P62 The H2S-donor sodium hydrogen sulphide effectively attenuates TNF-α and IL-6 expression in the human monocyte cell line U937

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder, primarily affecting the articular structures and synovial membranes of multiple joints. Beside pharmacologically based treatments, sulphur bath therapy has long been used as a therapy for patients suffering from different rheumatic disorders. But scientific reports about the beneficial effects of H 2 S as well as about the underlying molecular mechanisms are controversial and rare. The human monocyte cell line U937 were differentiated with PMA (10 ng/ml) for 24 h and then treated for 30 min with the H 2 S-donor sodium hydrogen sulphide (NaHS) before being stimulated for 6 h with LPS (100 ng/ml). TNF-α and IL-6 release was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Modulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) p38 and ERK1/2 were analysed by Western blotting. A significant reduction in TNF-α and IL-6 expression was already reached at 0.125 mM NaHS. The highest NaHS concentration (1.0 mM) reduced TNF-α and IL-6 production at about 40–50%. An almost completely suppression of IL-6 release was observed when the cells were treated 3 h after LPS exposure with the same dose of NaHS once again. Reduction in TNF-α and IL-6 expression levels were accompanied by deactivation of p38 and ERK1/2 MAPK. Data demonstrate that H 2 S is a gaseous molecule with potent anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, sulphur bath therapy seems to be a valuable tool for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases such as RA and OA.