Halitosis: a conceptual, etiologic and therapeutic approach / Halitose: uma abordagem conceitual, etiológica e terapêutica

Objective: Halitosis is the offensive odor emanated by the oral and nasal cavities and perceived by the individual and/or by other people. Halitosis is a symptom that directly impacts on the social aspects of an individual's life and may be a sign for a systemic disorder in some cases. Material and Methods: A search was conducted on the literature in order to gather the main aspects about halitosis and make a review about the main features necessary to the clinical practice when a professional deals with a patient with halitosis. Results: The information was summarized and discussed with a focus on what clinicians should be aware of when dealing with a patient with halitosis. Conclusion: Halitosis is a prevalent symptom that affects approximately 25% of the individuals. Its classification takes into consideration the origin of the compounds producing the malodor. The diagnosis must take into consideration the various etiological possibilities before defining the treatment. The treatment must be focused on the cause and since there is a wide range of possible causes, halitosis needs a multidisciplinary approach (AU)

Objetivo: Halitose é um cheiro ofensivo expelido pela cavidade bucal e pela cavidade nasal e percebido pelo indivíduo e/ou pelas outras pessoas. A halitose é um sintoma que impacta diretamente aspectos sociais da vida de um indivíduo e pode ser um sinal de alguma desordem sistêmica em alguns casos. Material e Métodos: Uma busca foi feita na literatura para reunir os principais aspectos da halitose e conduzir uma revisão sobre as principais características necessárias à prática clínica quando um profissional lida com um paciente com a queixa de halitose. Resultados: A informação disponível foi sumarizada e discutida com foco naquilo que um clínico deve estar atento quando lida com um paciente com a queixa de halitose presente. Conclusão: A halitose é um sintoma prevalente que afeta aproximadamente 25% dos indivíduos. Sua classificação leva em consideração a origem dos compostos que produzem o mau hálito. O diagnóstico deve levar em conta as várias etiologias possíveis antes de definir um tratamento. O tratamento deve ser focado na causa e, como há uma ampla variedade de possíveis causas, a halitose é um sintoma que precisa de uma abordagem multidisciplina (AU)

Study on inhibitory effect and mechanism of hydrogen sulfide on the proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To investigate the inhibitory effect and the possible mechanism of hydrogen sulfide （H2S） on the proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts. METHODS The heart of neonatal SD rats was collected， and cardiac fibroblasts were separated with differential centrifugation. Using sodium hydrosulfide as the donor of H2S， the effects of H2S on the proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts induced by angiotensin Ⅱ （Ang Ⅱ）， hydroxyproline content and the expression of sirtuin 3 （SIRT3） protein were detected. After SIRT3 knockdown with siRNA technology， the effects of H2S on the proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts induced by Ang Ⅱ， hydroxyproline content， the expressions of collagen Ⅰ （Col Ⅰ）， collagen Ⅲ （Col Ⅲ ） and optic atrophy protein 1 （OPA1） were detected. RESULTS H2S could inhibit the proliferation of Ang Ⅱ-induced cardiac fibroblasts， reduce the content of hydroxyproline and increase the expression of SIRT3 （P＜0.05）. After down-regulating the expression of SIRT3 with siRNA technology， the inhibition of H2S on the proliferation of Ang Ⅱ-induced cardiac fibroblasts and the reduction of hydroxyproline content were both inhibited， and the effect of H2S on reducing the expression of Col Ⅰ and Col Ⅲ and enhancing the expression of OPA1 was also significantly weakened. CONCLUSIONS H2S inhibits the proliferation of Ang Ⅱ -induced cardiac fibroblasts through increasing the expression of SIRT3.

Advances in fluorescence probes for detection of hydrogen polysulfides / 中国药科大学学报

@#Sulfane sulfur species in the reactive sulfur species family include hydrogen polysulfides (H2Sn, n ≥2), which play an essential role in physiological regulation and signal transduction. As a redox pair of H2S, H2Sn can be produced through oxidation or enzyme reaction and regulate protein interaction and enzyme activity.Research has revealed that H2Sn, with higher efficiency of protein S-sulfhydration than H2S, may be responsible for some physiological functions previously attributed to H2S.Therefore, real-time detection of H2Sn is crucial for studying its physiological activity and the relationship between H2S and H2Sn.Traditional detection methods, such as mass spectrometry, are not suitable for living organisms as they require tissue cell disruption.Instead, fluorescence probes are often used for in situ real-time detection due to their high sensitivity and specificity and low biological toxicity.This review summarizes the physiological regulatory activity of H2Sn, as well as the design strategy, response mechanism, fluorescence characteristics, and biological applications of H2Sn fluorescent probes based on the structure of the response group, with a prospect of the challenges and developments in this field.

Co-administration of sodium hydrosulfide and tadalafil modulates hypoxia and oxidative stress on bladder dysfunction in a rat model of bladder outlet obstruction

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aimed to assess the possible healing effect of combination treatment with a hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donor, sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) plus tadalafil on partial bladder outlet obstruction (PBOO)-induced bladder dysfunction. Materials and Methods: A total of 75 male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 10-wk and 300-350g were divided into five groups; control; PBOO; PBOO+NaHS (5.6mg/kg/day, i.p., 6-wk); PBOO+tadalafil (2mg/kg/day, oral, 6-wk) and PBOO+NaHS+tadalafil. PBOO was created by partial urethral ligation. 6 weeks after obstruction, the in vitro contractile responses of the detrusor muscle and Western blotting, H2S and malondialdehyde assay were performed in bladder tissues. Results: There was an increase in bladder weight(p<0.001) and a decrease in contractile responses to KCl (p<0.001), carbachol (p<0.01), electrical field stimulation (p<0.05) and ATP (p<0.001) in the detrusor smooth muscle of obstructed rats which was normalized after the combination treatment. Cystathionine γ-lyase and cystathionine β-synthase, and nuclear factor kappa B protein levels did not significantly differ among groups. The obstruction induced decrement in 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfur transferase protein expression(p<0.001) and H2S levels(p<0.01) as well as increment in protein expressions of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NO, p<0.001), endothelial NOS (p<0.05), inducible NOS(p<0.001), hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (p<0.01), and malondialdehyde levels (p<0.01), when combined treatment entirely normalized. Conclusions: Combination therapy has beneficial effects on bladder dysfunction via regulating both H2S and nitric oxide pathways as well as downregulation of oxidative stress and hypoxia. The synergistic effect of H2S and nitric oxide is likely to modulate bladder function, which supports the combined therapy for enhancing clinical outcomes in men with BPH/LUTS.

Efficacy of neuroendoscopic hematoma removal versus soft channel drainage for chronic subdural hematoma / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of neuroendoscopic hematoma removal versus soft channel drainage in the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) and their effects on neurological function and quality of life. Methods:The clinical data of 97 patients with CSDH who received treatment between February 2018 and December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were divided into group A ( n = 48, soft channel drainage) and group B ( n = 49, neuroendoscopic hematoma removal) according to different surgical methods. Clinical indicators, neurological function, quality of life, and incidence of complications were compared between groups A and B. Results:Operative time, length of hospital stay, and latency to hematoma disappearance in group B were (31.3 ± 2.18) minutes, (8.16 ± 1.32) days, (7.45 ± 1.49) days, which were significantly shorter than those in group A [(35.15 ± 4.32) minutes, (13.18 ± 1.56) days, (11.32 ± 1.88) days, t = 5.53, 17.12, 11.25, all P < 0.001]. At 3 months after surgery, the score of each dimension of SF-36 in each group was increased. The scores of physiological functioning, bodily pain, mental health, general health perceptions, social role functioning, vitality, role limitations due to emotional health, role limitations due to physical health in group B were (84.94 ± 7.25) points, (84.02 ± 6.29) points, (82.85 ± 8.16) points, (84.36 ± 9.15) points, (83.51 ± 10.39) points, (82.68 ± 8.36) points, (84.93 ± 10.15) points, (86.12 ± 9.13) points, which were significantly higher than those in group A [(62.68 ± 5.47) points, (71.39 ± 7.42) points, (69.51 ± 6.39) points, (72.68 ± 7.36) points, (72.81 ± 8.15) points, (73.12 ± 10.13) points, (77.91 ± 9.52) points, (75.32 ± 7.51) points, t = 19.82, 18.34, 19.75, 16.71, 17.94, 20.57, 18.22, 16.44, all P < 0.001]. At 7 days after surgery, neurotrophic factor, neuron specific enolase, hydrogen sulfide and S100B protein levels in group B were (42.53 ± 6.09) μg/L, (6.52 ± 2.79) μg/L, (203.17 ± 15.03) μmol/L, (0.25 ± 0.05) μg/L, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in group A [(67.38 ± 7.42) μg/L, (9.18 ± 2.27) μg/L, (242.79 ± 14.08) μmol/L, (0.36 ± 0.07) μg/L, t = 17.94, 5.12, 13.33, 8.86, all P < 0.001]. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between group B and group A [8.16% (4/49) vs. 18.75% (9/48), χ2 = 2.22, P = 0.136]. Conclusion:Compared with soft channel drainage, neuroendoscopic hematoma removal can better improve clinical indicators, neurological function, and quality of life in patients with CSDH, and is highly safe Neuroendoscopic hematoma removal is of certain clinical application value and innovation.

Zofenopril antitumor activity in mice bearing Ehrlich solid carcinoma: Modulation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Angiotensin-II (AgII) is thought to be crucial for tumor growth and progression. Moreover, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) performs a controversial action in cancer pathology. Zofenopril (ZF) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor with H2S donating properties. Hence, this study aims at investigating the tumor suppressor activity of ZF and elucidating the involved trajectories in Ehrlich's solid tumor (EST)-bearing mice. EST was induced by the intradermal injection of Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma cells into femoral region. All parameters were assessed after 28 days post-inoculation or one-week thereafter. ZF treatment resulted in significant reduction of tumor weights with marked decrease in IL-6 and VEGF levels in serum, and tumor Ag II and CEA contents. Additionally, the administration of ZF downregulated the tumor gene expression of cyclin-D, ACE-1, and Bcl2 and upregulated the proapoptotic gene, BAX. Moreover, ZF increased CBS gene expression, which is a major contributor to cellular H2S production. In addition, ZF was able to reduce the protein expression of PI3K, pAKT, pGSK-3ß, and NFκB. Our study has provided novel insights into the possible mechanisms by which ZF may produce its tumor defeating properties. These intersecting trajectories involve the interference between PI3K/Akt and CBS signaling pathways

Hydrogen sulfide protects against contrast-induced acute kidney injury via regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective:To investigate the level of endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H 2S) in contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CIAKI), as well as the potential role of H 2S against CIAKI by down-regulating NLRP3 inflammasome. Methods:Twenty-four healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 180-220 g, were randomly divided into three groups according to the random number table method: control group, CIAKI group (iopromide 2.9 g/kg) and CIAKI+NaHS group (NaHS 4 mg/kg for three days before 2.9 g/kg iopromide injection). Kidneys were collected for whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. HE and PAS staining were used for kidney histological examination. TUNEL assays were applied to detect renal tubular epithelial injury. Expressions of NLRP3 inflammasome (NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1) were evaluated by immunofluorescence staining. The role of H 2S in contrast (iopromide 200 mgI/kg)-induced injury on human renal tubular epithelium (HK-2 cells) was investigated, and CCK-8 assay was used to detect cellular viability. Results:Compared with the control group, the expression of endogenous H 2S synthetases-related genes [cystathionine β-synthase ( CBS), cystathionine-γ-lyase ( CSE) and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase ( 3- MST)] was lower in CIAKI group (all P<0.05). The gene expression levels of CBS, CSE and 3- MST were negatively correlated with renal function biomarkers serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and cystatin-C (all P<0.05). Compared with the CIAKI group, CIAKI+NaHS group showed alleviated creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and cystatin-C, improved histological changes, reduced apoptosis. Moreover, the expression levels of NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1 in CIAKI+NaHS group were lower than those in CIAKI group (all P<0.05). In HK-2 cells, compared with the contrast group, the cellular viability was higher in the contrast+NaHS group; reducing endogenous H 2S by CBS inhibitor could enhance contrast-induced cell viability ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Injury of endogenous H 2S system is pivotal to CIAKI pathogenesis. Up-regulation of H 2S ameliorates renal injury of CIAKI rats, which may be related to regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome.

Research progress on the regulation of glucose metabolism by hydrogen sulfide / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a disease with multiple chronic metabolic complications characterized by high glucose concentration. The incidence of diabetes mellitus is increasing, but its specific mechanisms of pathogenesis have not been fully elucidated. Hydrogen sulfide (H 2S), as a new member of the gasotransmitter family, is closely related to the regulation of glucose metabolism. Therefore, this review emphatically summarized the production of endogenous H 2S and the mechanisms involved in the regulation of glucose metabolism by H 2S, aiming to provide new directions and perspectives for the research of diabetes mellitus.

Xuebijing Injection Ameliorates H / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of Xuebijing Injection (XBJ) on the lung endothelial barrier in hydrogen sulfide (H@*METHODS@#Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to H@*RESULTS@#The morphological investigation showed that XBJ attenuated H@*CONCLUSIONS@#XBJ ameliorated H

Inverse association of plasma hydrogen sulfide levels with visceral fat area among Chinese young men: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the association between plasma Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) levels and visceral fat area (VFA) among Chinese young men. Subjects and methods: This cross-sectional study involved 156 Chinese male subjects, aged 18-45 years, who visited the First Hospital of Qinhuangdao (Hebei, China) in 2014 for annual health check-up. Participants were categorized into: low (VFA < 75.57 cm2), medium (75.57 cm2 ≤ VFA<100.37 cm2), and high (VFA ≥ 100.37 cm2) (n = 52/group). We estimated VFA and plasma H2S levels by using bioelectrical impedance analysis and a fluorescence probe-based approach, respectively. The associations of H2S with VFA and obesity anthropometric measures were assessed. Results: In the high VFA group, the body mass index (BMI, 30.4 ± 2.45 kg/m2), total body fat (TBF, 27.9 ± 3.23 kg), plasma H2S (3.5 μmol/L), free fatty acid (FFA, 0.6 ± 0.24 mmol/L), triglyceride (TG, 2.0 mmol/L), and total cholesterol (TC, 5.5 ± 1.02 mmol/L) levels were significantly higher than that of those of the low and medium VFA groups, respectively (P < 0.05). Plasma H2S levels were found to be inversely correlated with VFA, TBF, waist circumference, BMI, FFA, LnFINS, LnHOMA-IR, LnTG, TC, and LDL-C (P < 0.05). Multiple backward stepwise regression analysis revealed an inverse correlation of plasma H2S levels with FFA (β = −0.214, P = 0.005) and VFA (β = −0.429, P < 0.001), independent of adiposity measures and other confounding factors. Conclusion: VFA was independently and inversely associated with plasma H2S levels among Chinese young men. Therefore, determining plasma H2S levels could aid in the assessment of abnormal VAT distribution.

H2S is synthesized via CBS/CSE pathway and triggered by cold conditions during Agaricus bisporus storage

BACKGROUND: H2S is proved to be functioning as a signaling molecule in an array of physiological processes in the plant and animal kingdom. However, the H2S synthesis pathway and the responses to cold conditions remain unclear in postharvest mushroom. RESULTS: The biosynthesis of H2S in the Agaricus bisporus mushroom tissues exhibited an increasing tendency during postharvest storage and was significantly triggered by cold treatment. The cystathionine clyase (AbCSE) and cystathionine b-synthase (AbCBS) genes were cloned and proved responsible for H2S biosynthesis. Furthermore, transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of AbCSE and AbCBS were crucial for the enzyme activities and subsequent H2S levels. However, the AbMST was not involved in this process. Moreover, the AbCSE and AbCBS genes displayed low identity to the characterized genes, but typical catalytic domains, activity sites, subunit interface sites, and cofactor binding sites were conserved in the respective protein sequences, as revealed by molecular modeling and docking study. The potential transcription factors responsible for the H2S biosynthesis in cold conditions were also provided. CONCLUSIONS: The H2S biosynthetic pathway in postharvest mushroom was unique and distinct to that of other horticultural products.

Mechanism of exogenous hydrogen sulfide-induced reduction of apoptosis in neurons during focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats: PINK1/Parkin pathway-mediated mitochondrial autophagy / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To investigate the relationship between the mechanism of exogenous hydrogen sulfide (H 2S)-induced reduction of apoptosis in neurons during focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) and PINK1/Parkin pathway-mediated mitochondrial autophagy in rats. Methods:Two hundred and sixteen healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 6-8 weeks, weighing 250-270 g, were divided into 4 groups ( n=54 each) using a random number table method: control group (group C), I/R group, H 2S group and H 2S plus 3-methyladenine (3-MA) group (H 2S+ 3-MA group). Focal cerebral ischemia was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion in anesthetized rats.In group H 2S+ 3-MA, 3-MA 10 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected at 15 min before the onset of reperfusion, while the equal volume of normal saline was given instead in the other groups.In H 2S and H 2S+ 3-MA groups, 0.25% NaSH (a donor of exogenous H 2S) 10 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected at the onset of reperfusion, while the equal volume of normal saline was given instead in the other groups.At 1, 3 and 7 days of reperfusion, neural function was scored, and corner test (the percentage of left turn was calculated) was performed.Brains were removed and brain tissues were obtained for determination of the cerebral infarct size, Bax, Bcl-2 and caspase-3 positive cells, cell apoptosis, and expression of mitophagy-related protein microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), PINK1 and Parkin (by Western blot). The percentage of cerebral infarct size, rate of Bax, Bcl-2 and caspase-3 positive cells and apoptosis rate were calculated.The ratio of LC3-Ⅱexpression to LC3-Ⅰexpression (LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ) was also calculated. Results:Compared with group C, the neural function score was significantly decreased, the percentage of left turn, percentage of cerebral infarct size, rate of Bax, Bcl-2 and caspase-3 positive cells, apoptosis rate of neurons, and LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ were increased, and the expression of PINK1 and Parkin was up-regulated at each time point of reperfusion in group I/R ( P<0.05). Compared with group I/R, the neural function score and rate of Bcl-2 positive cells were significantly increased, the percentage of left turn, percentage of cerebral infarct size, rate of Bax and caspase-3 positive cells, and apoptosis rate of neurons were decreased, the expression of PINK1 and Parkin was up-regulated, and LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ were increased at each time point of reperfusion in group H 2S ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in the parameters mentioned above in group H 2S+ 3-MA ( P>0.05). Compared with group H 2S, the neural function score and rate of Bcl-2 positive cells were significantly decreased, the percentage of left turn, percentage of cerebral infarct size, rate of Bax and caspase-3 positive cells, and apoptosis rate of neurons were increased, the expression of PINK1 and Parkin was down-regulated, and LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ was decreased at each time point of reperfusion in H 2S+ 3-MA group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The mechanism by which exogenous H 2S inhibits apoptosis in neurons during focal cerebral I/R is related to enhancing mitochondrial autophagy mediated by the PINK1/Parkin pathway in rats.

Role of hydrogen sulfide in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy / 中华实验眼科杂志

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common and important ocular complication of diabetes and has become one of the leading blindness diseases in China.Hydrogen sulfide is the third gas signaling molecule found after carbon monoxide and nitric oxide.Numerous studies have shown that hydrogen sulfide plays an important physiopathologic role in the nervous system, circulatory system, immune system and endocrine system.Recent studies have shown that hydrogen sulfide and its endogenous enzymes are involved in the pathological process of diabetes and diabetic complications.At present, the protective effect of hydrogen sulfide in the development and progression of DR has been verified by some cell experiments and animal experiments.The protective effect of hydrogen sulfide may be realized through inhibiting apoptosis, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, inhibiting autophagy and neuroprotection.The role of hydrogen sulfide in the pathogenesis of DR was reviewed in this article so as to provide new ideas for the treatment of DR.

Regulatory effects of ADT-OH on the proliferation of neural precursor cells / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Researchers believe that hydrogen sulfide (H2S), as an important cell protective molecule, may become a new treatment method to restore the physiological function of diseased cells or organ systems through the artificial regulation of endogenous H2S biosynthesis or in vitro administration of H2S donor. ADT-OH is a slow-release donor of H2S that can improve the survival rate of hippocampal nerve cells with glutamate-induced injury, but studies on the proliferation of cerebral cortical neural precursor cells are rare. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of ADT-OH on the proliferation of neural precursor cells in embryonic cerebral cortex. METHODS: Neural precursor cells from cerebral cortical ventricular zone and subventricular zone of embryonic mice at embryonic 14.5 days were isolated. Neural precursor cells from one fetal mouse were inoculated into one well (24-well plate), and cultured with the medium containing 100 μmol/L ADT-OH. The size and number of neural spheres per well were measured at 3 days after culture. The proliferation rate of cultured neural precursor cells was detected by BrdU labeling. The proliferation of the cells was further verified by immunofluorescence staining with the specific antibody Ki67. The expression of cyclin D1 was finally detected by western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Our experimental results showed that ADT-OH could promote the formation of neural spheres, and further detection by BrdU and Ki67 antibody showed that ADT-OH could promote the proliferation rate of neural precursor cells. Meanwhile, the expression of cyclin D1, a proliferation-related gene, was up-regulated in neural precursor cells after ADT-OH treatment. Overall, ADT-OH may promote the proliferation of neural precursor cells by regulating the expression of cyclin D1.

Effects of hydrogen sulfide on pulmonary vascular remodeling and its inhibitors in rats with pulmonary hypertension / 解剖学报

Objective To explore the effects of hydrogen sulfide on pulmonary vascular remodeling and its inhibitors in rats with pulmonary hypertension ( PH). Methods Thirty male SD rats were randomly divided into control group ( 10 rats) , model group ( 10 rats) and H2S intervention group ( 10 rats) , PH model was induced by Lilium Wilfordii in model group, on the basis of model group, rats in H2S intervention group were injected with NaHS (56 u,mol/kg) intraperitoneally, while rats in control group were injected with normal saline at the same dose. Four weeks later, the hemodynamic parameters were measured, the right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVHI) was calculated, the pathological changes of pulmonary vessels were detected by HE staining, and the expressions of p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase( JNK) proteins in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family were detected by Western blotting and Real-time PCR. Results There were significant differences in hemodynamics, RVHI, wall thickness as a percentage of vessel diameter ( WT) % , pulmonary vessel wall area as a percentage of vascular cross-sectional area( WA) % , p38 and JNK in each group (P<0. 05). The expression levels of MSAP, MPAP, RVHI, WT%, WA%, p38 mRNA and JNK mRNA in the model group and H2S intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0. 05) , while the levels of MSAP , MPAP , RVHI, WT% , WA% , p38 mRNA and JNK mRNA in H2S intervention group were significantly lower than those in the model group (P<0. 05). The pulmonary artery morphology showed that the wall thickness and lumen stenosis of the model group and the H2S intervention group increased compared with the control group, but the lumen thickness and lumen stenosis of the H2S intervention group were significantly reduced compared with the model group; Western blotting showed that the expressions of p38 and JNK in model group and H2S intervention group were higher than those in control group, while the expressions of p38 and JNK in H2S intervention group were lower than those in model group. Conclusion H2S can improve hemorheology, right ventricular hypertrophy index, alleviate pulmonary artery wall thickening and lumen stenosis, and inhibit pulmonary vascular remodeling in PH rats. Its mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of JNK and p38 protein expression in MAPK signaling pathway by H2S.

Prokaryotic expression, purification and functional identification of epidermal pattern factors in Arabidopsis thaliana / 生物工程学报

Stomatal density is important for crop yield. In this paper, we studied the epidermal pattern factors (EPFs) related to stomatal development. Prokaryotic expression vectors were constructed to obtain EPFs. Then the relationship between EPFs and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was established. First, AtEPF1, AtEPF2 and AtEPFL9 were cloned and constructed to pET28a vectors. Then recombinant plasmids pET28a-AtEPF1, pET28a-AtEPF2 and pET28a-AtEPFL9 were digested and sequenced, showing successful construction. Finally, they were transformed into E. coli BL21(DE3) separately and induced to express by isopropyl β-D-galactoside (IPTG). The optimized expression conditions including IPTG concentration (0.5, 0.3 and 0.05 mmol/L), temperature (28 °C, 28 °C and 16 °C) and induction time (16 h, 16 h and 20 h) were obtained. The bands of purified proteins were about 18 kDa, 19 kDa and 14.5 kDa, respectively. In order to identify their function, the purified AtEPF2 and AtEPFL9 were presented to Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings. Interestingly, the H2S production rate decreased or increased compared with the control, showing significant differences. That is, EPFs affected the production of endogenous H2S in plants. These results provide a foundation for further study of the relationship between H2S and EPFs on stomatal development, but also a possible way to increase the yield or enhance the stress resistance.

Effects of Hydrogen Sulfide and Nitric Oxide on the Permeability of Cultured Trabecular Meshwork Cells

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) on the permeability of a cultured human trabecular meshwork cells (HTMC) monolayer and its interaction with nitric oxide (NO).METHODS: After exposing primary cultured HTMCs to 0, 50, 100, and 500 µM sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaHS) for 6 hours, the permeabilities through the HTMC monolayer were measured using a Transwell assay with carboxyfluorescein. The production of NO and eNOS mRNA expression were assessed using the Griess assay and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, respectively. In addition, 0, 1, and 10 µM NaHS and 10 µM sodium nitroprusside (SN) were co-exposed to evaluate the possible synergistic effect of H₂S and NO.RESULTS: Greater than 100 µM NaHS increased the permeability through the HTMC monolayer in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). These increased permeabilities were not accompanied by NO production or eNOS mRNA expression (p > 0.05). When 0, 1, and 10 µM NaHS and 10 µM SN were exposed together, there was no significant change of permeability, NO production, or eNOS mRNA expression (all, p > 0.05).CONCLUSIONS: NaHS at high concentrations increased the permeability of the HTMC monolayer, which was not affected by NO. NaHS at low concentrations did not show a synergistic effect with NO. Thus, H₂S at high concentrations may increase trabecular outflow, which may not be associated with NO.

H2S in periodontal immune-inflammatory response and bone loss: a study in rats / Influência do H2S na resposta imunoinflamatória e perda óssea periodontal: um estudo em ratos

ABSTRACT Halitosis is highly prevalent in periodontitis and attributed mainly to the presence of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC), where hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is the chief culprit in the characteristic malodor of periodontitis and thus may play an active role in its pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of H2S in the acute, intermediate and chronic immuneinflammatory host response and alveolar bone loss in vivo by using an animal model of induced periodontal disease. Thirtysix rats were divided into 2 groups: test group (n = 18), rats exposed to H2S (NaHS H2S donor molecule) and control group (n = 18), rats treated with saline only (Ctrl). All animals had one of their lower second molars ligated to induce periodontal disease (PD). The sound contralateral molar was used as control (H). Each group was subdivided into 3 (n = 6), according to followup time (3h, 5 days and 14 days). The gingival tissue was used for mRNA expression analysis (IL1, IL6, RANKL, OPG and SOFAT) by realtime PCR and the mandibles were analyzed morphometrically. Data analysis showed that the ligature promoted alveolar bone loss, observed mainly at 14 days, both in the group exposed to H2S and in the Ctrl group. H2S administration did not result in additional bone loss. Gene expression showed a significant increase in IL1, IL6, RANKL and SOFAT only in the CtrlPD group (p<0.05). A significant downregulation in OPG expression was observed over time in the CtrlPD group (p<0.05). In conclusion, H2S had no effect on alveolar bone loss in the absence of a ligature. In the presence of a ligature, however, exposure to H2S had an immunoregulatory effect on the expression of proinflammatory and proresorptive cytokines.

RESUMO A halitose é altamente prevalente na periodontite e é atribuída principalmente à presença de compostos sulforosos voláteis (CSV), sendo o sulfeto de hidrogênio (H2S) o principal gás relacionado ao mau odor e que pode estar envolvido na patogênese da doença periodontal. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito agudo, intermediário e crônico do H2S na resposta imunoinflamatória e na perda óssea alveolar em ratos, com e sem doença periodontal induzida. Trinta e seis ratos foram divididos em 2 grupos: teste (n = 18), ratos expostos ao H2S (NaHS molécula doadora de H2S) e grupo controle (n = 18), ratos tratados apenas com solução salina (Ctrl). Todos os animais tiveram um dos seus segundos molares inferiores submetidos à colocação de uma ligadura para o desenvolvimento da doença periodontal (DP), em comparação com o dente contralateral saudável (H). Cada grupo foi subdividido em 3 (n = 6), de acordo com o tempo de eutanásia (3h, 5 dias e 14 dias). Os tecidos gengivais foram utilizados para a análise da expressão gênica (IL1, IL6, RANKL, OPG e SOFAT) por PCR em tempo real e as mandíbulas foram analisadas morfometricamente. Análise dos dados demonstrou que a ligadura promoveu perda óssea alveolar, observada principalmente aos 14 dias, tanto no grupo exposto ao H2S quanto no grupo Ctrl. A administração de H2S não resultou em perda óssea adicional. A expressão gênica demonstrou aumento significativo de IL1, IL6, RANKL e SOFAT apenas no grupo CtrlPD (p <0,05). Uma significativa regulação negativa na expressão de OPG foi observada ao longo do tempo no grupo CtrlPD (p <0,05). Podese concluir que o H2S não teve efeito adicional na perda óssea alveolar, na ausência de ligadura. Entretanto, na presença de ligadura, a exposição ao H2S teve um efeito imunorregulatório na expressão de citocinas próinflamatórias e próreabsortivas.

Sargazo: la irrupción atípica de un ecosistema milenario / Sargassum: the atypical irruption of an ancient ecosystem

Resumen El sargazo es un ecosistema marino milenario que circula en el sentido de las manecillas del reloj en el Océano Atlántico. A partir de 2011, el alga flotante que lo compone ha comenzado a recalar en playas de 19 países del Caribe, con consecuencias ambientales, sanitarias y económicas que deben atenderse con urgencia.

Abstract Sargassum constitutes an ancient marine ecosystem that circulates clockwise on the Atlantic Ocean. Upon 2011, the pelagic seaweed which is the main component of sargassum started to reach beaches on 19 Caribbean countries, with environmental, health and economic impacts that need to be addressed urgently.

Instant and freshness effect of mouth rinses on type 1 (oral) halitosis / Efecto anti-halitosis instantáneo y efecto de frescura de los enjuagues bucales sobre la halitosis (oral) tipo I

Hygiene deficiency causes type 1 (oral) halitosis. There are short and long-term studies on the anti-halitosis effect of mouth rinses but less knowledge on their instant effects. The aim of this study was to compare instant and freshness effects of 8 mouth rinses on type 1 halitosis. Ninety self-reported halitosis patients (19-58 y.o., median 31) were randomly divided into 9 groups. Cysteine (20 mM) challenge test was applied to obtain maximum halitosis level in the mouth of each patient. Single use of 8 different mouth rinses (R1-R8) and tap water (R0) were tested on each group (n=10). Afterward, patients were requested to score oral freshness effect of the mouth rinse on a 5-point scale (0, bad; 5, fresh). Minimum halitosis level was obtained by rinsing with 20 mMol ZnCL2. In each step, oral gas (organic, NH3, SO2, H2S, H2) concentrations were quantified by using a portable multi-gas detector (MX6, IndSci, US). The ANOVA or Kruskal Wallis tests were used to compare the quantitative measurements. R3 (Halitosil Zn) mouth rinse was found to be have the highest instant anti-halitosis effect while the R2 (Colgate plax) had the lowest. The sensation of freshness was highest in R7 (Oxyfresh power mouth rinse lemon-mint) and lowest in R8 (Signal expert protection). The freshness effect was not associated with the anti-halitosis effect (r= 0.185, p=0.608). Mouth rinses containing ZnCl2 without alcohol are instantly effective on halitosis. Mouth rinses containing ethyl and other alcohols (including glycol, sorbitol, menthol, eucalyptol, thymol, xylitol and eugenol) were found to be less effective on halitosis.

La deficiencia de higiene causa halitosis tipo 1 (oral). Se han reportado efectos anti-halitosis a corto o largo plazo de los enjuagatorios bucales, pero se desconocen sus efectos instantáneos. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar el efecto instantáneo y de frescura de 8 enjuagues bucales en la halitosis tipo 1. Noventa pacientes (19-58 años, mediana 31) que reportaron sufrir halitosis se dividieron aleatoriamente en 9 grupos. Se aplicó la prueba de provocación con cisterna (20 mM) para obtener el máximo nivel de halitosis en la boca de cada paciente. El uso individual de 8 enjuagues bucales diferentes (R1-R8) y agua del grifo (R0) se probó en cada grupo (n = 10). Posteriormente, se pidió a los pacientes que puntuaran el efecto de la frescura oral del enjuague bucal en una escala de 5puntos (0, malo; 5, fresco). El nivel mínimo de halitosis se obtuvo con 20 mMol de ZnCL2 enjuague. En cada paso, se cuantificaron las concentraciones de gases orales (orgánicos, NH3, SO2, H2S, H2) mediante el uso de un detector portátil de múltiples gases (MX6, IndSci, EE. UU.)Se encontró que el enjuague bucal R3 (Halitosil Zn) tiene un mayor efecto antihalitosis instantáneo, mientras que el R2 (Colgate plax) fue el más bajo. El sentido de frescura fue mayor en el enjuague bucal R7 (enjuague bucal Oxyfresh power lemon-mint) mientras que fue bajo en R8 (protección experta de Signal). El efecto de frescura no se asoció con el efecto anti-halitosis (r = 0.185, p=0.608). Los enjuagues bucales que contienen ZnCl2 sin alcohol son instantáneamente efectivos en la halitosis. Se encontró que los enjuagues bucales que contenían etil y otros alcoholes (incluidos glicol, sorbitol, mentol, eucaliptol, timol, xilitol y eugenol) son menos efectivos para el control de la halitosis.