Apoptosis plays pivotal role in the pathogenesis of degenerative disc diseases, which is the primary contributor to low back pain. Although the role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in cell apoptosis is well appreciated, the effects and mechanism that H2S regulates the program death of intervertebral disc cell are not yet elucidated. In this study, we utilized the nucleus pulposus (NP) from patients w...

Ca(+) sparks are vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) Ca(2+)-release events that are mediated by ryanodine receptors (RyR) and promote vasodilation by activating large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated potassium channels and inhibiting myogenic tone. We have previously reported that exposing rats to intermittent hypoxia (IH) to simulate sleep apnea augments myogenic tone in mesenteric arteries through...

Catalase is well-known as an antioxidant dismutating H2O2 to O2 and H2O. However, catalases evolved when metabolism was largely sulfur-based, long before O2 and reactive oxygen species (ROS) became abundant, suggesting catalase metabolizes reactive sulfide species (RSS). Here we examine catalase metabolism of H2Sn, the sulfur analog of H2O2, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and other sulfur-bearing molec...

We have previously reported that methylene blue (MB) can counteract hydrogen sulfide (H2S) intoxication-induced circulatory failure. Because of the multifarious effects of high concentrations of H2S on cardiac function, as well as the numerous properties of MB, the nature of this interaction, if any, remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to clarify 1) the effects of MB on H2S-induced car...

G asotransmitters, including NO, CO, and H2S, are a group of endogenously produced gas molecules that are membranepermeable and share similar molecular targets (1). Gasotransmitters may antagonize or potentiate each other’s cellular effects at three levels: their production, their downstream molecular targets, and the direct chemical interaction among themselves. The study published in PNAS by ...

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been recently found to be an endogenous signaling gasotransmitter. Cardiac hypertrophy often develops in the course of heart failure. It is unknown whether or not endogenous H2S protects cardiac hypertrophy. This study was conducted to examine the effects of H2S on cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis induced by abdominal ao...

Aims. The study aimed to examine whether hydrogen sulfide (H2S) generation changed in the kidney of the ageing mouse and its relationship with impaired kidney function. Results. H2S levels in the plasma, urine, and kidney decreased significantly in ageing mice. The expression of two known H2S-producing enzymes in kidney, cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) and cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS), decreased ...

Diabetes and its comorbidities continue to be a major health problem worldwide. Understanding the precise mechanisms that control glucose homeostasis and their dysregulation during diabetes are a major research focus. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has emerged as an important regulator of glucose homeostasis. This is achieved through its production and action in several metabolic and hormone producing ...

Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence-based sensors capable of selective detection of H2S in vivo would be useful tools to understand the mechanisms of diseases. A new NIR fluorescence probe 1 was developed for the detection of endogenous H2S in colorectal cancer cells in mice. 1 displayed an 87-fold fluorescence enhancement at 796 nm (with excitation at 730 nm) when reacted with H2S in a buffer (pH...

A study to assess the various gases emitted by motorcycles in a metropolitan State, Uyo, in Nigeria was carried out. Two hundred commercial motorcycles the mostly available means of transport were used for the study drawn from seven motorcycle parks. The gases examined were nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, chlorine, hydrogen sulphide and ammonia. The overall collection result...