Night shift work and myocardial infarction in the UK Biobank.

BACKGROUND: Shift work has become popular along with adverse effects such as disrupted biological rhythms, metabolic changes, sleep disorders and myocardial infarction. Studies have shown a link between myocardial infarction and shift work, but evidence is still lacking. AIMS: We aim to explore the association between present and past shift work and risk of myocardial infarction in a large population of European workers. METHODS: We analysed data from the UK Biobank with >500 000 participants and an average 12-year follow-up duration. Cox proportional hazard models were employed to analyse the relationship between present shift work (n = 265 064), lifetime duration or frequency of shift work (n = 71 428) and the risk of myocardial infarction, as well as the association between rest day during shift work and myocardial infarction incidents in night shift workers (n = 14 588). RESULTS: Night shift workers had a higher risk of myocardial infarction compared to day workers, including 'shift but never/rarely night shifts' (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00-1.20), 'some night shifts' (HR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.01-1.27) and 'usual/permanent night shifts' (HR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.07-1.37), respectively. Similarly, higher frequency and longer duration of night shift work were associated with the increased risk of myocardial infarction (<10 years: HR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.01-1.42; ≥10 years: HR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.28-1.77; or an average of more than eight nights per month: HR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.23-1.71). However, longer rest days couldn't decrease myocardial infarction risk compared to those who rest 1 day. CONCLUSIONS: Present and lifetime exposure to night shifts were associated with a risk of myocardial infarction and did not benefit from longer rest days.

Xuebijing improves intestinal microcirculation dysfunction in septic rats by regulating the VEGF-A/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to explore whether Xuebijing (XBJ) can improve intestinal microcirculation dysfunction in sepsis and its mechanism. METHODS: A rat model of sepsis was established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). A total of 30 male SD rats were divided into four groups: sham group, CLP group, XBJ + axitinib group, and XBJ group. XBJ was intraperitoneally injected 2 h before CLP. Hemodynamic data (blood pressure and heart rate) were recorded. The intestinal microcirculation data of the rats were analyzed via microcirculation imaging. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were used to detect the serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the rats. Histological analysis and transmission electron microscopy were used to analyze the injury of small intestinal microvascular endothelial cells and small intestinal mucosa in rats. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), phosphorylated PI3K (p-PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), and phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) in the small intestine was analyzed via Western blotting. RESULTS: XBJ improved intestinal microcirculation dysfunction in septic rats, alleviated the injury of small intestinal microvascular endothelial cells and small intestinal mucosa, and reduced the systemic inflammatory response. Moreover, XBJ upregulated the expression of VEGF-A, p-PI3K/total PI3K, and p-Akt/total Akt in the rat small intestine. CONCLUSION: XBJ may improve intestinal microcirculation dysfunction in septic rats possibly through the VEGF-A/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Alzheimer's disease as a women's health challenge: a call for action on integrative precision medicine approaches.

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is marked by pronounced sex differences in pathophysiology and progression. However, the field has yet to fully recognize AD as a women's health issue, delaying the development of targeted preventative strategies and treatments. This perspective explores the elements impacting AD in women, identifying sex specificity in risk factors, highlighting new diagnostic approaches with electronic health records, and reviewing key molecular studies to underscore the need for integrative precision medicine approaches. Established AD risk factors such as advancing age, the apolipoprotein E4 allele, and poorer cardiovascular health affect women differently. We also shed light on sociocultural risk factors, focusing on the gender disparities that may play a role in AD development. From a biological perspective, sex differences in AD are apparent in biomarkers and transcriptomics, further emphasizing the need for targeted diagnostics and treatments. The convergence of novel multiomics data and cutting-edge computational tools provides a unique opportunity to study the molecular underpinnings behind sex dimorphism in AD. Thus, precision medicine emerges as a promising framework for understanding AD pathogenesis through the integration of genetics, sex, environment, and lifestyle. By characterizing AD as a women's health challenge, we can catalyze a transformative shift in AD research and care, marked by improved diagnostic accuracy, targeted interventions, and ultimately, enhanced clinical outcomes.

Recent progress and outlooks in rhodamine-based fluorescent probes for detection and imaging of reactive oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur species.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and reactive sulfur species (RSS) serve as vital mediators essential for preserving intracellular redox homeostasis within the human body, thereby possessing significant implications across physiological and pathological domains. Nevertheless, deviations from normal levels of ROS, RNS, and RSS disturb redox homeostasis, leading to detrimental consequences that compromise bodily integrity. This disruption is closely linked to the onset of various human diseases, thereby posing a substantial threat to human health and survival. Small-molecule fluorescent probes exhibit considerable potential as analytical instruments for the monitoring of ROS, RNS, and RSS due to their exceptional sensitivity and selectivity, operational simplicity, non-invasiveness, localization capabilities, and ability to facilitate in situ optical signal generation for real-time dynamic analyte monitoring. Due to their distinctive transition from their spirocyclic form (non-fluorescent) to their ring-opened form (fluorescent), along with their exceptional light stability, broad wavelength range, high fluorescence quantum yield, and high extinction coefficient, rhodamine fluorophores have been extensively employed in the development of fluorescent probes. This review primarily concentrates on the investigation of fluorescent probes utilizing rhodamine dyes for ROS, RNS, and RSS detection from the perspective of different response groups since 2016. The scope of this review encompasses the design of probe structures, elucidation of response mechanisms, and exploration of biological applications.

Understanding the AIE phenomenon of nonconjugated rhodamine derivatives via aggregation-induced molecular conformation change.

The bottom-up molecular science research paradigm has greatly propelled the advancement of materials science. However, some organic molecules can exhibit markedly different properties upon aggregation. Understanding the emergence of these properties and structure-property relationship has become a new research hotspot. In this work, by taking the unique closed-form rhodamines-based aggregation-induced emission (AIE) system as model compounds, we investigated their luminescent properties and the underlying mechanism deeply from a top-down viewpoint. Interestingly, the closed-form rhodamine-based AIE system did not display the expected emission behavior under high-viscosity or low-temperature conditions. Alternatively, we finally found that the molecular conformation change upon aggregation induced intramolecular charge transfer emission and played a significant role for the AIE phenomenon of these closed-form rhodamine derivatives. The application of these closed-form rhodamine-based AIE probe in food spoilage detection was also explored.

Static magnetic stimulation induces structural plasticity at the axon initial segment of inhibitory cortical neurons.

Static magnetic stimulation (SMS) is a form of non-invasive brain stimulation that alters neural activity and induces neural plasticity that outlasts the period of stimulation. This can modify corticospinal excitability or motor behaviours, suggesting that SMS may alter the intrinsic excitability of neurons. In mammalian neurons, the axon initial segment (AIS) is the site of action potential initiation and undergoes structural plasticity (changes in length and position from the soma) as a homeostatic mechanism to counteract chronic changes in neuronal activity. We investigated whether the chronic application of SMS (6 and 48 h, 0.5 T) induces structural AIS plasticity in postnatally derived primary cortical neurons. Following 6 h of SMS, we observed a shortening in mean AIS length compared to control, that persisted 24 h post stimulation. In contrast, 48 h of SMS induced an immediate distal shift that persisted 24 h post-stimulation. Pharmacological blockade of voltage gated L/T-type calcium channels during stimulation did not prevent SMS-induced AIS structural plasticity. Our findings provide the foundation to expand the use of chronic SMS as a non-invasive method to promote AIS plasticity.

Highly Selective and Rapid "Turn-On" Fluorogenic Chemosensor for Detection of Salicylic Acid in Plants and Food Samples.

Salicylic acid (SA) is one of the chemical molecules, involved in plant growth and immunity, thereby contributing to the control of pests and pathogens, and even applied in fruit and vegetable preservation. However, only a few tools have ever been designed or executed to understand the physiological processes induced by SA or its function in plant immunity and residue detection in food. Hence, three Rh6G-based fluorogenic chemosensors were synthesized to detect phytohormone SA based on the "OFF-ON" mechanism. The probes showed high selectivity, ultrafast response time (<60 s), and nanomolar detection limit for SA. Moreover, the probe possessed outstanding profiling that can be successfully used for SA imaging of callus and plants. Furthermore, the fluorescence pattern indicated that SA could occur in the distal transport in plants. These remarkable results contribute to improving our understanding of the multiple physiological and pathological processes involved in SA for plant disease diagnosis and for the development of immune activators. In addition, SA detection in some agricultural products used probes to extend the practical application because its use is prohibited in some countries and is harmful to SA-sensitized persons. Interestingly, the as-obtained test paper displayed that SA could be imaged by ultraviolet (UV) and was directly visible to the naked eye. Given the above outcomes, these probes could be used to monitor SA in vitro and in vivo, including, but not limited to, plant biology, food residue detection, and sewage detection.

Corrigendum: RIPK1 in the inflammatory response and sepsis: recent advances, drug discovery and beyond.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1114103.].

Rhodamine-based fluorescent sensors for the rapid and selective off-on detection of salicylic acid and their use in plant cell imaging.

Salicylic acid (SA) is a key hormone that regulates plant growth and immunity, and understanding the physiologic processes induced by SA enables the development of highly pathogen-resistant crops. Here, we report the synthesis of three new SA-sensors (R1-R3) from hydroxyphenol derivatives of a rhodamine-acylhydrazone scaffold and their characterization by NMR and HRMS. Spectroscopic analyses revealed that structural variations in R1-R3 resulted in sensors with different sensitivities for SA. Sensor R2 (with the 3-hydroxyphenyl modification) outperformed R1 (2-hydroxyphenyl) and R3 (4-hydroxyphenyl). The SA-detection limit of R2 is 0.9 µM with an ultra-fast response time (<60 s). In addition, their plant imaging indicated that designed sensor R2 is useful for the further study of SA biology and the discovery and development of new inducers of plant immunity.

Factors influencing initial implementation of an online community-based exercise intervention with adults living with HIV: a systems approach.

Introduction: Online community-based exercise (CBE) is a digital health intervention and rehabilitation strategy that promotes health among people living with HIV. Our aim was to describe the factors influencing initial implementation of a pilot online CBE intervention with adults living with HIV using a systems approach, as recommended by implementation science specialists. Methods: We piloted the implementation of a 6-month online CBE intervention and 6-month independent exercise follow up, in partnership with the YMCA in Toronto, Canada. We recruited adults living with HIV who identified themselves as safe to engage in exercise. The intervention phase included personalized exercise sessions online with a personal trainer; exercise equipment; access to online exercise classes; and a wireless physical activity monitor. Two researchers documented implementation factors articulated by participants and the implementation team during early implementation, defined as recruitment, screening, equipment distribution, technology orientation, and baseline assessments. Data sources included communication with participants; daily team communication; weekly team discussions; and in-person meetings. We documented implementation factors in meeting minutes, recruitment screening notes, and email communication; and analyzed the data using a qualitative descriptive approach using a systems engineering method called Cognitive Work Analysis. Results: Thirty-three adults living with HIV enrolled in the study (n = 33; median age: 52 years; cis-men: 22, cis-women: 10, non-binary: 1). Fifty-five factors influencing implementation, spanned five layers: (i) Natural, including weather and the COVID-19 virus; (ii) Societal, including COVID-19 impacts (e.g. public transit health risks impacting equipment pick-ups); (iii) Organizational, including information dissemination (e.g. tech support) and logistics (e.g. scheduling); (iv) Personal, including physical setting (e.g. space) and digital setting (e.g. device access); and (v) Human, including health (e.g. episodic illness) and disposition (e.g. motivation). The implementation team experienced heightened needs to respond rapidly; sustain engagement; and provide training and support. Additional organizational factors included a committed fitness training and research team with skills spanning administration and logistics, participant engagement, technology training, physical therapy, and research ethics. Conclusion: Fifty-five factors spanning multiple layers illustrate the complexities of online CBE with adults living with HIV. Initial implementation required a dedicated, rehabilitation-centred, multi-skilled, multi-stakeholder team to address a diverse set of factors.

[Efficacy and safety of low-dose rasburicase for refractory chronic gouty arthritis].

Objective: To explore the efficacy and safety of low-dose rasburicase for refractory chronic gouty arthritis. Methods: A cohort study. The clinical data of patients with refractory chronic gouty arthritis who were treated with rasburicase at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University between January 2021 and July 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Refractory chronic gouty arthritis was defined as serum uric acid (sUA)>360 µmol/L and urate volume>10 cm3 under dual-energy computed tomography after tolerable maximal oral urate-lowering therapy for at least 3 months. The administration of low-dose rasburicase was applied intravenously with total dosage ranging from 4.5 to 7.5 mg each dose, at 4-week intervals for a maximum of three doses. Efficacy was evaluated by the changes of sUA level, tophus and urate volume. Results: A total of 22 patients were included for analysis, with 95.4% (21/22) male, the mean age was (44±15) years, and the median duration of gout was 11 (6-15) years. The mean sUA at baseline was (667±112) µmol/L. The levels of sUA significantly decreased after each dose of rasburicase (P<0.001), and the median reduction of sUA after each dose of rasburicase was 568 (471-635), 187 (66-335) and 123 (49-207) µmol/L, respectively. At week 12, nine patients (40.9%) exhibited sUA<360 µmol/L and tophus disappeared in one patient. The urate volume significantly decreased at week 12 when compared with that before the first dose of rasburicase in all the patients [40 (16-172) cm3 vs 17 (7-134) cm3, P<0.001], with a median reduction rate of 41.6% (22.9%-58.5%). The everall safety of rasburicase was good, and no serious adverse reactions occurred. Conclusions: Low-dose rasburicase is well-tolerated and effective for decreasing the urate burden in patients with refractory chronic gouty arthritis. Further prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to validate these findings.

RIPK1 in the inflammatory response and sepsis: Recent advances, drug discovery and beyond.

Cytokine storms are an important mechanism of sepsis. TNF-α is an important cytokine. As a regulator of TNF superfamily receptors, RIPK1 not only serves as the basis of the scaffold structure in complex I to promote the activation of the NF-κB and MAPK pathways but also represents an important protein in complex II to promote programmed cell death. Ubiquitination of RIPK1 is an important regulatory function that determines the activation of cellular inflammatory pathways or the activation of death pathways. In this paper, we introduce the regulation of RIPK1, RIPK1 PANoptosome's role in Inflammatory and sepsis, and perspectives.

Dl-3-n-butylphthalide improves intestinal microcirculation disorders in septic rats by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and autophagy.

PURPOSE: Sepsis has complex pathophysiological mechanisms that bring new challenges in the treatment of sepsis at a time when the intestinal microcirculation in sepsis is receiving increasing attention. Dl-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP), which is a drug that can improve multiorgan ischemic diseases, is also worth examining to improve the intestinal microcirculation in sepsis. METHODS: In this study, male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into the sham group (n = 6), CLP group (n = 6), NBP group (n = 6) and NBP + LY294002 group (n = 6). The rat model of severe sepsis was established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Abdominal wall incisions and sutures were performed in the first group, and CLP was performed in the latter three groups. Normal saline/NBP/NBP + LY294002 solution was injected intraperitoneally 2 h or 1 h before modeling. Hemodynamic data (blood pressure and heart rate) were recorded at 0, 2, 4 and 6 h. Sidestream dark field (SDF) imaging and the Medsoft System were used to observe the intestinal microcirculation of rats and obtain data at 0, 2, 4, and 6 h. Six hours after the model was established, the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were measured to evaluate the level of systemic inflammation. Pathological damage to the small intestine was evaluated by electron microscopy and histological analysis. The expression levels of P-PI3K, PI3K, P-AKT, AKT, LC3 and p62 in the small intestine were analyzed by Western blotting. The expressions of P-PI3K, P-AKT, LC3 and P62 in small intestine were detected by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: NBP improved intestinal microcirculation disturbances in septic rats, alleviated the systemic inflammatory response, reduced the destruction of the small intestinal mucosa and the disruption of microvascular endothelial cells, and alleviated autophagy in vascular endothelial cells. NBP increased the ratio of P-PI3K/total PI3K, P-AKT/total AKT, and P62/ß-actin and decreased the ratio of LC3 II/LC3 I. CONCLUSION: NBP ameliorated intestinal microcirculation disturbances and the destruction of small intestinal vascular endothelial cells in septic rats by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and regulating autophagy.

p53-Dependent ferroptosis pathways in sepsis.

Sepsis is caused by complex infections, trauma, and major surgery that results in high morbidity and mortality. As one of the leading causes of death in the intensive care unit (ICU）, sepsis causes organ dysfunction and death via a vicious cycle of uncontrolled inflammatory responses and immunosuppression. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent cellular death pathway driven by the accumulation of lipid peroxides, which occurs in sepsis. p53 is an important regulator of ferroptosis. Under intracellular/extracellular stimulation and pressure, p53 acts as a transcription factor to regulate the expression of downstream genes, which help cells/bodies to resist stimuli. p53 can also function independently as an important mediator. The understanding of key cellular and molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis facilitates the prognosis of sepsis. This article describes the molecular mechanism and role of p53 in sepsis-induced ferroptosis, and introduces some potential therapeutic targets for sepsis-induced ferroptosis, which highlights the dominant and potential therapeutic role of p53 in sepsis. Keywords: p53, acetylation, Sirt3, ferroptosis, sepsis, therapy.

Treatment of a large area perioral viral herpes infection following noninvasive ventilation: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Alphaherpesvirus belongs to the Herpesviridae family and has large, monopartite double-stranded linear DNA. It mainly infects the skin, mucosa, and nerves, and can affect various hosts, including humans and other animals. Here, we present a case of a patient seen by the gastroenterology department at our hospital who experienced an oral and perioral herpes infection following treatment with a ventilator. The patient was treated with oral and topical antiviral drugs, furacilin, oral and topical antibiotics, local epinephrine injection, topical thrombin powder, and nutritional and supportive care. A wet wound healing approach was also implemented with good response. CASE SUMMARY: A 73-year-old woman presented to the hospital with a chief complaint of "abdominal pain for 3 d with dizziness for 2 d." She was admitted to the intensive care unit for septic shock and spontaneous peritonitis secondary to cirrhosis and was given antiinflammatory and symptomatic supportive treatment. A ventilator was used to assist breathing for acute respiratory distress syndrome, which developed during her admission. A large area of herpes infection appeared in the perioral region 2 d following noninvasive ventilation. The patient was transferred to the gastroenterology department, at which time she had a body temperature of 37.8 C and a respiratory rate of 18/min. The patient's consciousness was intact, and she no longer had abdominal pain or distension, chest tightness, or asthma. At this point, the infected perioral region changed in appearance and was now accompanied by local bleeding with crusting of blood at the wounds. The surface area of the wounds measured approximately 10 cm × 10 cm. A cluster blisters appeared on the patient's right neck, and ulcers developed in her mouth. On a subjective numerical pain scale, the patient reported a pain level of 2. Overall, her diagnoses other than the oral and perioral herpes infection included: (1) Septic shock; (2) spontaneous peritonitis; (3) abdominal infection; (4) decompensated cirrhosis; and (5) hypoproteinemia. Dermatology was consulted regarding the treatment of the patient's wounds; they suggested treatment with oral antiviral drugs, an intramuscular injection of nutritious nerve drugs, and the application of topical penciclovir and mupirocin around the lips. Stomatology was also consulted and suggested the use of nitrocilin in a local wet application around the lips. CONCLUSION: Through multidisciplinary consultation, the patient's oral and perioral herpes infection was successfully treated with the following combined approach: (1) Application of topical antviral and antibiotic treatments; (2) keeping the wound moist with a wet wound healing strategy; (3) systemic use of oral antiviral drugs; and (4) symptomatic and nutritional supportive care. The patient was discharged from the hospital after successful wound healing.

Adapting the investigation of patients on urgent suspected cancer pathway with lower gastrointestinal symptoms across Wales during COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the introduction of revised diagnostic pathways for assessing urgent suspected cancer (USC) referrals. Combinations of faecal immunochemical testing (FIT) and minimal preparation computed tomography (CT) scans (MPCT) were used to manage referrals and prioritise access to clinical services or invasive tests. The effectiveness of these pathways across Wales is evaluated in this study. METHODS: All consecutive patients referred from primary care on the USC pathway between 15 March and 15 June 2020 were included to reflect the effect of full lockdown measures. Data collected included demographics, presenting symptom(s), investigations and timelines and patient outcomes up to 90 days following initial referral. RESULTS: A total of 1,050 patients across eight sites in Wales were included. Of these 1,050 patients, 52.6% were female with median age 68 (21-97) years; 50.5% had first-line clinical review, of which 61.1% were virtual consultations; 49.5% had primary investigations; 26.7% of patients had FIT and 13.1% had MPCT. COVID-response pathways achieved a 29.9% reduction in use of colonoscopy as first-line investigation and 79% of patients avoided face-to-face consultations altogether during this first wave of the pandemic. Overall, 6.8% of USC referrals were diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC). Median timescale from diagnosis to treatment for CRC was 65 (4-175) days. The negative predictive value (NPV) for FIT in this cohort was 99.6%. MPCT as the first modality had a NPV of 99.2%. CONCLUSION: A modified investigation pathway helped maintain cancer diagnosis rates during the pandemic with improved resource utilisation to that used prepandemic.

Antibiotic use for respiratory tract infections among older adults living in long-term care facilities: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotics are commonly prescribed for respiratory tract infections (RTIs) among older adults in long-term care facilities (LTCFs), and this contributes to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. The objective of this study was to determine the antibiotic prescribing rate for RTIs among LTCF residents, and to analyse the antibiotic consumption patterns with the AwaRe monitoring tool, developed by the World Health Organization. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL were searched from inception to March 2022. Original articles reporting antibiotic use for RTIs in LTCFs were included in this review. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute's Critical Appraisal Checklist for Prevalence Data. A random-effects meta-analysis was employed to calculate the pooled estimates. Subgroup analysis was conducted by type of RTI, country, and study start year. RESULTS: In total, 47 articles consisting of 50 studies were included. The antibiotic prescribing rate ranged from 21.5% to 100% (pooled estimate 69.8%, 95% confidence interval 55.2-82.6%). The antibiotic prescribing rate for lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) was higher than the rates for viral and general RTIs. Compared with Italy, France and the USA, the Netherlands had lower antibiotic use for LRTIs. A proportion of viral RTIs were treated with antibiotics, and all the antibiotics were from the Watch group. Use of antibiotics in the Access group was higher in the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland and Slovenia compared with the USA and Australia. CONCLUSION: The antibiotic prescribing rate for RTIs in LTCFs was high, and AWaRe antibiotic use patterns varied by type of RTI and country. Improving antibiotic use may require coordination efforts.

Choline induced cardiac dysfunction by inhibiting the production of endogenous hydrogen sulfide in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

To investigate the exact effects of dietary choline on hypertensive heart disease (HHD) and explore the potential mechanisms, male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) were randomly divided into five groups as follows: WKY group, WKY + Choline group, SHR group, SHR + Choline group, and SHR + Choline + NaHS group. In choline treatment groups, rats were fed with 1.3% (w/v) choline in the drinking water for 3 months. The rats in the SHR + Choline + NaHS group were intraperitoneally injected with NaHS (100 micromol/kg/day, a hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donor) for 3 months. After 3 months, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and fractional shortening (LVFS), the indicators of cardiac function measured by echocardiography, were increased significantly in SHR as compared to WKY, although there was no significant difference in collagen volumes and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio between the two groups, indicating the early stage of cardiac hypertrophy. There was a significant decrease in LVEF and LVFS and an increase in collagen volumes and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in SHR fed with choline, meanwhile, plasma H2S levels were significantly decreased significantly in SHR fed with choline accompanying by the decrease of cystathionine-gamma-lyase (CSE) activity. Three months of NaHS significantly increased plasma H2S levels, ameliorated cardiac dysfunction and inhibited cardiac fibrosis and apoptosis in SHR fed with choline. In conclusion, choline aggravated cardiac dysfunction in HHD through inhibiting the production of endogenous H2S, which was reversed by supplementation of exogenous H2S donor.