of experiments and made substantial revisions. However, several reviewers were still not satisfied, and the authors requested the rebound pathway. The open reviewers, selected by the authors and experts in hydrogen sulfide biology, diabetes, and cardiovascular physiology, added a broad perspective to the review process. They acknowledged the anonymous reviewer's concerns, but felt that the merits of the study were sufficient to recommend acceptance. The open reviewers also identified several situations where the recommendations of the anonymous reviewers and the author's attempts to rectify them were moot, given the available methodology and present state of the field. From this perspective, the rebound track was a success; it rescued an article that otherwise would have been rejected and will stimulate further discussion and research in this area. Whether or not there are more efficient ways to accomplish, this remains to be determined.

Protective effects of hydrogen sulfide in hypoxic human umbilical vein endothelial cells: a possible mitochondria-dependent pathway

The aim of the study was to investigate the protective effects of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), a H₂S donor, against hypoxia-induced injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and also to look into the possible mechanisms by which H₂S exerts this protective effect. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and scratch wound healing assay were chosen to measure the cell viability and migration-promoting effects. The fluorescent probe, DCFH-DA and 5,5′,6,6′-Tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethyl-imidacarbocyanine iodide (JC-1) were applied to detect the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ_m). Furthermore, western blots were used to measure the expressions of the apoptosis-related proteins. Under hypoxic conditions, 300 μM and 600 μM of H₂S could protect HUVECs against hypoxia-induced injury, as determined by MTT assay. Following the treatment of 60 μM NaHS for 18 h, scratch wound healing assays indicated that the scratch became much narrower than control group. After treatment with 60 μM, 120 μM, and 600 μM NaHS, and hypoxia for 30 min, flow cytometry demonstrated that the ROS concentrations decreased to 95.08% ± 5.52%, 73.14% ± 3.36%, and 73.51% ± 3.05%, respectively, compared with the control group. In addition, the JC-1 assay showed NaHS had a protective effect on mitochondria damage. Additionally, NaHS increased Bcl-2 expression and decreased the expression of Bax, Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 in a dose-dependent way. Our results suggest that H₂S can protect endothelial cells and promote migration under hypoxic condition in HUVECs. These effects are partially associated with the preservation of mitochondrial function mediated by regulating the mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic pathway.

Hydrogen sulfide-induced inhibition of L-type Ca2+ channels and insulin secretion in mouse pancreatic beta cells

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

L-type voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels (VDCCs) in pancreatic beta cells play a critical role in regulating insulin secretion. The gasotransmitter H(2)S is mostly generated from L-cysteine in pancreatic beta cells by cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) and has been reported to inhibit insulin release by opening ATP-sensitive K(+) channels. However, whether and how H(2)S affects VDCCs in beta cells is unknown.

METHODS

The whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to record VDCCs in beta cells from Cse (also known as Cth)-knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice. Insulin secretion from pancreatic islets and endogenous H(2)S production in pancreas were measured.

RESULTS

The H(2)S donor NaHS reversibly decreased L-type VDCC current density in a concentration-dependent fashion in WT pancreatic beta cells, and the current density was further inhibited by nifedipine. Furthermore, NaHS inhibited the channel recovery from depolarisation-induced inactivation, but did not shift the current-voltage (I-V) relationship. ACS67, another H(2)S donor, also inhibited L-type VDCCs in beta cells. Inhibiting CSE activity with DL-propargylglycine increased the basal L-channel activity of beta cells from WT mice, but not that of beta cells from Cse-KO mice. Beta cells from Cse-KO mice displayed higher L-type VDCC density than those from WT mice. Insulin secretion from pancreatic islets was elevated in Cse-KO mice compared with WT mice. NaHS dose-dependently inhibited glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, which was further inhibited by nifedipine. Bay K-8644 increased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, but this was counteracted by NaHS and nifedipine.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Exogenous and endogenous H(2)S inhibit L-type VDCC activity and pancreatic insulin secretion, constituting a novel mechanism for the regulation of insulin secretion by the CSE/H(2)S system.

Hydrogen sulfide, the next potent preventive and therapeutic agent in aging and age-associated diseases

Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) is the third endogenous signaling gasotransmitter, following nitric oxide and carbon monoxide. It is physiologically generated by cystathionine-γ-lyase, cystathionine-β-synthase, and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase. H(2)S has been gaining increasing attention as an important endogenous signaling molecule because of its significant effects on the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Substantial evidence shows that H(2)S is involved in aging by inhibiting free-radical reactions, activating SIRT1, and probably interacting with the age-related gene Klotho. Moreover, H(2)S has been shown to have therapeutic potential in age-associated diseases. This article provides an overview of the physiological functions and effects of H(2)S in aging and age-associated diseases, and proposes the potential health and therapeutic benefits of H(2)S.

Hydrogen sulfide impairs glucose utilization and increases gluconeogenesis in hepatocytes

Mounting evidence has established hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) as an important gasotransmitter with multifaceted physiological functions. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of H(2)S on glucose utilization, glycogen synthesis, as well as gluconeogenesis in both HepG(2) cells and primary mouse hepatocytes. Incubation with NaHS (a H(2)S donor) impaired glucose uptake and glycogen storage in HepG(2) cells via decreasing glucokinase activity. Adenovirus-mediated cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) overexpression increased endogenous H(2)S production and lowered glycogen content in HepG(2) cells. Glycogen content was significantly higher in liver tissues from CSE knockout (KO) mice compared to that from wild type (WT) mice in fed condition. Glucose consumption was less in primarily cultured hepatocytes isolated from WT mice than those from CSE KO mice, but more glucose was produced by hepatocytes via gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis pathways in WT mice than in CSE KO mice. NaHS treatment reduced the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase, whereas stimulation of AMP-activated protein kinase by 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-d-ribofuranoside reversed H(2)S-impaired glucose uptake. H(2)S-increased glucose production was likely through increased phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activity. In addition, insulin at the physiological range inhibited CSE expression, and H(2)S decreased insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of Akt in HepG(2) cells. CSE expression was increased, however, in insulin-resistant state induced by exposing cells to high levels of insulin (500 nm) and glucose (33 mm) for 24 h. Taken together, these data suggest that the interaction of H(2)S and insulin in liver plays a pivotal role in regulating insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.

Therapeutic applications of organosulfur compounds as novel hydrogen sulfide donors and/or mediators

Hydrogen sulfide, once considered as toxic gas, is now recognized as an important biological mediator. The deficiency of hydrogen sulfide could lead to various pathological changes, such as arterial and pulmonary hypertension, Alzheimer's disease, gastric mucosal injury and liver cirrhosis. However, excessive production of hydrogen sulfide, by using inorganic hydrogen sulfide donors such as NaHS, may contribute to the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases, septic shock, cerebral stroke and mental retardation in patients with Down syndrome. Therefore, an increasing interest in organic molecules that are capable of regulating the formation of hydrogen sulfide has extended in recent years. Allium vegetables are one natural source of organic sulfur-containing compounds and have been widely investigated regarding their therapeutic applications, and it has been proven that the ingredients of garlic, such as diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide and S-ally cysteine act as hydrogen sulfide donors or mediators in pharmaceutical studies. In addition, S-propargyl cysteine (ZYZ-802) and S-propyl cysteine, two synthetic cysteine analogs, have been examined and could be used to treat ischemic heart disease via modulation of the hydrogen sulfide pathway. In addition, drugs containing hydrogen sulfide-releasing moieties have been synthesized and widely reported in recent years, such as S-nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and the derivative of Lawesson's reagents, which exhibit varied biological effects in experiments. As cystathionine β-synthase and cystathionine γ-lyase are the enzymes that are able to catalyze the production of endogenous hydrogen sulfide from cysteine, their inhibitors, such as dl-propylargylglycine and β-cyanoalanine, have been frequently used in studies on the biological mechanism of hydrogen sulfide. All these hydrogen sulfide donors, mediators and inhibitors have provided useful tools in the research of a variety of biological effects and are promising drug candidates of hydrogen sulfide.

Hydrogen sulfide in cell survival: a double-edged sword

Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) has been found to play an important role as a signal molecule in regulating cell survival. It appears paradoxical that, on one side, H(2)S acts as a physiological intercellular messenger to stimulate cell growth, and on the other side, it may display cytotoxic activity. This article summarizes the current body of evidence demonstrating the cytoprotective versus cytotoxic effects of H(2)S in mammalian cells and describes the janus-faced properties of this important gasotransmitter. This article will also provide a brief description of the current signaling mechanisms that have been demonstrated to be responsible for these different actions. The pharmacologic regulation of H(2)S production and the potential clinical significance of H(2)S are highlighted.

Fluorescent probes for sensing and imaging biological hydrogen sulfide

Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) has long been recognized as a toxic molecule in biological systems. However, emerging studies now link controlled fluxes of this reactive sulfur species to cellular regulation and signaling events akin to other small molecule messengers, such as nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide, and carbon monoxide. Progress in the development of fluorescent small-molecule indicators with high selectivity for hydrogen sulfide offers a promising approach for studying its production, trafficking, and downstream physiological and/or pathological effects.

Physiological implications of hydrogen sulfide: a whiff exploration that blossomed

The important life-supporting role of hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) has evolved from bacteria to plants, invertebrates, vertebrates, and finally to mammals. Over the centuries, however, H(2)S had only been known for its toxicity and environmental hazard. Physiological importance of H(2)S has been appreciated for about a decade. It started by the discovery of endogenous H(2)S production in mammalian cells and gained momentum by typifying this gasotransmitter with a variety of physiological functions. The H(2)S-catalyzing enzymes are differentially expressed in cardiovascular, neuronal, immune, renal, respiratory, gastrointestinal, reproductive, liver, and endocrine systems and affect the functions of these systems through the production of H(2)S. The physiological functions of H(2)S are mediated by different molecular targets, such as different ion channels and signaling proteins. Alternations of H(2)S metabolism lead to an array of pathological disturbances in the form of hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart failure, diabetes, cirrhosis, inflammation, sepsis, neurodegenerative disease, erectile dysfunction, and asthma, to name a few. Many new technologies have been developed to detect endogenous H(2)S production, and novel H(2)S-delivery compounds have been invented to aid therapeutic intervention of diseases related to abnormal H(2)S metabolism. While acknowledging the challenges ahead, research on H(2)S physiology and medicine is entering an exponential exploration era.

Roles of hydrogen sulfide in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus and its complications

SIGNIFICANCE

Diabetes and its complications represent a major socioeconomic problem.

RECENT ADVANCES

Changes in the balance of hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) play an important role in the pathogenesis of β-cell dysfunction that occurs in response to type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In addition, changes in H(2)S homeostasis also play a role in the pathogenesis of endothelial injury, which develop on the basis of chronically or intermittently elevated circulating glucose levels in diabetes.

CRITICAL ISSUES

In the first part of this review, experimental evidence is summarized implicating H(2)S overproduction as a causative factor in the pathogenesis of β-cell death in diabetes. In the second part of our review, experimental evidence is presented supporting the role of H(2)S deficiency (as a result of increased H(2)S consumption by hyperglycemic cells) in the pathogenesis of diabetic endothelial dysfunction, diabetic nephropathy, and cardiomyopathy.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

In the final section of the review, future research directions and potential experimental therapeutic approaches around the pharmacological modulation of H(2)S homeostasis in diabetes are discussed.

Methylglyoxal mediates adipocyte proliferation by increasing phosphorylation of Akt1

Methylglyoxal (MG) is a highly reactive metabolite physiologically presented in all biological systems. The effects of MG on diabetes and hypertension have been long recognized. In the present study, we investigated the potential role of MG in obesity, one of the most important factors to cause metabolic syndrome. An increased MG accumulation was observed in the adipose tissue of obese Zucker rats. Cell proliferation assay showed that 5–20 µM of MG stimulated the proliferation of 3T3-L1 cells. Further study suggested that accumulated-MG stimulated the phosphorylation of Akt1 and its targets including p21 and p27. The activated Akt1 then increased the activity of CDK2 and accelerated the cell cycle progression of 3T3-L1 cells. The effects of MG were efficiently reversed by advanced glycation end product (AGE) breaker alagebrium and Akt inhibitor SH-6. In summary, our study revealed a previously unrecognized effect of MG in stimulating adipogenesis by up-regulation of Akt signaling pathway and this mechanism might offer a new approach to explain the development of obesity.

Protein phosphorylation involved in the gene expression of the hydrogen sulphide producing enzyme cystathionine γ-lyase in the pancreatic β-cell

Cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) is one of the major enzymes for the production of hydrogen sulphide (H(2)S), a multifunctional gasotransmitter in the pancreatic β-cell. We examined the mechanisms by which glucose induces CSE expression in mouse pancreatic islets and the insulin-secreting cell line MIN6. CSE expression was increased by anti-diabetic sulphonylureas, and decreased by the ATP-sensitive K(+)-channel opener diazoxide and the voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channel blocker nitrendipine. Application of the synthetic inhibitors of protein kinases revealed the involvement of Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) II and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) in glucose- and thapsigargin-induced CSE expression. The CaMK IIδ knockdown also suppressed CSE expression. Knockdown of the transcription factors Sp1 and Elk1, both of which can be phosphorylated by ERK, blunted CSE expression. By a reporter assay, we found Sp1 may directly and Elk1 may indirectly regulate CSE expression. These findings suggest Ca(2+)-dependent CSE expression may be mediated via protein phosphorylation of Sp1 and Elk1 in pancreatic β-cells.

Plasma hydrogen sulfide in differential diagnosis between vasovagal syncope and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome in children

OBJECTIVE

To explore the predictive value of plasma hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) in differentiating between vasovagal syncope (VVS) and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) in children.

STUDY DESIGN

Patients were divided between the POTS group (n=60) and VVS group (n=17) by using either the head-up test or head-up tilt test. Twenty-eight healthy children were selected for the control group. Plasma concentrations of H(2)S were determined for children in all groups (POTS, VVS, and control).

RESULTS

Plasma levels of H(2)S were significantly higher in children with VVS (95.3±3.8 μmol/L) and POTS (100.9±2.1 μmol/L) than in children in the control group (82.6±6.5 μmol/L). Compared with the VVS group, the POTS group had plasma levels of H(2)S that were significantly increased. The receiver operating characteristic curve for the predictive value of H(2)S differentiation of VVS from POTS showed a H(2)S plasma level of 98 μmol/L as the cutoff value for high probability of distinction. Such a level produced both high sensitivity (90%) and specificity (80%) rates of correctly discriminating between patients with VVS and patients with POTS.

CONCLUSION

H(2)S plasma level has both high sensitivity and specificity rates to predict the probability of correctly differentiating between patients with VVS and patients with POTS.

Increased renal methylglyoxal formation with down-regulation of PGC-1α-FBPase pathway in cystathionine γ-lyase knockout mice

We have previously reported that hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S), a gasotransmitter and vasodilator has cytoprotective properties against methylglyoxal (MG), a reactive glucose metabolite associated with diabetes and hypertension. Recently, H(2)S was shown to up-regulate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator (PGC)-1α, a key gluconeogenic regulator that enhances the gene expression of the rate-limiting gluconeogenic enzyme, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase). Thus, we sought to determine whether MG levels and gluconeogenic enzymes are altered in kidneys of 6-22 week-old cystathionine γ-lyase knockout (CSE(-/-); H(2)S-producing enzyme) male mice. MG levels were determined by HPLC. Plasma glucose levels were measured by an assay kit. Q-PCR was used to measure mRNA levels of PGC-1α and FBPase-1 and -2. Coupled-enzymatic assays were used to determine FBPase activity, or triosephosphate levels. Experimental controls were either age-matched wild type mice or untreated rat A-10 cells. Interestingly, we observed a significant decrease in plasma glucose levels along with a significant increase in plasma MG levels in all three age groups (6-8, 14-16, and 20-22 week-old) of the CSE(-/-) mice. Indeed, renal MG and triosephosphates were increased, whereas renal FBPase activity, along with its mRNA levels, were decreased in the CSE(-/-) mice. The decreased FBPase activity was accompanied by lower levels of its product, fructose-6-phosphate, and higher levels of its substrate, fructose-1,6-bisphosphate in renal extracts from the CSE(-/-) mice. In agreement, PGC-1α mRNA levels were also significantly down-regulated in 6-22 week-old CSE(-/-) mice. Furthermore, FBPase-1 and -2 mRNA levels were reduced in aorta tissues from CSE(-/-) mice. Administration of NaHS, a H(2)S donor, increased the gene expression of PGC-1α and FBPase-1 and -2 in cultured rat A-10 cells. In conclusion, overproduction of MG in CSE(-/-) mice is due to a H(2)S-mediated down-regulation of the PGC-1α-FBPase pathway, further suggesting the important role of H(2)S in the regulation of glucose metabolism and MG generation.

Emerging role of hydrogen sulfide in health and disease: critical appraisal of biomarkers and pharmacological tools

H2S (hydrogen sulfide) is a well known and pungent gas recently discovered to be synthesized enzymatically in mammalian and human tissues. In a relatively short period of time, H2S has attracted substantial interest as an endogenous gaseous mediator and potential target for pharmacological manipulation. Studies in animals and humans have shown H2S to be involved in diverse physiological and pathophysiological processes, such as learning and memory, neurodegeneration, regulation of inflammation and blood pressure, and metabolism. However, research is limited by the lack of specific analytical and pharmacological tools which has led to considerable controversy in the literature. Commonly used inhibitors of endogenous H2S synthesis have been well known for decades to interact with other metabolic pathways or even generate NO (nitric oxide). Similarly, commonly used H2S donors release H2S far too quickly to be physiologically relevant, but may have therapeutic applications. In the present review, we discuss the enzymatic synthesis of H2S and its emerging importance as a mediator in physiology and pathology. We also critically discuss the suitability of proposed 'biomarkers' of H2S synthesis and metabolism, and highlight the complexities of the currently used pharmacological H2S 'donor' molecules and 'specific' H2S synthesis inhibitors in their application to studying the role of H2S in human disease.

Rat pancreatic level of cystathionine γ-lyase is regulated by glucose level via specificity protein 1 (SP1) phosphorylation

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) catalyses the endogenous production of hydrogen sulphide (H(2)S) in pancreatic beta cells, and H(2)S has been shown to inhibit insulin release from these cells. As altered pancreatic H(2)S production modulated by glucose has been previously shown, we hypothesised that the Cse gene could be regulated by glucose level in insulin-secreting cells.

METHODS

The effects of glucose on CSE protein level and mRNA level were analysed in INS-1E cells. Glucose effect on Cse promoter activity was tested by constructing a proximal Cse promoter vector including specificity protein 1 (Sp1) consensus sequence.

RESULTS

High glucose (20 mmol/l) inhibited H(2)S production in INS-1E cells and freshly isolated rat pancreatic islets. Cse mRNA expression, CSE activity and protein abundance were also profoundly reduced by high glucose. The involvement of SP1 in basal and high-glucose-regulated CSE production was demonstrated. Sp1-knockdown abolished a large portion of CSE production at basal glucose. Phosphorylation of SP1 stimulated by high glucose was inhibited by p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors SB203580 and SB202190. After blocking p38 MAPK phosphorylation, the inhibitive effects of high glucose on CSE protein production and promoter activity in INS-1E cells were also virtually abolished.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Glucose stimulates the phosphorylation of SP1 via p38 MAPK activation, which leads to decreased Cse promoter activity and subsequent downregulation of Cse gene expression. Inhibited H(2)S production through glucose-mediated CSE activity and production alterations may be involved in the fine control of glucose-induced insulin secretion.

Possible role of hydrogen sulfide in insulin secretion and in development of insulin resistance

H₂S has been proposed as physiological important molecule. It is considered as first endogenous gaseous K⁺ channel opener. K⁺ ATP channel activity is mainly responsible for insulin secretion. K⁺ATP channel opening of β cells leads to inhibition of insulin secretion and channels closing leads to secretion. H2S is the gaseous K⁺ ATP channel opener but it does not have channel specificity. So, H₂S may have some effect on insulin secretion. H₂S is high in Zuker diabetic fatty rats. That means H₂S is high in insulin resistance condition. We tried to find out the role of H₂S in insulin secretion and in development of insulin resistance. From the result of our study, H₂S have K⁺ ATP channel opening activity on β cells. H₂S does not have any role in the development of insulin resistance. Decrease in insulin level in Zuker diabetic rat and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat is due to high H₂S level.

Modulation of sulfide oxidation and toxicity in rat mitochondria by dehydroascorbic acid

Hydrogen sulfide is enzymatically produced in mammalian tissues and functions as a gaseous transmitter. However, H(2)S is also highly toxic as it inhibits mitochondrial respiration at the level of cytochrome c oxidase, which additionally is involved in sulfide oxidation. The accumulation of toxic sulfide levels contributes to the pathology of some diseases. This paper demonstrates that sulfide toxicity can be modified, and dehydroascorbic acid functions as an effector in this process. It significantly reduces the inhibitory effect of sulfide on cytochrome c oxidase, resulting in higher rates of respiration and sulfide oxidation in rat mitochondria. After the addition of dehydroascorbic acid mitochondria maintained more than 50% of the oxygen consumption and ATP production rates with different substrates in the presence of high concentrations of sulfide that would normally lead to complete inhibition. Dehydroascorbic acid significantly increased the sulfide concentration necessary to cause half maximal inhibition of mitochondrial respiration and thus completely prevented inhibition at low, physiological sulfide concentrations. In addition, sulfide oxidation was stimulated and led to ATP production even at high concentrations. The decrease in sulfide toxicity was more pronounced when analyzing supermolecular functional units of the respiratory chain than in isolated cytochrome c oxidase activity. Furthermore, the protective effect of dehydroascorbic acid at high sulfide concentrations was completely abolished by quantitative solubilization of mitochondrial membrane proteins with dodeclymaltoside. These results suggest that binding of cytochrome c oxidase to other proteins probably within respiratory chain supercomplexes is involved in the modulation of sulfide oxidation and toxicity by dehydroascorbic acid.

The pathogenic role of cystathionine γ-lyase/hydrogen sulfide in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in mice

Reduced β-cell mass and increased activities of ATP-sensitive K(+) channels in pancreatic β cells are associated with the pathogenesis of diabetes. Cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) is a major hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S)-producing enzyme in pancreatic β cells. Herein, we examine the effects of genetic and pharmacologic ablation of CSE on β-cell functions and their correlation with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. Compared with wild-type mice, CSE knockout (CSE KO) mice that received STZ injections exhibited a delayed onset of diabetic status. The application of dl-propargylglycine (PPG) to inhibit CSE activity protected wild-type mice from STZ-induced hyperglycemia and hypoinsulinemia. STZ significantly increased pancreatic H(2)S production in wild-type mice but not in CSE KO mice. STZ induced more apoptotic β-cell death in wild-type mice than in CSE KO mice. STZ exposure decreased the viability of cultured INS-1E cells, which was partly reversed by PPG co-treatment. STZ also significantly stimulated H(2)S production in cultured INS-1E cells. In addition, STZ stimulated ATP-sensitive K(+) currents in pancreatic β cells from wild-type mice but not in the presence of PPG or in β cells from CSE KO mice. Sodium hydrosulfide injection instantly increased blood glucose, decreased plasma insulin, and deteriorated glucose tolerance in mice. Take together, these results provide evidence that the CSE/H(2)S system plays a critical role in regulating β-cell functions.

Significance of hydrogen sulfide production in the pancreatic β-cell

Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) is an important signaling molecule in various mammalian cells and tissues. H(2)S is synthesized from L-cysteine and regulates several cellular and physiological phenomena (vasorelaxation, hormone secretion, and apoptosis) and multicellular events (neuromodulation and inflammatory responses). H(2)S can be produced in pancreatic β-cells by cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) or cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE). H(2)S inhibits insulin release and regulates β-cell survival. We found that glucose stimulation increased CSE expression at transcript and protein levels in mouse pancreatic islets. We also found that H(2)S protects β-cells that were chronically exposed to high glucose from apoptotic cell death. Loss of β-cell mass and failures of β-cell function are important in the pathogenesis and/or progression of diabetes mellitus; therefore, molecular analyses of the mechanisms of H(2)S production and its protective effects on β-cells may lead to new insights into diabetes mellitus.

Chronic methylglyoxal infusion by minipump causes pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction and induces type 2 diabetes in Sprague-Dawley rats

OBJECTIVE

The incidence of high dietary carbohydrate-induced type 2 diabetes is increasing worldwide. Methylglyoxal (MG) is a reactive glucose metabolite and a major precursor of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). MG levels are elevated in diabetic patients. We investigated the effects of chronic administration of MG on glucose tolerance and β-cell insulin secreting mechanism in 12-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

MG (60 mg/kg/day) or 0.9% saline was administered by continuous infusion with a minipump for 28 days. We performed glucose and insulin tolerance tests and measured adipose tissue glucose uptake and insulin secretion from isolated pancreatic islets. We also used cultured INS-1E cells, a pancreatic β-cell line, for molecular studies. Western blotting, quantitative PCR, immunohistochemistry, and transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay were performed.

RESULTS

In rats treated with MG and MG + l-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), MG levels were significantly elevated in plasma, pancreas, adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle; fasting plasma glucose was elevated, whereas insulin and glutathione were reduced. These two groups also had impaired glucose tolerance, reduced GLUT-4, phosphoinositide-3-kinase activity, and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in adipose tissue. In the pancreatic β-cells, MG and MG + BSO reduced insulin secretion, pancreatic duodenal homeobox-1, MafA, GLUT-2, and glucokinase expression; increased C/EBPβ, nuclear factor-κB, MG-induced AGE, N(ε)-carboxymeythyllysine, and receptor for AGEs expression; and caused apoptosis. Alagebrium, an MG scavenger and an AGE-breaking compound, attenuated the effects of MG.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic MG induces biochemical and molecular abnormalities characteristic of type 2 diabetes and is a possible mediator of high carbohydrate-induced type 2 diabetes.