The biological effect of endogenous sulfur dioxide in the cardiovascular system

Color-reversible fluorescence tracking for the dynamic interaction of SO2 with Hg2+ in living cells

Mercury ion (Hg2+) is one of the most threatening substances to human health, and the mercury poisoning can damage physiological homeostasis severely in human, even cause death. Intriguingly, Sulfur dioxide (SO2), a gas signal molecule in human, can specifically interact with Hg2+ for relieving mercury poisoning. However, the dynamic interaction of Hg2+ with SO2 at the tempospatial level and the correlation between Hg2+ and SO2 in the pathological process of mercury poisoning are still elusive. Herein, we rationally designed a reversible and dual color fluorescent probe (CCS) for dynamically visualizing Hg2+ and SO2 and deciphering their interrelationship in mercury poisoning. CCS held good sensitivity, selectivity and reversibility to Hg2+ and SO2, that enabled CCS to specifically detect SO2 and Hg2+ via cyan fluorescence channel (centered around 485 nm) and red fluorescence channel (centered around 679 nm), respectively. Notably, the separate fluorescence signal changes of CCS realized the dynamic tracing of Hg2+ and SO2 in living cells, and presented the potential for exploring the correlation between SO2 and Hg2+ in mercury poisoning.

Mitochondria-targeted fluorescent probe for simultaneously imaging viscosity and sulfite in inflammation models

Many diseases in the human body are related to the overexpression of viscosity and sulfur dioxide. Therefore, it is essential to develop rapid and sensitive fluorescent probes to detect viscosity and sulfur dioxide. In the present work, we developed a dual-response fluorescent probe (ES) for efficient detection of viscosity and sulfur dioxide while targeting mitochondria well. The probe generates intramolecular charge transfer by pushing and pulling the electron-electron system, and the ICT effect is destroyed and the fluorescence quenched upon reaction with sulfite. The rotation of the molecule is inhibited in the high-viscosity system, producing a bright red light. In addition, the probe has good biocompatibility and can be used to detect sulfite in cells, zebrafish and mice, as well as upregulation of viscosity in LPS-induced inflammation models. We expect that the dual response fluorescent probe ES will be able to detect viscosity and sulfite efficiently, providing an effective means of detecting viscosity and sulfite-related diseases.

A FRET-based ratiometric fluorescent probe for sensing bisulfite/sulfite and viscosity and its applications in food, water samples and test strips

A FRET-based ratiometric dual-response fluorescent probe, CQI, constructed by combining quinolinium-indole as the acceptor and coumarin as the donor, was developed for sensing HSO3-/SO32- and viscosity. After the interaction of probe CQI with the analyte, we achieved a green channel for the response to HSO3-/SO32- and an orange channel for the response to viscosity. We comprehensively evaluated the ability of CQI to detect SO2 derivatives and viscosity using fluorescence spectroscopy. Probe CQI exhibited a large Stokes shift (196 nm), a high energy transfer efficiency (99.6 %) and a wide detection range (0-250 μM). The fluorescence intensity of the probe increased up to 14-fold with increasing viscosity, and CQI could detect the viscosity of food thickeners. More importantly, probe CQI could not only successfully monitor SO2 derivatives in various food and water samples, but also be prepared as bisulfite test strips.

A ratiometric fluorescent probe based on the FRET platform for the detection of sulfur dioxide derivatives and viscosity

BACKGROUND

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a common gaseous pollutant that significantly threatens environmental pollution and human health. Meanwhile, viscosity is an essential parameter of the intracellular microenvironment, manipulating many physiological roles such as nutrient transport, metabolism, signaling regulation and apoptosis. Currently, most of the fluorescent probes used for detecting SO2 derivatives and viscosity are single-emission probes or probes based on the ICT mechanism, which suffer from short emission wavelengths, small Stokes shifts or susceptibility to environmental background. Therefore, the development of powerful high-performance probes for real-time monitoring of sulfur dioxide derivatives and viscosity is of great significance for human health.

RESULTS

In this research, we designed the fluorescent probe QQC to detect SO2 derivatives and viscosity based on FRET platform with quinolinium salt as donor and quinolinium-carbazole as acceptor. QQC exhibited a ratiometric fluorescence response to SO2 with a low detection limit (0.09 μM), large Stokes shift (186 nm) and high energy transfer efficiency (95 %), indicating that probe QQC had good sensitivity and specificity. In addition, QQC was sensitive to viscosity, with an 9.10-folds enhancement of orange fluorescence and an excellent linear relationship (R2 = 0.98) between the logarithm of fluorescence intensity at 592 nm and viscosity. Importantly, QQC could not only recognize SO2 derivatives in real water samples and food, but also detect viscosity changes caused by food thickeners and thereby had broad market application prospects.

SIGNIFICANCE

We have developed a ratiometric fluorescent probe based on the FRET platform for detecting sulfur dioxide derivatives and viscosity. QQC could not only successfully detect SO2 derivatives in food and water samples, but also be made into test strips for detecting HSO3-/SO32- solution. In addition, the probe was also used to detect viscosity changes caused by food thickeners. Therefore, this novel probe had significant value in food and environmental detection applications.

A rationally designed fluorescent probe for sulfur dioxide and its derivatives: applications in food analysis and bioimaging

Exogenous sulfur dioxide (SO2) and its derivatives (SO32-/HSO3-) have been extensively utilized in food preservation and endogenous SO2 is recognized as a significant gaseous signaling molecule that can mediate various physiological processes. Overproduction and/or extensive intake of these species can trigger allergic reactions and even tissue damage. Therefore, it is highly desirable to monitor SO2 and its derivatives effectively and quantitatively both in vitro and in vivo. Herein, a new mitochondria-targeted fluorescent probe (PIB) had been constructed, which could ratiometrically recognize SO2 and its derivatives with excellent sensitivity (DL = 15.9 nM) and a fast response time (200 s). The obtained high selectivity and good adaptability of this SO2-specific probe in a wide pH range (6.5-10.0) allowed for quantitatively tracking of SO2 and its derivatives in real food samples (granulated sugar, crystal sugar, and white wine). In addition, PIB could locate at mitochondrion and was capable of imaging exogenous/endogenous SO2 in the cells and zebrafish. In particular, our findings represented one of the rare examples that have demonstrated endogenous SO2 is closely related with the apoptosis of cells. Importantly, probe PIB was successfully employed for in situ metabolic localization in mouse organs, implying the potential applications of our probe in further exploration on SO2-releated pathological and physiological processes.

Development of a Ratiometric Fluorescent Probe with Zero Cross-Talk for the Detection of SO2 Derivatives in Foods and Live Cells

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) derivatives are extensively utilized as both a preservative for foods and an active gaseous signal molecule in various physiological and pathological processes, but their excessive intake would bring harmful effects on human health; so, the determination of SO2 derivatives is of great importance. Herein, we developed a ratiometric fluorescent probe named 2-(2'-hydroxyphenyl)benzothiazole-3-ethyl-1,1,2-trimethyl-1H-benzo[e]indolium (HBT-EMBI) by introducing a hemicyanine unit of EMBI to an HBT group for the detection of SO2 derivatives via an excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) and intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) effects. The probe displays some advantages, such as a colorimetric change from purple to colorless, a ratiometric fluorescence with zero cross-talk, and a remarkably large emission shift (Δλ = 164 nm) under a single-wavelength excitation. Accordingly, the probe HBT-EMBI has been successfully employed for the colorimetric and ratiometric determination of SO2 derivatives in real food samples and the quantitative visualization of SO2 derivative variations in HepG2 cells.

Polysiloxane-Based Molecular Logic Gate for Dual-Channel Visualizing Mitochondrial pH and Sulphite Changes during Cuproptosis

Intracellular Cu-induced regulated cell death, characterized by the aggregation of lipidizing mitochondrial enzymes, is called cuproptosis. Mitochondria play a vital role in the metabolic regulation of cell injury and stressful immune responses. The pH levels and sulfur dioxide (SO2) content in mitochondria have important indicative roles in the regulation of cuproptosis. However, fluorescent probes that simultaneously detect changes in pH and SO2 in mitochondria during cuprotosis have not been reported. To fill this blank, in this study, we dexterously used functional polysiloxane as a fluorescent platform to propose a molecular logic gate probe P0-pH-SO2 for detecting changes in intramitochondrial pH and SO2 content through a dual-channel mode. In addition, we defined a new function to reflect the cellular state of the elesclomol-induced cuproptosis process based on the input and output of the relevant logic relationship. This new fluorescent molecular logic gate probe P0-pH-SO2 can be rapidly activated by mitochondrial sulfites to induce green fluorescence, while the red fluorescence is quenched with the proton in the mitochondria. Overall, this study developed a novel logic-gated molecular probe that provided a versatile strategy for monitoring the role played by intramitochondrial sulfites and H+ in cuproptosis. This work will open the way to broaden the applications of molecular logic gates and fluorescent polysiloxanes.

Newly developed gas-assisted sonodynamic therapy in cancer treatment

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is an emerging noninvasive treatment modality that utilizes low-frequency and low-intensity ultrasound (US) to trigger sensitizers to kill tumor cells with reactive oxygen species (ROS). Although SDT has attracted much attention for its properties including high tumor specificity and deep tissue penetration, its anticancer efficacy is still far from satisfactory. As a result, new strategies such as gas-assisted therapy have been proposed to further promote the effectiveness of SDT. In this review, the mechanisms of SDT and gas-assisted SDT are first summarized. Then, the applications of gas-assisted SDT for cancer therapy are introduced and categorized by gas types. Next, therapeutic systems for SDT that can realize real-time imaging are further presented. Finally, the challenges and perspectives of gas-assisted SDT for future clinical applications are discussed.

Fluorescent Organic Small Molecule Probes for Bioimaging and Detection Applications

The activity levels of key substances (metal ions, reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen, biological small molecules, etc.) in organisms are closely related to intracellular redox reactions, disease occurrence and treatment, as well as drug absorption and distribution. Fluorescence imaging technology provides a visual tool for medicine, showing great potential in the fields of molecular biology, cellular immunology and oncology. In recent years, organic fluorescent probes have attracted much attention in the bioanalytical field. Among various organic fluorescent probes, fluorescent organic small molecule probes (FOSMPs) have become a research hotspot due to their excellent physicochemical properties, such as good photostability, high spatial and temporal resolution, as well as excellent biocompatibility. FOSMPs have proved to be suitable for in vivo bioimaging and detection. On the basis of the introduction of several primary fluorescence mechanisms, the latest progress of FOSMPs in the applications of bioimaging and detection is comprehensively reviewed. Following this, the preparation and application of fluorescent organic nanoparticles (FONPs) that are designed with FOSMPs as fluorophores are overviewed. Additionally, the prospects of FOSMPs in bioimaging and detection are discussed.

Elucidating the role of circNFIB in myocardial fibrosis alleviation by endogenous sulfur dioxide

BACKGROUND

To investigate the role of circNFIB in the alleviation of myocardial fibrosis by endogenous sulfur dioxide (SO₂).

METHODS

We stimulated cultured neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and developed an in vitro myocardial fibrosis model. Lentivirus vectors containing aspartate aminotransferase 1 (AAT1) cDNA were used to overexpress AAT1, and siRNA was used to silence circNFIB. The SO₂, collagen, circNFIB, Wnt/β-catenin, and p38 MAPK pathways were examined in each group.

RESULTS

In the in vitro TGF-β1-induced myocardial fibrosis model, endogenous SO₂/AAT1 expression was significantly decreased, and collagen levels in the cell supernatant and type I and III collagen expression, as well as α-SMA expression, were all significantly increased. TGF-β1 also significantly reduced circNFIB expression. AAT1 overexpression significantly reduced myocardial fibrosis while significantly increasing circNFIB expression. Endogenous SO₂ alleviated myocardial fibrosis after circNFIB expression was blocked. We discovered that circNFIB plays an important role in the alleviation of myocardial fibrosis by endogenous SO₂ by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin and p38 MAPK pathways.

CONCLUSION

Endogenous SO₂ promotes circNFIB expression, which inhibits the Wnt/β-catenin and p38 MAPK signaling pathways, consequently alleviating myocardial fibrosis.

A mitochondria-targeted near-infrared fluorescent probe for detection and imaging of HSO3- in living cells

Sulfur dioxide, an essential gas signaling molecule mainly produced in mitochondria, plays important roles in many physiological and pathological processes. Herein, a near-infrared fluorescent probe, A1, with good mitochondria targeting ability was developed for colorimetric and fluorescence detection of HSO₃^-. Probe A1 has a conjugated cyanine structure that can selectively react with HSO₃^- through the nucleophilic addition. The reaction with HSO₃^- destroys the conjugated structure of probe A1, resulting in fluorescence quenching, and accompaniedby color change of probe A1 solution from purple-red to colorless. Probe A1 showed high selectivity and good sensitivity to HSO₃^- in PBS. And the limit of detection was calculated to be 1.28 and 0.037 μM for colorimetry and fluorescence spectrophotometry respectively. In addition, probe A1 mainly entered the mitochondria in living cells, and was successfully used for imaging the exogenous/endogenous HSO₃^- in cells. These results suggest the potential applications of probe A1 in biological systems.

Mitochondria-targetable colorimetric and far-red fluorescent sensor for rapid detection of SO2 derivatives in food samples and living cells

Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) derivatives are intertwined with many physiological and pathological processes in living systems, and excess intake of them are associated with various diseases. Herein, we have rationally constructed a novel colorimetric and far-red fluorescent probe for HSO₃^- based on a rhodamine analogue skeleton bearing a 3-quinolinium carboxaldehyde moiety. The novel probe exhibited a significant far-red fluorescence "Turn-on" response to HSO₃^-, along with obvious color change from reddish to purple via the specific 1,4-nucleophilic addition reaction of HSO₃^- with the quinolinium moiety in 3-(4-(2-carboxyphenyl)-7-(diethylamino)chromenylium-2-yl)-1-methylquinolin-1-ium hypochlorite trifluoromethanesulfonate (AQCB). The AQCB had excellent water-solubility, and presented rapid response (<15 s),highsensibility(LOD = 49 nM) and selectivity toward HSO₃^-. In addition, the probe was able to detect the content of HSO₃^- in food samples with satisfactory results. Furthermore, the probe possessed good cell membrane and could be successfully applied for imaging HSO₃^- in the mitochondria of living cells.

External stimuli-responsive gasotransmitter prodrugs: Chemistry and spatiotemporal release

Gasotransmitters like nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide with unique pleiotropic pharmacological effects in mammals are an emerging therapeutic modality for different human diseases including cancer, infection, ischemia-reperfusion injuries, and inflammation; however, their clinical translation is hampered by the lack of a reliable delivery form, which delivers such gasotransmitters to the action site with precisely controlled dosage. The external stimuli-responsive prodrug strategy has shown tremendous potential in developing gasotransmitter prodrugs, which affords precise temporospatial control and better dose control compared with endogenous stimuli-sensitive prodrugs. The promising external stimuli employed for gasotransmitter activation range from photo, ultrasound, and bioorthogonal click chemistry to exogenous enzymes. Herein, we highlight the recent development of external stimuli-mediated decaging chemistry for the temporospatial delivery of gasotransmitters including nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide, and discuss the pros and cons of different designs.

A novel fluorescent probe based on triphenylamine for detecting sulfur dioxide derivatives

According to the nucleophilicity of sulfur dioxide derivatives, a reactive fluorescent probe was designed and synthesized by linking triphenylamine with benzoindole.

Water-soluble fluorescent probes for bisulfite and viscosity imaging in living cells: Pyrene vs. anthracene

We have designed two mitochondria targetable probes P-Py and P-An by the π-conjugation of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (pyrene vs. anthracene) with 4-dimethylamino pyridinium. They present an amphiphilic property with excellent solubility in the common polar and non-polar solvents. Both of them demonstrated a significant fluorescence response to bisulfite in Tris-HCl buffer solutions (5 mM, pH = 7.4). By a combination of fluorescence, UV-vis, time-resolved emission, ¹H NMR, and ESI-MS, their sensing mechanisms have been elaborated to be a Michael addition. Notably, P-Py also exhibits a sensitivity to the viscosity change with a Stokes shift of 140 nm, due to the restriction of C-C bond rotation. By taking advantages of its good water solubility, low toxicity, and high mitochondrial target, the dual responses of P-Py to exogenous SO₂ derivatives and viscosity change in mitochondria were explored by confocal fluorescence microscopy.

Phenothiazine and semi-cyanine based colorimetric and fluorescent probes for detection of sulfites in solutions and in living cells

Four hemicyanine probes for selectively detecting sulfites (HSO₃⁻/SO₃²⁻) have been constructed by the condensation reaction of 7-substituted (CN, Br, H and OH) phenothiazine aldehyde with 1-ethyl-2,3,3-trimethylindolium iodide. All four probes show a fast and sensitive response to HSO₃⁻/SO₃²⁻via a Michael addition, with a detection limit lower than 40 nM based on monitoring their UV/vis absorption changes. Although all four probes display an increase in fluorescence when responding to HSO₃⁻/SO₃²⁻, the increment is larger for the probe with an electron-withdrawing group than the probe with an electron-donating group, except for Br. Thus, among four probes the 7-cyano probe (PI-CN) possesses the largest fluorescent response to HSO₃⁻/SO₃²⁻, and the lowest detection limit (7.5 nM). More expediently and easily, a film and a test paper with PI-CN have been prepared to detect HSO₃⁻/SO₃²⁻ in a sample aqueous solution selectively. Finally, the detection of HSO₃⁻/SO₃²⁻ by PI-CN in biological environments has been demonstrated by cell imaging.

Four 7-substituted phenothiazine hemicyanines display a substituent effect on the fluorescence response toward sulfites. The CN-substituted probe exhibits the best sensing behavior.

Enhanced Sulfite-Selective Sensing and Cell Imaging with Fluorescent Nanoreactors Containing a Ratiometric Lipid Peroxidation Sensor

The detection of SO₂ and its derivatives is indispensable for monitoring atmospheric, water quality, and biological fluctuation of oxidative stress and metabolism of biothiols within native cellular contexts. In this article, the brush copolymer nanoreactors containing amine-terminated PDMS were used to encapsulate the fluorescent indicator C11-BDP, forming sulfite-sensitive nanoreactors (ssNRs). Surprisingly, the ssNRs were found to be highly selective to sulfite over a range of reactive oxygen/nitrogen/sulfur species and anions, which was not observed with freely dissolved indicators. The ssNRs showed a rapid response (t₉₅ = 65 s), an excellent detection limit (0.7 μM), and a very high sensitivity (ca. 1000-fold ratiometric intensity change) to sulfite. For cellular studies, the ssNRs exhibited negligible toxicity and could be endocytosed into endosomes and lysosomes. Finally, the ssNRs allowed us to visualize the different responses of three different types of cells (pre-adipocytes, RAW264.7, and HeLa cells) to external stimuli in the culture media with sulfites and lipopolysaccharides.

A Review of Chemical Tools for Studying Small Molecule Persulfides: Detection and Delivery

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has gained significant attention as a potent bioregulator in the redox metabolome, but it is just one of many reactive sulfur species (RSS). Recently, small molecule persulfides (structure RSSH) have emerged as RSS of particular interest due to their enhanced antioxidant abilities compared to H₂S and their ability to directly convert protein thiols into protein persulfides, suggesting that persulfides may have distinct physiological functions from H₂S. However, persulfides exhibit instability and cross-reactivity that hampers the elucidation of their precise biological roles. As such, chemists have designed chemical tools and techniques to facilitate the study of persulfides under various conditions. These molecules and methods include persulfide trapping reagents and sensors, as well as compounds that degrade in response to various triggers to release persulfides, termed persulfide donors. There now exist a variety of persulfide donor classes, some of which possess tissue-targeting capabilities designed to mimic localized endogenous production of RSS. This Review briefly covers the physicochemical properties of persulfides, the endogenous production of small molecule persulfides, and their reactions with protein thiols and other reactive species. These introductory sections are followed by a discussion of chemical tools used in persulfide chemical biology, with critical analysis of recent advancements in the field and commentary on potential directions for future research.

Sulfur Dioxide: An Endogenous Protector Against Myocardial Injury

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) was previously known as a harmful gas in air pollution. Recently, it was reported that SO2 can be endogenously generated in cardiovascular tissues. Many studies have revealed that endogenous SO2 has important physiological and pathophysiological significance and pharmacological potential. As a novel gasotransmitter, SO2 has important regulatory effects on the heart. It has a dose-dependent negative inotropic effect on cardiac function, in which L-type calcium channels are involved. SO2 can also attenuate myocardial injury caused by various harmful stimuli and play an important role in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and myocardial hypertrophy. These effects are thought to be linked to its ability to reduce inflammation and as an antioxidant. In addition, SO2 regulates cardiomyocyte apoptosis and autophagy. Therefore, endogenous SO2 plays an important role in maintaining cardiovascular system homeostasis. In the present review, the literature concerning the metabolism of endogenous SO2, its cardiac toxicological effects and physiological regulatory effects, mechanisms for SO2-mediated myocardial protection and its pharmacological applications are summarized and discussed.

A colorimetric and far-red fluorescent probe for rapid detection of bisulfite/sulfite in full water-soluble based on biquinolinium and its applications

Bisulfite (HSO₃^-) and sulfite (SO₃^2-) are involved in numerous physiological processes of living systems. However, high levels of these substances are often correlated to many diseases. Herein, we designed and synthesized a simple full water-soluble colorimetric and far-red fluorescent probe (E)-1-methyl-4-(2-(1-methylquinolin-1-ium-3-yl)vinyl)quinolin-1-ium iodide trifluoromethanesulfonate (DQ) for HSO₃^-/SO₃^2- detection by coupling 1,4-dimethylquinolinium with 3-quinolinium carboxaldehyde for the first time. The probe DQ showed high selectivity for HSO₃^- detection via a 1,4-nucleophilic addition reaction with distinct color changes from colorless to purple-red and remarkable far-red fluorescence enhancement in pure aqueous solutions. Specifically, the probe displayed a fast response (<15 s) for bisulfite, which renders it suitable for real time detection of HSO₃^-. Under the optimized conditions, the far-red fluorescence intensity was linear to the concentrations of HSO₃^- in the range from 0 to 25 μM and the detection limit was as low as 0.11 μM. Additionally, the probe could be applied to sense HSO₃^- on paper strips, real sample including vermicelli and sugar and image HSO₃^- in living cells, which indicated that probe DQ has potential application in food samples and living systems.

Exogenous SO2 donor treatment impairs reconsolidation of drug reward memory in mice

Substance-related and addictive disorders (SRADs) are characterized by compulsive drug use and recurrent relapse. The persistence of pathological drug-related memories indisputably contributes to a high propensity to relapse. Hence, strategies to disrupt reconsolidation of drug reward memory are currently being pursued as potential anti-relapse interventions. Sulfur dioxide (SO2), acting as a potential gaseous molecule, endogenously derives from sulfur amino acid and can exert significant neural regulatory effects. However, the role of SO2 in reconsolidation of drug memory has not been determined. In the present study, we used morphine- or cocaine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) mouse models with retrieval to investigate the effects of exogenous SO2 donor treatment on reconsolidation of drug reward memory. We found that administration of SO2 donor immediately after the retrieval impaired the expression of morphine or cocaine CPP. Furthermore, the exogenous SO2 donor treatment 6 h post-retrieval or in the absence of retrieval had no effect on drug reward memory and the expression of CPP. SO2 itself did not produce aversive effects nor did it acutely block morphine CPP. Our results indicate that exogenous SO2 impairs reconsolidation of drug reward memory rather than inhibits the expression of drug reward memory. As such, SO2 holds potential for the treatment and prevention of SRADs and should be studied further.

A ratiometric fluorescent probe for the rapid and specific detection of HSO3 - in water samples

Hydrosulphite (HSO₃ ^- ), as a common and important chemical reagent, is widely used in everyday life, however excessive use and abuse of HSO₃ ^- can cause potential harmful effects on the environment and in biological health. In this paper, we describe the design and preparation of a colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescence probe for the visual detection of HSO₃ ^- (excitation wavelengths were, respectively, 336 nm and 520 nm). This method showed some advantages including simple preparation, high selectivity, fast response, and significant colour and fluorescence ratio (F₄₅₀ /F₅₉₄ ) changes in the presence of HSO₃ ^- . In addition, this probe was used successfully for the detection of HSO₃ ^- in real water samples and showed a good recovery rate range.

A single small molecule fluorescent probe for imaging RNA distribution and detecting endogenous SO2 through distinct fluorescence channels

Herein, we developed a novel small molecule fluorescent probe for imaging the distribution of RNA and detecting endogenous SO2 through distinct fluorescence channels in cells.

An imidazo[1,5-α]pyridine-derivated fluorescence sensor for rapid and selective detection of sulfite

Sulfur-containing species are essential in the composition and the metabolism of the organisms, thus developing a full set of implements to cover all of them is still a favorable choice. Herein, we chose imidazo [1,5-α]pyridine moiety as the basic fluorophore for the detection of sulfite, and preliminarily completed the toolset since biothiols (GSH, Cys, Hcy), H₂S, and PhSH could be detected by sensors based on the same backbone. The designed sensor, IPD-SFT, with structural novelty and large Stokes shift (130 nm), indicated the most attractive advantages of remarkably rapid response period (within 1 min) and high selectivity for sulfite from all the sulfur-containing species. Other practical properties included high sensitivity (LOD = 50 nM) and wide pH adaptability (5.0-11.0). Furthermore, IPD-SFT could monitor both exogenous and endogenous sulfite. It not only raised a potential tool for sulfite detection, but also preliminarily completed the toolset for all the sulfur-containing species. The development of such toolsets might reveal the sulfur-containing metabolism and corresponding physiology and pathological procedures.

Sulfonate Version of OHPAS Linker Has Two Distinct Pathways of Breakdown: Elimination Route Allows Para-Hydroxy-Protected Benzylsulfonate (PHP-BS) to Serve as an Alternative Self-Immolative Group

Recently we have reported that the ortho-hydroxy-protected aryl sulfate (OHPAS) system can be exploited as a new self-immolative group (SIG) for phenolic payloads. We extended the system to nonphenolic payloads by simply introducing a para-hydroxy benzyl (PHB) spacer. As an additional variation of the system, we explored a benzylsulfonate version of the OHPAS system and found that it has two distinct breakdown pathways, cyclization and 1,4-elimination, the latter of which implies that para-hydroxy-protected (PHP) benzylsulfonate (BS) can also be used as an alternative SIG. The PHP-BS system was found to be stable chemically and in mouse and human plasma, having payload release rates comparable to those of the original OHPAS conjugates.

Red-Emission Probe for Ratiometric Fluorescent Detection of Bisulfite and Its Application in Live Animals and Food Samples

Key roles of bisulfite (HSO3 -) in food quality assurance and human health necessitate a reliable analytical method for rapid, sensitive, and selective detection of HSO3 -. Herein, a new red-emitting ratiometric fluorescence probe, BIQ, is reported for sensitive and selective detection of HSO3 - in food samples and live animals. Probe BIQ recognizes HSO3 - via a 1,4-nucleophilic addition reaction. As a result of this specific reaction, emission intensities at 625 and 475 nm are dramatically changed, allowing the detection of HSO3 - in a ratiometric fluorescence model in an aqueous solution. The obvious changes of solution color from pink to transparent and fluorescence color from rose-red to cyan allow the detection of HSO3 - by naked eyes. Furthermore, probe BIQ has fast response in color and fluorescence (<2 min), excellent selectivity, and a low detection limit (0.29 μM), which enables its application in HSO3 - detection in food samples and live organisms. The practical applications of probe BIQ are then demonstrated by the visualization of HSO3 - in live animals (zebrafish and nude mouse) as well as the determination of HSO3 - in white wine and sugar.

Sulfur dioxide induces vascular relaxation through PI3K/Akt/eNOS and NO/cGMP signaling pathways in rats

Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is a common exogenous atmospheric pollutant. Studies have shown that SO₂ can cause vasodilation as a gas signaling molecule, but the specific signaling pathways are not well understood. This study aimed to explore the underlying mechanism behind the effects of SO₂ on vasodilation of isolated rat aorta. The results showed that when the dose of SO₂ was 30 μM, the vasodilation of endothelium-intact rings was partially suppressed by LY294002 and N^G-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, and the protein levels of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), p-Akt, and p-endothelial nitric oxide synthase (p-eNOS) were significantly increased. When the dose of SO₂ was 300 μM or 1500 μM, the vasodilation of endothelium-denuded rings did not change after application of the inhibitor, but the protein levels of PI3K, p-Akt, and p-eNOS were significantly decreased, and the activity of NOS and the level of nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) were significantly increased. We speculate that the mechanism of SO₂-induced vasodilatation likely involved the endothelial PI3K/Akt/eNOS and NO/cGMP signal pathways. In addition, at the concentration of 1500 μM, SO₂ markedly increased the level of caspase-3 and caspase-9. The results suggest that high concentrations of SO₂ may cause damage to blood vessels. This study will help to further inform the etiologies of SO₂-related cardiovascular disease.

A novel mitochondria-targetted near-infrared fluorescent probe for selective and colorimetric detection of sulfite and its application in vitro and vivo

Overdoses of SO₂ and its derivatives (SO₃^2-/HSO₃^-) in food or organisms are harmful to health. To detect SO₃^2-/HSO₃^-, a novel NIR fluorescent probe 1, based upon the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) mechanism, was developed. This probe was easily synthesized, and gave noticeable colorimetric and linear fluorescence changes at 690 nm after reaction with sulfite from 3.13 to 200 µM. Moreover, probe 1 displayed high sensitivity (LOD = 0.46 µM), excellent selectivity (among 13 kinds of anions and 3 kinds of biothiols) and quick response (within 30 min) towards SO₃^2-/HSO₃^-. The SO₃^2-/HSO₃^- sensing mechanism was confirmed as the Michael addition reaction. Furthermore, the probe showed wide applications for measuring SO₃^2-/HSO₃^- in real samples, including sugar, tap water, wine and traditional Chinese medicine. The probe could also be used to detect SO₃^2-/HSO₃^- in mitochondria of HepG2 cells and zebrafish, which suggested potential application for monitoring SO₂ derivatives in clinical diagnostics.

A double-indole structure fluorescent probe for monitoring sulfur dioxide derivatives with distinct ratiometric fluorescence signals in mammalian cells

Based on the addition reaction of the sulfur dioxide derivative to the CC double bond, the probe HDI was designed and synthesized. The two-channel fluorescent probe HDI changed from orange to colorless and the fluorescence changed from red to blue when the bisulfite was detected. And the probe responds rapidly to bisulfite within 2 min, with high sensitivity and specificity. In addition, the probe can be used to detect the concentration of bisulfite with a low detection limit (80 nM). Cytological experiments have also demonstrated that probe HDI has low cytotoxicity and could be used for ratiometric detection of sulfur dioxide derivatives in living cells.

A mitochondria-targeting ratiometric fluorescent probe for the detection of sulfur dioxide in living cells

A mitochondria-targeting ratiometric fluorescent probe was developed for the detection of sulfur dioxide in living cells.

A mitochondrion-targeted dual-site fluorescent probe for the discriminative detection of SO32− and HSO3− in living HepG-2 cells

Sulfur dioxide, known as an environmental pollutant, produced during industrial productions is also a common food additive that is permitted worldwide. In living organisms, sulfur dioxide forms hydrates of sulfite (SO₂·H₂O), bisulfite (HSO₃⁻) and sulfite (SO₃²⁻) under physiological pH conditions; these three exist in a dynamic balance and play a role in maintaining redox balance, further participating in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes. On the basis of the differences in nucleophilicity between SO₃²⁻ and HSO₃⁻, for the first time, we built a mitochondrion-targeted dual-site fluorescent probe (Mito-CDTH-CHO) based on benzopyran for the highly specific detection of SO₃²⁻ and HSO₃⁻ with two diverse emission channels. Mito-CDTH-CHO can discriminatively respond to the levels of HSO₃⁻ and SO₃²⁻. Besides, its advantages of low cytotoxicity, superior biocompatibility and excellent mitochondrial enrichment ability contribute to the detection and observation of the distribution of sulfur dioxide derivatives in living organisms as well as allowing further studies on the physiological functions of sulfur dioxide.

Rational design and sensing mechanism of a dual-site fluorescence probe for HSO₃⁻ and SO₃²⁻.

A ratiometric fluorescent probe for reversible monitoring of endogenous SO2/formaldehyde in cytoplasm and nucleoli regions and its applications in living mice

A ratiometric fluorescent probe was engineered for the reversible imaging of endogenous sulfur dioxide in the cytoplasm and nucleoli regions of living cells and in living mice.

Recent progress in the small-molecule fluorescent probes for the detection of sulfur dioxide derivatives (HSO3-/SO32-)

Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) had been recognized as an environmental pollutant produced from industrial processes. SO₂ is water soluble and forms hydrated SO₂ (SO₂·H₂O), bisulfite ion (HSO₃^-), and sulfite ion (SO₃^2-) upon dissolution in water. SO₂ could be also produced endogenously from sulfur-containing amino acids l-cysteine in mammals. Endogenous SO₂ can maintain the balance of biological sulfur and redox equilibrium in vivo, regulate blood insulin levels and reduce blood pressure. Excess intake of exogenous SO₂ can result in respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases and neurological disorders. As a result, fluorescent probes to detect HSO₃^-/SO₃^2- have attracted great attention in recent years. Herein, a general overview was provided with the aim to highlight the typical examples of the HSO₃^-/SO₃^2- fluorescent probes reported since 2010, especially those in the past five years. We have classified HSO₃^-/SO₃^2- fluorescent probes through different chemical reaction mechanisms and wish this review will give some help to the researchers in this field.

Gas-Mediated Cancer Bioimaging and Therapy

Gas-involving cancer theranostics have attracted considerable attention in recent years due to their high therapeutic efficacy and biosafety. We have reviewed the recent significant advances in the development of stimuli-responsive gas releasing molecules (GRMs) and gas nanogenerators for cancer bioimaging, targeted and controlled gas therapy, and gas-sensitized synergistic therapy. We have focused on gases with known anticancer effects, such as oxygen (O₂), carbon monoxide (CO), nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), hydrogen (H₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and heavy gases that act via the gas-generating process. The GRMs and gas nanogenerators for each gas have been described in terms of the stimulation method, followed by their applications in ultrasound and multimodal imaging, and finally their primary and synergistic actions with other cancer therapeutic modalities. The current challenges and future possibilities of gas therapy and imaging vis-à-vis clinical translation have also been discussed.

Development of a unique reversible fluorescent probe for tracking endogenous sulfur dioxide and formaldehyde fluctuation in vivo

A FRET-based reversible fluorescent probe for sensing SO₂ and FA was designed. The probe was first used for imaging endogenous SO₂ and FA in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we first found that the interaction of SO₂ and FA can reduce the cytotoxicity.

Dual-site functionalized NIR fluorescent material for a discriminative concentration-dependent response to SO2 in cells and mice

Sulfur dioxide (SO₂), as an important anti-oxidant and gaseous signaling molecule, plays fundamental roles in the regulation of intracellular signaling and cell death cellular bioenergetics.

Two-Step Sensing, Colorimetric and Ratiometric Fluorescent Probe for Rapid Detection of Bisulfite in Aqueous Solutions and in Living Cells

Bisulfite and sulfite (HSO₃ ^-/SO₃ ^2-) are not only widely used toxic chemicals but also active anions with important biological functions. Hence, the development of new detection methods for HSO₃ ^-/SO₃ ^2- is important for environmental security and human health. In this paper, we report a symmetrical hemicyanine for the detection of HSO₃ ^-/SO₃ ^2-, SHC, which is constructed with p-diphthalaldehyde with trimethylbenzoindolium via condensation. The red fluorescent probe can fast respond to HSO₃ ^-/SO₃ ^2- (<30 s) to give cyan fluorescence, and its sensing process is twice nucleophilic additions, which were observed from fluorescence response, initial ratiometric change, and subsequent turn-on increment; especially in a low-concentration level, the ratiometric fluorescence measurement can eliminate environmental interference. This probe can achieve a quantitative detection of HSO₃ ^-/SO₃ ^2- in a wide concentration range. Furthermore, the probe SHC is a mitochondria-specific probe for ratiometric fluorescent detection of HSO₃ ^-/SO₃ ^2- in living cells.

Increased Endogenous Sulfur Dioxide Involved in the Pathogenesis of Postural Tachycardia Syndrome in Children: A Case-Control Study

Background

The pathogenesis of postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the changes and significance of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) in patients with POTS.

Methods

The study included 31 children with POTS and 27 healthy children from Peking University First Hospital between December 2013 and October 2015. A detailed medical history, physical examination results, and demographic characteristics were collected. Hemodynamics was recorded and the plasma SO₂was determined.

Results

The plasma SO₂was significantly higher in POTS children compared to healthy children (64.0 ± 20.8 μmol/L vs. 27.2 ± 9.6 μmol/L, respectively, P < 0.05). The symptom scores in POTS were positively correlated with plasma SO₂levels (r = 0.398, P < 0.05). In all the study participants, the maximum heart rate (HR) was positively correlated with plasma levels of SO₂(r = 0.679, P < 0.01). The change in systolic blood pressure from the supine to upright (ΔSBP) in POTS group was smaller than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The ΔSBP was negatively correlated with baseline plasma SO₂levels in all participants (r = -0.28, P < 0.05). In the control group, ΔSBP was positively correlated with the plasma levels of SO₂(r = 0.487, P < 0.01). The change in HR from the supine to upright in POTS was obvious compared to that of the control group. The area under curve was 0.967 (95% confidence interval: 0.928-1.000), and the cutoff value of plasma SO₂ level >38.17 μmol/L yielded a sensitivity of 90.3% and a specificity of 92.6% for predicting the diagnosis of POTS.

Conclusions

Increased endogenous SO₂levels might be involved in the pathogenesis of POTS.