Hydrogen sulfide protects H9c2 cardiomyoblasts against [H.sub.2][O.sub.2]-induced apoptosis

• Published in: Brazilian journal of medical and biological research Vol. 52; no. 4
• Main Authors: Zhang, You En, Huang, Guang Qing, Wu, Bing, Lin, Xin Duo, Yang, Wen Zi, Ke, Zun Yu, Liu, Jie
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Associacao Brasileira de Divulgacao Cientifica (ABDC) 01.04.2019
• Subjects: Angiotensin II; Anopheles; Apoptosis; Cardiovascular diseases; Heart cells; Hydrogen sulfide; Prevention; Sulfides; China
• ISSN: 0100-879X; 1414-431X
• DOI: 10.1590/1414-431X20187626

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive chemical species that may cause irreversible tissue damage, and play a critical role in cardiovascular diseases. Hydrogen sulfide ([H.sub.2]S) is a gasotransmitter that acts as a ROS scavenger with cardioprotective effects. In this study, we investigated the cytoprotective effect of [H.sub.2]S against [H.sub.2][O.sub.2]-induced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. H9c2 rat cardiomyoblasts were treated with [H.sub.2]S (100 [micro]M) 24 h before challenging with [H.sub.2][O.sub.2] (100 [micro]M). Apoptosis was then assessed by annexin Vand PI, and mitochondrial membrane potential was measured using a fluorescent probe, JC-1. Our results revealed that [H.sub.2]S improved cell viability, reduced the apoptotic rate, and preserved mitochondrial membrane potential. An increased Bcl-2 to Bax ratio was also seen in myocytes treated with [H.sub.2]S after [H.sub.2][O.sub.2]- induced stress. Our findings indicated a therapeutic potential for [H.sub.2]S in preventing myocyte death following ischemia/reperfusion. Key words: Reactive oxygen species; ROS; Hydrogen sulfide; [H.sub.2][O.sub.2]-induced apoptosis; Cardiomyocytes