ROS-Dependent Neuroprotective Effects of NaHS in Ischemia Brain Injury Involves the PARP/AIF Pathway.

BACKGROUND/AIMS Stroke is among the top causes of death worldwide. Neuroprotective agents are thus considered as potentially powerful treatment of stroke. METHODS Using both HT22 cells and male Sprague-Dawley rats as in vitro and in vivo models, we investigated the effect of NaHS, an exogenous donor of H2S, on the focal cerebral ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) induced brain injury. RESULTS Administration of NaHS significantly decreased the brain infarcted area as compared to the I/R group in a dose-dependent manner. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that NaHS-treated rats displayed significant reduction of malondialdehyde content, and strikingly increased activity of superoxide dismutases and glutathione peroxidase in the brain tissues compared with I/R group. The enhanced antioxidant capacity as well as restored mitochondrial function are NaHS-treatment correlated with decreased cellular reactive oxygen species level and compromised apoptosis in vitro or in vivo in the presence of NaHS compared with control. Further analysis revealed that the inhibition of PARP-1 cleavage and AIF translocation are involved in the neuroprotective effects of NaHS. CONCLUSION Collectively, our results suggest that NaHS has potent protective effects against the brain injury induced by I/R. NaHS is possibly effective through inhibition of oxidative stress and apoptosis.