P42Hydrogen sulfide is a promising therapeutic strategy for atherosclerosis

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) is the third gaseous transmitter with the unique properties of beneficial effects to vascular health. Increase H 2 S levels by the administration of H 2 S or H 2 S donors, or alternatively be reduced by the administration of specific cystathionine β -synthase or cystathionine γ -lyase inhibitors ameliorated many of the atherogenic processes including atherogenic modification of LDL, monocytes adhesion, macrophage-derived foam cell formation, inflammatory processes, vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation, neointimal hyperplasia, vascular calcification, and thrombogenesis. Our recent study indicated that H 2 S exogenous donor NaHS and endogenous donor SPRC enhanced the plaque stabilization through decrease the activity of MMP9 in apoE−/− mice. In vitro study revealed that both NaHS and SPRC increased apoA1, apoA2 and HDL receptor scavenger receptor B1 expression in a time and dose dependent manner in both HepG2 and THP-1 cells. Further studies in the field will provide a new mechanism for H 2 S in treating atherosclerosis, and will facilitate the development of H 2 S-based pharmaceuticals with therapeutic applications in atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular diseases.