Hydrogen Sulfide Protects HUVECs against Hydrogen Peroxide Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress

Background: Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been shown to have cytoprotective effects in models of hypertension, ischemia/reperfusion and Alzheimer's disease. However, little is known about its effects or mechanisms of action in atherosclerosis. Therefore, in the current study we evaluated the pharmacological effects of H2S on antioxidant defenses and mitochondria protection against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induced endothelial cells damage. Methodology and Principal Findings: H2S, at non-cytotoxic levels, exerts a concentration dependent protective effect in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) exposed to H2O2. Analysis of ATP synthesis, mitochondrial membrane potential (Delta Psi m) and cytochrome c release from mitochondria indicated that mitochondrial function was preserved by pretreatment with H2S. In contrast, in H2O2 exposed endothelial cells mitochondria appeared swollen or ruptured. In additional experiments, H2S was also found to preserve the activities and protein expressions levels of the antioxidants enzymes, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase in H2O2 exposed cells. ROS and lipid peroxidation, as assessed by measuring H(2)DCFDA, dihydroethidium (DHE), diphenyl-l-pyrenylphosphine (DPPP) and malonaldehyde (MDA) levels, were also inhibited by H2S treatment. Interestingly, in the current model, D, L-propargylglycine (PAG), a selective inhibitor of cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE), abolished the protective effects of H2S donors. Innovation: This study is the first to show that H2S can inhibit H2O2 mediated mitochondrial dysfunction in human endothelial cells by preserving antioxidant defences. Significance: H2S may protect against atherosclerosis by preventing H2O2 induced injury to endothelial cells. These effects appear to be mediated via the preservation of mitochondrial function and by reducing the deleterious effects of oxidative stress.