Acido solfidrico nella letteratura internazionale Studi inseriti in PubMed nel mese di aprile 2016 (aggiornamento 9 maggio 2016)

(1) Bekker MZ, Mierczynska-Vasilev A, Smith PA, Wilkes EN. The effects of pH and copper on the formation of volatile sulfur compounds in Chardonnay and Shiraz wines post-bottling. Food Chem 2016 Sep 15;207:148-56. Abstract: The effects of pH and Cu(2+) treatment on the formation of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) were investigated in Chardonnay and Shiraz wine samples. Four VSCs were significantly affected by pH, with lower wine pH associated with decreased hydrogen sulfide (H2S), methanethiol, dimethyl sulfide, and carbon disulfide concentrations. The effects of pH and Cu(2+) on H2S formation from known precursor compounds were subsequently studied in a model wine system. In samples treated with cysteine and glutathione lower pH produced less H2S. Nanoparticle tracking analysis was used to study the effects of variable pH concentrations in a model system containing Cu(2+), tartaric acid, and H2S. Differences in Cu(2)(+)-tartrate complexes particle size and concentration were measured as a function of pH and H2S addition, suggesting the type of complexes formed may affect the binding sites of Cu(2+) available to catalyse the formation of VSCs such as H2S

(2) Wu H, Meng Q, Yu Z. Evaluation of ferric oxide and ferric citrate for their effects on fermentation, production of sulfide and methane, and abundance of select microbial populations using in vitro rumen cultures. Bioresour Technol 2016 Jul;211:603-9. Abstract: This study systematically evaluated the effect of ferric iron on sulfate reduction to sulfide, feed digestion and fermentation, methane production, and populations of select ruminal microbes using in vitro rumen cultures. Ferric oxide (Fe2O3) and ferric citrate (C6H5FeO7) at six concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100, 150, and 200mg/L as Fe(3+)) were tested. Ferric iron decreased production of both H2S gas in culture headspace (up to 71.9%) and aqueous sulfide (up to 80.8%), without adversely affecting other fermentation parameters, with ferric citrate being more effective than ferric oxide. Total archaeal population was increased by ferric citrate, but methane production was not affected significantly. The population of sulfate reducing was affected differently by ferric oxide than by ferric citrate. The results of this study could guide future in vivo studies to develop effective solutions to abate sulfur-associated polioencephalomalacia in cattle fed high-sulfur diet such as dried distiller's grains with solubles

(3) Yin W, Lan L, Huang Z, Ji J, Fang J, Wang X, et al. Discovery of a ring-opened derivative of 3-n-butylphthalide bearing NO/H2S-donating moieties as a potential anti-ischemic stroke agent. Eur J Med Chem 2016 Jun 10;115:369-80. Abstract: To search for novel anti-ischemic stroke agents with higher potency than a known drug 3-n-butylphthalide (NBP), a series of ring-opened derivatives of NBP bearing both nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S)-donating moieties (NO/H2S-NBP) (8a-8o) were designed, synthesized, and biologically evaluated. The most active compound 8d was more potent than NBP and the corresponding H2S-NBP 10 or NO-NBP 13 in inhibition of the ADP-induced platelet aggregation in vitro. In addition, 8d produced moderate levels of NO and H2S, which could be beneficial for improving cardiovascular and cerebral circulation. More importantly, in a rat model of transient focal cerebral ischemia, oral treatment with 8d improved neurobehavioral function, reduced the infarct brain size and brain-water content, and enhanced the levels of brain antioxidant SOD, GSH and GSH-Px but diminished the level of oxidant MDA. These protective effects of 8d against the ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-related brain damage were greater than that of NBP, suggesting that 8d may be a promising agent for further investigation

(4) Ansari SB, Kurian GA. Hydrogen sulfide modulates sub-cellular susceptibility to oxidative stress induced by myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury. Chem Biol Interact 2016 May 25;252:28-35. Abstract: In this study, we compared the impact of H2S pre (HIPC) and post-conditioning (HPOC) on oxidative stress, the prime reason for myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury (I/R), in different compartments of the myocardium, such as the mitochondria beside its subpopulations (interfibrillar (IFM) and subsarcolemmal (SSM) mitochondria) and microsomal fractions in I/R injured rat heart. The results demonstrated that compared to I/R rat heart, HIPC and HPOC treated hearts shows reduced myocardial injury, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced the level of TBARS in different cellular compartments. The extent of recovery (measured by TBARS and GSH levels) in subcellular fractions, were in the following descending order: microsome > SSM > IFM in both HIPC and HPOC. In summary, oxidative stress mediated mitochondrial dysfunction, one of the primary causes for I/R injury, was partly recovered by HIPC and HPOC treatment, with significant improvement in SSM fraction compared to the IFM

(5) Cao S, Zhu P, Yu X, Chen J, Li J, Yan F, et al. Hydrogen sulfide attenuates brain edema in early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats: Possible involvement of MMP-9 induced blood-brain barrier disruption and AQP4 expression. Neurosci Lett 2016 May 16;621:88-97. Abstract: AIMS: This study investigated the effect of H2S on brain edema formation and the possible underlying mechanisms in early brain injury (EBI) of SAH using the endovascular perforation model. METHODS: 96 male rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham group, SAH+vehicle group, SAH+low-dosage NaHS group, and SAH+high-dosage NaHS group. Brain samples were used for brain water content and blood-brain barrier (BBB) leakage measurement, gelatin zymography, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: H2S markedly attenuated brain edema formation and apoptotic death, improved neurological dysfunction in the acute stage of SAH. The possible mechanisms of H2S's effect on brain edema formation were through preventing BBB disruption and reducing APQ4 expression on astrocytes. In detail, H2S prevented BBB disruption by inhibiting MMP-9 induced tight junction proteins (TJPs) degradation. H2S down-regulated AQP4 expression on astrocytes by suppressing glial cell activation and pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion. CONCLUSION: Taken together, this study showed that H2S attenuated brain edema formation partially by inhibiting the degradation of TJPs via reducing MMP-9 expression/activity and suppressing AQP4 expression via alleviating glia activation and pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion

(6) Li C, Zhang F, Lyu C, Hao J, Song J, Zhang S. Effects of H2S injection on the CO2-brine-sandstone interaction under 21MPa and 70 degrees C. Mar Pollut Bull 2016 May 15;106(1-2):17-24. Abstract: In this study, laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate the influences of H2S injection on the capacity of CO2's solubility trapping and mineral trapping. Results demonstrated that the preferential dissolution of H2S gas into brine (compared with pure CO2) resulted in the decrease of pH, consequently inhibiting the CO2's solubility trappings to some extent. Then, the lower pH droved more severe corrosion of primary minerals, favored more secondary mineral to be formed. In addition, the discovery of pyrite demonstrated that H2S could precipitate by the formation of sulfide mineral trapping. As the secondary carbon sink minerals, ankerite and dawsonite were observed in the pure CO2-brine-sandstone interaction. However, there were no secondary carbonates found through the SEM images and EDS analyses, implied that the injection of H2S probably may partially inhibit the precipitation of Fe-bearing

2 carbonate minerals such as ankerite in the CO2-H2S-brine-sandstone interaction in this short term experiments

(7) Flores-Alsina X, Solon K, Kazadi MC, Tait S, Gernaey KV, Jeppsson U, et al. Modelling phosphorus (P), sulfur (S) and iron (Fe) interactions for dynamic simulations of anaerobic digestion processes. Water Res 2016 May 15;95:370-82. Abstract: This paper proposes a series of extensions to functionally upgrade the IWA Anaerobic Digestion Model No. 1 (ADM1) to allow for plant-wide phosphorus (P) simulation. The close interplay between the P, sulfur (S) and iron (Fe) cycles requires a substantial (and unavoidable) increase in model complexity due to the involved three-phase physico-chemical and biological transformations. The ADM1 version, implemented in the plant-wide context provided by the Benchmark Simulation Model No. 2 (BSM2), is used as the basic platform (A0). Three different model extensions (A1, A2, A3) are implemented, simulated and evaluated. The first extension (A1) considers P transformations by accounting for the kinetic decay of polyphosphates (XPP) and potential uptake of volatile fatty acids (VFA) to produce polyhydroxyalkanoates (XPHA) by phosphorus accumulating organisms (XPAO). Two variant extensions (A2,1/A2,2) describe biological production of sulfides (SIS) by means of sulfate reducing bacteria (XSRB) utilising hydrogen only (autolithotrophically) or hydrogen plus organic acids (heterorganotrophically) as electron sources, respectively. These two approaches also consider a potential hydrogen sulfide ( [Formula: see text] inhibition effect and stripping to the gas phase ( [Formula: see text] ). The third extension (A3) accounts for chemical iron (III) ( [Formula: see text] ) reduction to iron (II) ( [Formula: see text] ) using hydrogen ( [Formula: see text] ) and sulfides (SIS) as electron donors. A set of pre/post interfaces between the Activated Sludge Model No. 2d (ASM2d) and ADM1 are furthermore proposed in order to allow for plant-wide (model-based) analysis and study of the interactions between the water and sludge lines. Simulation (A1 - A3) results show that the ratio between soluble/particulate P compounds strongly depends on the pH and cationic load, which determines the capacity to form (or not) precipitation products. Implementations A1 and A2,1/A2,2 lead to a reduction in the predicted methane/biogas production (and potential energy recovery) compared to reference ADM1 predictions (A0). This reduction is attributed to two factors: (1) loss of electron equivalents due to sulfate [Formula: see text] reduction by XSRB and storage of XPHA by XPAO; and, (2) decrease of acetoclastic and hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis due to [Formula: see text] inhibition. Model A3 shows the potential for iron to remove free SIS (and consequently inhibition) and instead promote iron sulfide (XFeS) precipitation. It also reduces the quantities of struvite ( [Formula: see text] ) and calcium phosphate ( [Formula: see text] ) that are formed due to its higher affinity for phosphate anions. This study provides a detailed analysis of the different model assumptions, the effect that operational/design conditions have on the model predictions and the practical implications of the proposed model extensions in view of plant-wide modelling/development of resource recovery strategies

(8) Qian X, Li X, Ma F, Luo S, Ge R, Zhu Y. Novel hydrogen sulfide-releasing compound, S-propargyl-cysteine, prevents STZ-induced diabetic nephropathy. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016 May 13;473(4):931-8. Abstract: In this work, we demonstrated for the first time that S-propargyl-cysteine (SPRC, also named as ZYZ-802), a novel hydrogen sulfide (H2S)-releasing compound, had renoprotective effects on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic kidney injury. SPRC treatment significantly reduced the level of creatinine, kidney to body weight ratio and in particular, markedly decreased 24-h urine microalbuminuria excretion. SPRC suppressed the mRNA expression of fibronectin and type IV collagen. In vitro, SPRC inhibited mesangial cells over-proliferation and hypertrophy induced by high glucose. Additionally, SPRC attenuated inflammation in diabetic kidneys. SPRC also reduced transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) signaling and expression of phosphorylated Smad3 (p-Smad3) pathway. Moreover, SPRC inhibited phosphorylation of ERK, p38 protein.

3 Taken together, SPRC was demonstrated to be a potential therapeutic candidate to suppress diabetic nephropathy

(9) Ren M, Deng B, Kong X, Zhou K, Liu K, Xu G, et al. A TICT-based fluorescent probe for rapid and specific detection of hydrogen sulfide and its bio-imaging applications. Chem Commun (Camb ) 2016 May 11;52(38):6415-8. Abstract: By blocking the intramolecular twisted internal charge transfer (TICT) process, we designed and sythesized the first TICT-based fluorescent probe for hydrogen sulfide. The new probe exhibits high selectivity, good membrane-permeability and is suitable for visualization of exogenous and endogenous hydrogen sulfide in living cells

(10) Kim Y, Bark H, Ryu GH, Lee Z, Lee C. Wafer-scale monolayer MoS2 grown by chemical vapor deposition using a reaction of MoO3 and H2S. J Phys Condens Matter 2016 May 11;28(18):184002. Abstract: Monolayer MoS2 nanosheets are potentially useful in optoelectronics, photoelectronics, and nanoelectronics due to their flexibility, mechanical strength, and direct band gap of 1.89 eV. Experimentalists have studied the synthesis of MoS2 using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods in an effort to fabricate wafer-scale nanofilms with a high uniformity and continuity for practical electronic applications. In this work, we applied the CVD method to a reaction of MoO3 powder and H2S gas to grow high-quality polycrystalline monolayer MoS2 sheets with unprecedented uniformity over an area of several centimeters. The monolayer MoS2 was characterized using Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), x-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The top-gate field-effect transistor prepared with a 30 nm HfO2 capping layer displayed an electrical mobility of 1 cm(2) v(-1) s(-1) and an I on/off of ~10(5). This method paves the way for the development of practical devices with MoS2 monolayers and advances fundamental research

(11) Shah MS, Tsapatsis M, Siepmann JI. Identifying Optimal Zeolitic Sorbents for Sweetening of Highly Sour Natural Gas. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2016 May 10;55(20):5938-42. Abstract: Raw natural gas is a complex mixture comprising methane, ethane, other hydrocarbons, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water. For sour gas fields, selective and energy-efficient removal of H2 S is one of the crucial challenges facing the natural-gas industry. Separation using nanoporous materials, such as zeolites, can be an alternative to energy-intensive amine-based absorption processes. Herein, the adsorption of binary H2 S/CH4 and H2 S/C2 H6 mixtures in the all-silica forms of 386 zeolitic frameworks is investigated using Monte Carlo simulations. Adsorption of a five-component mixture is utilized to evaluate the performance of the 16 most promising materials under close-to-real conditions. It is found that depending on the fractions of CH4 , C2 H6 , and CO2 , different sorbents allow for optimal H2 S removal and hydrocarbon recovery

(12) Wu J, Yang S, Liu Q, He P, Tian H, Ren J, et al. Cu Nanoparticles Inlaid Mesoporous Carbon Aerogels as a High Performance Desulfurizer. Environ Sci Technol 2016 May 5. Abstract: In the present study, to insert the Cu nanoparticles (NPs) into mesoporous carbon aerogels and first applied it to remove H2S efficiently. This desulfurizer was made based on the dimensional policy by inserting the Cu NPs on mesoporous carbon aerogels to overcome the sintering problem and improve the activity, which has potential performance at high-temperature catalysis. The obtained desulfurizer was employed for H2S removal at middle temperature conditions (optimal H2S adsorption at 550 degrees C). We explored the optimum doping amount of CuOx, optimum temperature conditions, and the influence of textural parameters of carbon aerogels. The desulfurizers were characterized by means of field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), N2-adsorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), H2

4 temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR), and Raman spectra techniques. The results confirmed that the presence of H2 was unfavorable for sulfidation and obviously shortened the breakthrough time. However, the existence of CO had little impact on the desulfurization and sulfur capacity. In a nutshell, this work could provide a new synthetic route to prepare Cu NPs deep into the lattice of carbon aerogels structure of desulfurizers and understand the desulfurization mechanism

(13) Chegaev K, Rolando B, Cortese D, Gazzano E, Buondonno I, Lazzarato L, et al. HS-Donating Doxorubicins May Overcome Cardiotoxicity and Multidrug Resistance. J Med Chem 2016 May 5. Abstract: Doxorubicin (DOXO) is one of the most effective antineoplastic agents in clinical practice. Its use is limited by acute and chronic side effects, in particular by its cardiotoxicity and by the rapid development of resistance to it. As part of a program aimed at developing new DOXO derivatives endowed with reduced cardiotoxicity, and active against DOXO-resistant tumor cells, a series of H2S-releasing DOXOs (H2S-DOXOs) were obtained by combining DOXO with appropriate H2S donor substructures. The resulting compounds were studied on H9c2 cardiomyocytes and in DOXO-sensitive U-2OS osteosarcoma cells, as well as in related cell variants with increasing degrees of DOXO-resistance. Differently from DOXO, most of the products were not toxic at 5 muM concentration on H9c2 cells. A few of them triggered high activity on the cancer cells. H2S-DOXOs 10 and 11 emerged as the most interesting members of the series. The capacity of 10 to impair Pgp transporter is also discussed

(14) Ge N, Liu C, Li G, Xie L, Zhang Q, Li L, et al. Hydrosulfide attenuates acute myocardial ischemic injury through the glycogen synthase kinase-3beta/beta-catenin signaling pathway. Int J Mol Med 2016 May;37(5):1281-9. Abstract: The endogenous signaling gasotransmitter, hydrosulfide (H2S), has been shown to exert cardioprotective effects against acute myocardial infarction (AMI) due to ischemic injury. However, the mechanisms responsible for these effects are not yet fully understood. In this study, we investigated whether sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaHS), an H2S donor, attenuates acute myocardial ischemic injury through glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta)/beta-catenin signaling. For this purpose, we utilized an in vivo rat model of AMI by occluding the left anterior descending coronary artery. NaHS (0.39, 0.78 or 1.56 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), the GSK-3beta inhibitor, SB216763 (0.6 mg/kg, intravenously), or 1% dimethylsulfoxide (2 ml/kg, intravenously) were administered to the rats. The results demonstrated that the administration of medium- and high-dose NaHS and SB216763 significantly improved rat cardiac function, as evidenced by an increase in the mean arterial pressure, left ventricular developed pressure, contraction and relaxation rates, as well as a decrease in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. In addition, the administration of NaHS and SB216763 attenuated myocardial injury as reflected by a decrease in apoptotic cell death and in the serum lactate dehydrogenase concentrations, and prevented myocardial structural changes. The administration of NaHS and SB216763 increased the concentrations of phosphorylated (p-)GSK-3beta, the p-GSK-3beta/t-GSK-3beta ratio and downstream protein beta-catenin. Moreover, western blot and immunohistochemical analyses of apoptotic signaling pathway proteins further established the cardioprotective potential of NaHS, as reflected by the upregulation of Bcl-2 expression, the downregulation of Bax expression, and a decrease in the number of TUNEL-positive stained cells. These findings suggest that hydrosulfide exerts cardioprotective effects against AMI-induced apoptosis through the GSK-3beta/beta-catenin signaling pathway

(15) Shang G, Liu L, Chen P, Shen G, Li Q. Kinetics and the mass transfer mechanism of hydrogen sulfide removal by biochar derived from rice hull. J Air Waste Manag Assoc 2016 May;66(5):439-45. Abstract: The biochar derived from rice hull was evaluated for its abilities to remove hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from gas phase. The surface area and pH of the biochar were

5 compared. The biochar derived from rice hull was evaluated for its abilities to remove hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from gas phase. The surface area and pH of the biochar were compared. The different pyrolysis temperature has great influence on the adsorption of H2S. At the different pyrolysis temperature, the H2S removal efficiency of rice hull-derived biochar was different. The adsorption capacities of biochar were 2.09 mg.g(-1), 2.65 mg.g(-1), 16.30 mg.g(-1), 20.80 mg.g(-1), and 382.70 mg.g(-1), which their pyrolysis temperatures were 100 degrees C, 200 degrees C, 300 degrees C, 400 degrees C and 500 degrees C respectively. Based on the Yoon-Nelson model, it analyzed the mass transfer mechanism of hydrogen sulfide adsorption by biochar. IMPLICATIONS: The paper focuses on the biochar derived from rice hull-removed hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from gas phase. The surface area and pH of the biochar were compared. The different pyrolysis temperatures have great influence on the adsorption of H2S. At the different pyrolysis temperatures, the H2S removal efficiency of rice hull-derived biohar was different. The adsorption capacities of biochar were 2.09, 2.65, 16.30, 20.80, and 382.70 mg.g(-1), and their pyrolysis temperatures were 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 degrees C, respectively. Based on the Yoon-Nelson model, the mass transfer mechanism of hydrogen sulfide adsorption by biochar was analyzed

(16) Sun Q, Huang J, Yue YJ, Xu JB, Jiang P, Yang DL, et al. Hydrogen Sulfide Facilitates Vaginal Lubrication by Activation of Epithelial ATP-Sensitive K(+) Channels and Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator. J Sex Med 2016 May;13(5):798-807. Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) plays a large role in female and male sexual responses characterized by a smooth muscle relaxant effect. Moreover, H2S is a novel pro-secretory neuromodulator that modulates epithelial ion transport. However, whether H2S has a role in regulating vaginal epithelial ion transport and fluid secretion has not been extensively studied. AIM: To identify the effects of H2S on vaginal epithelial ion transport and lubrication in an exploratory investigation. METHODS: The mRNA, protein expression, and localization of cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE) and H2S production in vaginal epithelium were examined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, H2S synthesizing activity assay, and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The effect of H2S on vaginal epithelial ion transport, vaginal fluid secretion, and ionic concentration was investigated using a short-circuit current (ISC), a measurement of vaginal lubrication, and ion chromatography, respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The mRNA, protein expression, and localization of CSE, H2S formation, changes of ISC responses, vaginal lubrication, and K(+) and Cl(-) concentrations were studied. RESULTS: CSE mRNA and protein were predominantly expressed in vaginal epithelium. Sodium hydrosulfide hydrate (NaHS) caused concentration-dependent changes in ISC across isolated rat vaginal epithelium, which consisted of an initial decrease phase and then an increase phase. The increase phase in ISC was mainly Cl(-) dependent and abolished by cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator inhibitor, whereas the decrease phase was sensitive to the adenosine triphosphate-sensitive K(+) (KATP) channel blocker. Furthermore, intravaginal treatment of NaHS significantly enhanced vaginal lubrication in vivo, and this effect was prevented by cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator and KATP channel inhibitors. In addition, the ionic concentrations of K(+) and Cl(-) in rat vaginal fluid were significantly increased by NaHS treatment. CONCLUSION: The CSE-H2S pathway participates in the regulation of vaginal epithelial K(+) and Cl(-) ion transport to modulate lumen fluid secretion

(17) Yamasaki H, Cohen MF. Biological consilience of hydrogen sulfide and nitric oxide in plants: Gases of primordial earth linking plant, microbial and animal physiologies. Nitric Oxide 2016 May 1;55-56:91-100. Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is produced in the mammalian body through the enzymatic activities of cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS), cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE) and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3MST). A growing number of studies have revealed that biogenic H2S produced in tissues is involved in a variety of

6 physiological responses in mammals including vasorelaxation and neurotransmission. It is now evident that mammals utilize H2S to regulate multiple signaling systems, echoing the research history of the gaseous signaling molecules nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO) that had previously only been recognized for their cytotoxicity. In the human diet, meats (mammals, birds and fishes) and vegetables (plants) containing cysteine and other sulfur compounds are the major dietary sources for endogenous production of H2S. Plants are primary producers in ecosystems on the earth and they synthesize organic sulfur compounds through the activity of sulfur assimilation. Although plant H2S-producing activities have been known for a long time, our knowledge of H2S biology in plant systems has not been updated to the extent of mammalian studies. Here we review recent progress on H2S studies, highlighting plants and bacteria. Scoping the future integration of H2S, NO and O2 biology, we discuss a possible linkage between physiology, ecology and evolutional biology of gas metabolisms that may reflect the historical changes of the Earth's atmospheric composition

(18) Labrecque S, Sylvestre JP, Marcet S, Mangiarini F, Bourgoin B, Verhaegen M, et al. Hyperspectral multiplex single-particle tracking of different receptor subtypes labeled with quantum dots in live neurons. J Biomed Opt 2016 Apr 30;21(4):46008.

(19) Pak YL, Li J, Ko KC, Kim G, Lee JY, Yoon J. Mitochondria-Targeted Reaction-Based Fluorescent Probe for Hydrogen Sulfide. Anal Chem 2016 Apr 29. Abstract: In this study, we developed a turn-on mitochondria-targeting hydrogen sulfide, "probe 1", based on the selective thiolysis of 7-nitro-1,2,3-benzoxadiazole amine moiety attached to the piperazine-based naphthalimide scaffold. Probe 1 exhibited excellent properties with 68-fold fluorescence enhancement, a low detection limit (2.46 muM), a low cytotoxicity, and a good selectivity toward hydrogen sulfide. The success of intracellular imaging indicated that probe 1 could be used in further applications for the investigation of biological functions and pathological roles of H2S in living systems

(20) Lim E, Mbowe O, Lee AS, Davis J. Effect of environmental exposure to hydrogen sulfide on central nervous system and respiratory function: a systematic review of human studies. Int J Occup Environ Health 2016 Apr 29;1-11. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Assessment of the health effects of low-level exposure to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on humans through experiments, industrial, and community studies has shown inconsistent results. OBJECTIVE: To critically appraise available studies investigating the effect of H2S on the central nervous system (CNS) and on respiratory function. METHODS: A search was conducted in 16 databases for articles published between January 1980 and July 2014. Two researchers independently evaluated potentially relevant papers based on a set of inclusion/exclusion criteria. RESULTS: Twenty-seven articles met the inclusion criteria: 6 experimental, 12 industry-based studies, and 10 community-based studies (one article included both experimental and industry-based studies). The results of the systematic review varied by study setting and quality. Several community-based studies reported associations between day-to-day variations in H2S levels and health outcomes among patients with chronic respiratory conditions. However, evidence from the largest and better-designed community-based studies did not support that chronic, ambient H2S exposure has health effects on the CNS or respiratory function. Results from industry-based studies varied, reflecting the diversity of settings and the broad range of H2S exposures. Most studies did not have individual measurements of H2S exposure. DISCUSSION: The results across studies were inconsistent, justifying the need for further research

(21) Palomo A, Jane FS, Gulay A, Rasmussen S, Sicheritz-Ponten T, Smets BF. Metagenomic analysis of rapid gravity sand filter microbial communities suggests novel physiology of Nitrospira spp. ISME J 2016 Apr 29. Abstract: Rapid gravity sand filtration is a drinking water production technology widely used around the world. Microbially catalyzed processes dominate the oxidative

7 transformation of ammonia, reduced manganese and iron, methane and hydrogen sulfide, which may all be present at millimolar concentrations when groundwater is the source water. In this study, six metagenomes from various locations within a groundwater-fed rapid sand filter (RSF) were analyzed. The community gene catalog contained most genes of the nitrogen cycle, with particular abundance in genes of the nitrification pathway. Genes involved in different carbon fixation pathways were also abundant, with the reverse tricarboxylic acid cycle pathway most abundant, consistent with an observed Nitrospira dominance. From the metagenomic data set, 14 near-complete genomes were reconstructed and functionally characterized. On the basis of their genetic content, a metabolic and geochemical model was proposed. The organisms represented by draft genomes had the capability to oxidize ammonium, nitrite, hydrogen sulfide, methane, potentially iron and manganese as well as to assimilate organic compounds. A composite Nitrospira genome was recovered, and amo-containing Nitrospira genome contigs were identified. This finding, together with the high Nitrospira abundance, and the abundance of atypical amo and hao genes, suggests the potential for complete ammonium oxidation by Nitrospira, and a major role of Nitrospira in the investigated RSFs and potentially other nitrifying environments.The ISME Journal advance online publication, 29 April 2016; doi:10.1038/ismej.2016.63

(22) Suthar SK, Sharma M. Recent Developments in Chimeric NSAIDs as Anticancer Agents: Teaching an Old Dog a New Trick. Mini Rev Med Chem 2016 Apr 28. Abstract: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one of the widely used medications all over the world, indicated for pain, fever, and inflammation. It is now well established that inflammation and cancer are closely linked with each other. Inflammatory mediators, like cyclooxygenase (COX), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), tumor growth factor (TGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), chemokines, and cytokines and related genes, such as inhibitor of nuclear factor-kappa B kinase (IKK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) have been shown to be up-regulated in various cancers. Till date, numerous anticancer agents of different classes have been discovered to treat and eradicate various forms of cancer; though, limitations like cytotoxicity to normal cells and acquired tumor resistance restrict the scope of present cancer therapeutics. NSAIDs have shown to decrease the incidence, recurrence, and proliferation of various cancers, viz. colon, breast, lung, and pancreatic, etc. Therefore, the developing agents, such as NO-and H2S-releasing NSAIDs, NSAID-metal complexes, natural product-NSAID conjugates, phospho-NSAIDs, and various other NSAIDs derivatives represent the next generation therapeutics to treat both inflammation and cancer

(23) Li M, Hua B, Luo JL, Jiang SP, Pu J, Chi B, et al. Enhancing Sulfur Tolerance of Ni-Based Cermet Anodes of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells by Ytterbium-Doped Barium Cerate Infiltration. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2016 Apr 27;8(16):10293-301. Abstract: Conventional anode materials for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are Ni-based cermets, which are highly susceptible to deactivation by contaminants in hydrocarbon fuels. Hydrogen sulfide is one of the commonly existed contaminants in readily available natural gas and gasification product gases of pyrolysis of biomasses. Development of sulfur tolerant anode materials is thus one of the critical challenges for commercial viability and practical application of SOFC technologies. Here we report a viable approach to enhance substantially the sulfur poisoning resistance of a Ni-gadolinia-doped ceria (Ni-GDC) anode through impregnation of proton conducting perovskite BaCe0.9Yb0.1O3-delta (BCYb). The impregnation of BCYb nanoparticles improves the electrochemical performance of the Ni-GDC anode in both H2 and H2S containing fuels. Moreover, more importantly, the enhanced stability is observed in 500 ppm of H2S/H2. The SEM and XPS analysis indicate that the infiltrated BCYb fine particles inhibit the adsorption of sulfur and facilitate sulfur removal from active sites, thus preventing the detrimental interaction between sulfur and Ni-GDC and the formation of cerium sulfide. The preliminary results of the cell with the BCYb+Ni-GDC anode in methane fuel containing 5000 ppm of H2S show the promising potential of the BCYb infiltration

8 approach in the development of highly active and stable Ni-GDC-based anodes fed with hydrocarbon fuels containing a high concentration of sulfur compounds

(24) Zhou J, Xu W, You Z, Wang Z, Luo Y, Gao L, et al. A new type of power energy for accelerating chemical reactions: the nature of a microwave-driving force for accelerating chemical reactions. Sci Rep 2016;6:25149. Abstract: The use of microwave (MW) irradiation to increase the rate of chemical reactions has attracted much attention recently in nearly all fields of chemistry due to substantial enhancements in reaction rates. However, the intrinsic nature of the effects of MW irradiation on chemical reactions remains unclear. Herein, the highly effective conversion of NO and decomposition of H2S via MW catalysis were investigated. The temperature was decreased by several hundred degrees centigrade. Moreover, the apparent activation energy (Ea') decreased substantially under MW irradiation. Importantly, for the first time, a model of the interactions between microwave electromagnetic waves and molecules is proposed to elucidate the intrinsic reason for the reduction in the Ea' under MW irradiation, and a formula for the quantitative estimation of the decrease in the Ea' was determined. MW irradiation energy was partially transformed to reduce the Ea', and MW irradiation is a new type of power energy for speeding up chemical reactions. The effect of MW irradiation on chemical reactions was determined. Our findings challenge both the classical view of MW irradiation as only a heating method and the controversial MW non-thermal effect and open a promising avenue for the development of novel MW catalytic reaction technology

(25) Jiang J, Wang Y, Hou K, Hua L, Chen P, Liu W, et al. Photoionization-Generated Dibromomethane Cation Chemical Ionization Source for Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry and Its Application on Sensitive Detection of Volatile Sulfur Compounds. Anal Chem 2016 Apr 26. Abstract: Soft ionization mass spectrometry is one of the key techniques for rapid detection of trace volatile organic compounds. In this work, a novel photoionization-generated dibromomethane cation chemical ionization (PDCI) source has been developed for time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS). Using a commercial VUV lamp, a stable flux of CH2Br2+ was generated with 1000 ppmv dibromomethane (CH2Br2) as the reagent gas, and the analytes were further ionized by reaction with CH2Br2+ cation via charge transfer and ion association. Five typical volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) were chosen to evaluate the performance of the new ion source. The limits of detection (LOD), 0.01 ppbv for dimethyl sulfide and allyl methyl sulfide, 0.05 ppbv for carbon disulfide and methanthiol, and 0.2 ppbv for hydrogen sulfide were obtained. Compared to direct single photon ionization (SPI), the PDCI has two distinctive advantages: first, the signal intensities were greatly enhanced, for example more than 10-fold for CH3SH and CS2; second, H2S could be measured in PDCI by formation [H2S + CH2Br2]+ adduct ion and easy to recognize. Moreover, the rapid analytical capacity of this ion source was demonstrated by analysis of trace VSCs in breath gases of healthy volunteers and sewer gases

(26) Dunleavy R, Lu L, Kiely CJ, McIntosh S, Berger BW. Single-enzyme biomineralization of cadmium sulfide nanocrystals with controlled optical properties. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016 Apr 26. Abstract: Nature has evolved several unique biomineralization strategies to direct the synthesis and growth of inorganic materials. These natural systems are complex, involving the interaction of multiple biomolecules to catalyze biomineralization and template growth. Herein we describe the first report to our knowledge of a single enzyme capable of both catalyzing mineralization in otherwise unreactive solution and of templating nanocrystal growth. A recombinant putative cystathionine gamma-lyase (smCSE) mineralizes CdS from an aqueous cadmium acetate solution via reactive H2S generation from l-cysteine and controls nanocrystal growth within the quantum confined size range. The role of enzymatic nanocrystal templating is demonstrated by substituting

9 reactive Na2S as the sulfur source. Whereas bulk CdS is formed in the absence of the enzyme or other capping agents, nanocrystal formation is observed when smCSE is present to control the growth. This dual-function, single-enzyme, aerobic, and aqueous route to functional material synthesis demonstrates the powerful potential of engineered functional material biomineralization

(27) Chen PC, Li YC, Ma JY, Huang JY, Chen CF, Chang HT. Size-tunable copper nanocluster aggregates and their application in hydrogen sulfide sensing on paper-based devices. Sci Rep 2016;6:24882. Abstract: Polystyrene sulfonate (PSS), a strong polyelectrolyte, was used to prepare red photoluminescent PSS-penicillamine (PA) copper (Cu) nanoclusters (NC) aggregates, which displayed high selectivity and sensitivity to the detection of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). The size of the PSS-PA-Cu NC aggregates could be readily controlled from 5.5 mum to 173 nm using different concentrations of PSS, which enabled better dispersity and higher sensitivity towards H2S. PSS-PA-Cu NC aggregates provided rapid H2S detection by using the strong Cu-S interaction to quench NC photoluminescence as a sensing mechanism. As a result, a detection limit of 650 nM, which is lower than the maximum level permitted in drinking water by the World Health Organization, was achieved for the analysis of H2S in spring-water samples. Moreover, highly dispersed PSS-PA-Cu NC aggregates could be incorporated into a plate-format paper-based analytical device which enables ultra-low sample volumes (5 muL) and feature shorter analysis times (30 min) compared to conventional solution-based methods. The advantages of low reagent consumption, rapid result readout, limited equipment, and long-term storage make this platform sensitive and simple enough to use without specialized training in resource constrained settings

(28) Chatterjee D, Sarkar P, Oszajca M, van ER. Formation of [Ru(edta)(SNO)] in Ru(edta)-Mediated S-Nitrosylation of Bisulfide Ion. Inorg Chem 2016 Apr 25. Abstract: The reaction of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and nitric oxide (NO) is of great physiological significance in human organisms. Our present studies show that RuIII(edta) (edta4- = ethylenediaminetetraacetate) mediates the S-nitrosylation of bisulfide ion (HS-) using NO to form [RuIII(edta)(SNO)]2-, the first-ever example of a ruthenium complex containing thionitrite (SNO-) in aqueous solution. The reaction product [RuIII(edta)(SNO)]2- was characterized by IR, electron paramagnetic resonance, and electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy. Our studies further show that formation of the putative thionitrous acid coordinated to RuIII(edta) does not occur via the reaction of [RuIII(edta)NO]- with HS-

(29) capital KA C, Boiko NM, Panchuk RR, Grytsyna II, Klyuchivska OY, Biletska LP, et al. Putative anticancer potential of novel 4-thiazolidinone derivatives: cytotoxicity toward rat C6 glioma in vitro and correlation of general toxicity with the balance of free radical oxidation in rats. Croat Med J 2016 Apr 23;57(2):151-63. Abstract: AIM: To evaluate the cytotoxic action of 4-thiazolidinone derivatives (ID 3288, ID 3882, and ID 3833) toward rat glioma C6 cells and to compare the effects of these compounds and doxorubicin on the balance of free radical oxidation (FRO) and antioxidant activity (AOA) in the serum of rats. METHODS: Glioma cells were treated with ID 3882, ID 3288, ID 3833, and doxorubicin, and their cytotoxicity was studied using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay and Trypan blue exclusion test, light and fluorescent microscopy, and flow cytometric study of cell cycling and apoptosis, including measuring of Annexin V-positive cells. The contents of superoxide radical, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical, malonic dialdehyde, and hydrogen sulfide were measured in the serum of rats. Enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (Cat), and glutathione peroxydase (GPO) was determined. RESULTS: Among novel 4-thiazolidinone derivatives, ID 3288 was most toxic toward rat glioma C6 cells, even compared with doxorubicin. All applied derivatives were less active than doxorubicin in inducing reactive oxygen species-related indicators in the serum of

10 rats. A similar effect was observed when enzymatic indicators of AOA processes were measured. While doxorubicin inhibited the activity of SOD, GPO, and Cat, the effects of 4-thiazolidinone derivatives were less prominent. CONCLUSION: Novel 4-thiazolidinone derivatives differ in their antineoplastic action toward rat glioma C6 cells, and ID 3288 possesses the highest activity compared to doxorubicin. Measurement of indicators of FRO and AOA in the serum of rats treated with these compounds showed their lower general toxicity compared with doxorubicin's toxicity

(30) Waits DS, Santos SR, Thornhill DJ, Li Y, Halanych KM. Evolution of Sulfur Binding by Hemoglobin in Siboglinidae (Annelida) with Special Reference to Bone-Eating Worms, Osedax. J Mol Evol 2016 Apr 21. Abstract: Most members of Siboglinidae (Annelida) harbor endosymbiotic bacteria that allow them to thrive in extreme environments such as hydrothermal vents, methane seeps, and whale bones. These symbioses are enabled by specialized hemoglobins (Hbs) that are able to bind hydrogen sulfide for transportation to their chemosynthetic endosymbionts. Sulfur-binding capabilities are hypothesized to be due to cysteine residues at key positions in both vascular and coelomic Hbs, especially in the A2 and B2 chains. Members of the genus Osedax, which live on whale bones, do not have chemosynthetic endosymbionts, but instead harbor heterotrophic bacteria capable of breaking down complex organic compounds. Although sulfur-binding capabilities are important in other siboglinids, we questioned whether Osedax retained these cysteine residues and the potential ability to bind hydrogen sulfide. To answer these questions, we used high-throughput DNA sequencing to isolate and analyze Hb sequences from 8 siboglinid lineages. For Osedax mucofloris, we recovered three (A1, A2, and B1) Hb chains, but the B2 chain was not identified. Hb sequences from gene subfamilies A2 and B2 were translated and aligned to determine conservation of cysteine residues at previously identified key positions. Hb linker sequences were also compared to determine similarity between Osedax and siboglinids/sulfur-tolerant annelids. For O. mucofloris, our results found conserved cysteines within the Hb A2 chain. This finding suggests that Hb in O. mucofloris has retained some capacity to bind hydrogen sulfide, likely due to the need to detoxify this chemical compound that is abundantly produced within whale bones

(31) Chen L, Brar MS, Leung FC, Hsiao WL. Triterpenoid herbal saponins enhance beneficial bacteria, decrease sulfate-reducing bacteria, modulate inflammatory intestinal microenvironment and exert cancer preventive effects in ApcMin/+ mice. Oncotarget 2016 Apr 21. Abstract: Saponins derived from medicinal plants have raised considerable interest for their preventive roles in various diseases. Here, we investigated the impacts of triterpenoid saponins isolated from Gynostemma pentaphyllum (GpS) on gut microbiome, mucosal environment, and the preventive effect on tumor growth. Six-week old ApcMin/+ mice and their wild-type littermates were fed either with vehicle or GpS daily for the duration of 8 weeks. The fecal microbiome was analyzed by enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC)-PCR and 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing. Study showed that GpS treatment significantly reduced the number of intestinal polyps in a preventive mode. More importantly, GpS feeding strikingly reduced the sulfate-reducing bacteria lineage, which are known to produce hydrogen sulfide and contribute to damage the intestinal epithelium or even promote cancer progression. Meanwhile, GpS also boosted the beneficial microbes. In the gut barrier of the ApcMin/+ mice, GpS treatment increased Paneth and goblet cells, up-regulated E-cadherin and down-regulated N-cadherin. In addition, GpS decreased the pro-oncogenic beta-catenin, p-Src and the p-STAT3. Furthermore, GpS might also improve the inflamed gut epithelium of the ApcMin/+ mice by upregulating the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4, while downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-18. Intriguingly, GpS markedly stimulated M2 and suppressed M1 macrophage markers, indicating that GpS altered mucosal cytokine profile in favor of the M1 to M2 macrophages switching, facilitating intestinal repair. In conclusion, GpS might reverse the host's inflammatory

11 phenotype by increasing beneficial bacteria, decreasing sulfate-reducing bacteria, and alleviating intestinal inflammatory gut environment, which might contribute to its cancer preventive effects

(32) Chen LY, Chen Q, Zhu XJ, Kong DS, Wu L, Shao JJ, et al. Diallyl trisulfide protects against ethanol-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis via a hydrogen sulfide-mediated mechanism. Int Immunopharmacol 2016 Apr 20;36:23-30. Abstract: Garlic is one natural source of organic sulfur containing compounds and has shown promise in the treatment of chronic liver disease. Dietary garlic consumption is inversely correlated with the progression of alcoholic fatty liver (AFL), although the exact underlying mechanisms are not clear. Our previous studies also have shown that diallyl trisulfide (DATS), the primary organosulfur compound from Allium sativum L, displayed anti-lipid deposition and antioxidant properties in AFL. The aim of the present study was to clarify the underlying mechanisms. In the present study, we used the intragastric infusion model of alcohol administration and human normal liver cell line LO2 cultured with suitable ethanol to mimic the pathological condition of AFL. We showed that accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was lowered significantly by the administration of DATS, but antioxidant capacity was increased by DATS. Additionally, DATS inhibited hepatocyte apoptosis via down-regulating Bax expression and up-regulating Bcl-2 expression, and attenuated alcohol-induced caspase-dependent apoptosis. More importantly, using iodoacetamide (IAM) to block hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production from DATS, we noted that IAM abolished all the above effects of DATS in ethanol-treated LO2 cells. Lastly, we found DATS could increase the expressions of cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE) and cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS), the major H2S-producing enzymes. These results demonstrate that DATS protect against alcohol-induced fatty liver via a H2S-mediated mechanism. Therefore, targeting H2S may play a therapeutic role for AFL

(33) Guidry VT, Kinlaw AC, Johnston J, Hall D, Wing S. Hydrogen sulfide concentrations at three middle schools near industrial livestock facilities. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol 2016 Apr 20. Abstract: Safe school environments are essential for healthy development, yet some schools are near large-scale livestock facilities that emit air pollution. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from decomposing manure is an indicator of livestock-related air pollution. We measured outdoor concentrations of H2S at three public middle schools near livestock facilities in North Carolina. We used circular graphs to relate H2S detection and wind direction to geospatial distributions of nearby livestock barns. We also used logistic and linear regression to model H2S in relation to upwind, distance-weighted livestock barn area. Circular graphs suggested an association between upwind livestock barns and H2S detection. The log-odds of H2S detection per 1000 m2 increased with upwind weighted swine barn area (School A: beta-coefficient (beta)=0.43, SE=0.06; School B: beta=0.64, SE=0.24) and upwind weighted poultry barn area (School A: beta=0.05, SE=0.01), with stronger associations during periods of atmospheric stability than atmospheric instability (School A stable: beta=0.69, SE=0.11; School A unstable: beta=0.32, SE=0.09). H2S concentration also increased linearly with upwind swine barn area, with greater increases during stable atmospheric conditions (stable: beta=0.16 parts per billion (p.p.b.), SE=0.01; unstable: beta=0.05 p.p.b., SE=0.01). Off-site migration of pollutants from industrial livestock operations can decrease air quality at nearby schools.Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology advance online publication, 20 April 2016; doi:10.1038/jes.2016.7

(34) Miao Z, King SB. Recent advances in the chemical biology of nitroxyl (HNO) detection and generation. Nitric Oxide 2016 Apr 20;57:1-14. Abstract: Nitroxyl or azanone (HNO) represents the redox-related (one electron reduced and protonated) relative of the well-known biological signaling molecule nitric oxide (NO). Despite the close structural similarity to NO, defined biological roles and endogenous

12 formation of HNO remain unclear due to the high reactivity of HNO with itself, soft nucleophiles and transition metals. While significant work has been accomplished in terms of the physiology, biology and chemistry of HNO, important and clarifying work regarding HNO detection and formation has occurred within the last 10 years. This review summarizes advances in the areas of HNO detection and donation and their application to normal and pathological biology. Such chemical biological tools allow a deeper understanding of biological HNO formation and the role that HNO plays in a variety of physiological systems

(35) Wei Y, Li Q, Li W, Cheng J, McDowell SA. Influence of the protonation of pyridine nitrogen on pnicogen bonding: competition and cooperativity. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2016 Apr 20;18(16):11348-56. Abstract: Ab initio MP2/aug-cc-pVTZ calculations were performed to investigate the pnicogen-bonded complexes of PyZX2 (Py = pyridine, Z = P and As, X = H and F) and their protonated analogues. The selected Lewis bases include H2S, PH3, H2O, NH3, and H2CO. The relative stability of pnicogen-bonded complexes is related to the nature of PyZX2 and bases. When the nitrogen atom of the pyridine ring in PyZX2 is protonated, the protonated complexes are more stabilized than their neutral counterparts, with the interaction energies increased by 8.5-34.6 kJ mol(-1) and the binding distances shortened by 0.050-0.574 A. Protonation strengthens the pnicogen bond, from a weak interaction to one of moderate strength. In the neutral complexes of PyZX2 and H2O, the formation of a NH-O hydrogen bond is favorable compared to the pnicogen bond. Such inclination is more prominent in the complexes of protonated PyZX2 and NH3. In H2OPyZX2H2O, pnicogen bonding is strengthened by hydrogen bonding due to positive synergistic effects; however, in NH3H(+)-PyZX2NH3, pnicogen bonding is weakened by hydrogen bonding due to negative synergistic effects

(36) Ling L, Zhao Z, Wang B, Fan M, Zhang R. Effects of CO and CO2 on the desulfurization of H2S using a ZnO sorbent: a density functional theory study. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2016 Apr 20;18(16):11150-6. Abstract: The density functional theory (DFT) method has been performed to study the effects of CO and CO2 on the desulfurization of H2S over a ZnO sorbent. It shows that COS is inevitably formed on the ZnO(101[combining macron]0) surface, which tends to be adsorbed onto the surface via a S-C bond binding with either a long or a short Zn-O bond. Potential energy profiles for the COS formation via reactions between H2S and CO, and H2S and CO2 on the ZnO(101[combining macron]0) surface have been constructed. In the presence of CO, the dissociated active S of H2S reacting with CO leads to the formation of COS, and the activation energy of the rate-determining step is 87.7 kJ mol(-1). When CO2 is present, the linear CO2 is first transferred to active CO2 in a triplet state, and then combines with active S to form COS with the highest energy barrier of 142.4 kJ mol(-1). Rate constants at different temperatures show that the formation of COS via the reaction of CO and H2S is easier than that of CO2 and H2S over the ZnO surface

(37) Phipps E, Prasanna D, Brima W, Jim B. Preeclampsia: Updates in Pathogenesis, Definitions, and Guidelines. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2016 Apr 19. Abstract: Preeclampsia is becoming an increasingly common diagnosis in the developed world and remains a high cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality in the developing world. Delay in childbearing in the developed world feeds into the risk factors associated with preeclampsia, which include older maternal age, obesity, and/or vascular diseases. Inadequate prenatal care partially explains the persistent high prevalence in the developing world. In this review, we begin by presenting the most recent concepts in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Upstream triggers of the well described angiogenic pathways, such as the heme oxygenase and hydrogen sulfide pathways, as well as the roles of autoantibodies, misfolded proteins, nitric oxide, and oxidative stress will be described. We also detail updated definitions, classification schema, and treatment

13 targets of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy put forth by obstetric and hypertensive societies throughout the world. The shift has been made to view preeclampsia as a systemic disease with widespread endothelial damage and the potential to affect future cardiovascular diseases rather than a self-limited occurrence. At the very least, we now know that preeclampsia does not end with delivery of the placenta. We conclude by summarizing the latest strategies for prevention and treatment of preeclampsia. A better understanding of this entity will help in the care of at-risk women before delivery and for decades after

(38) Salvi A, Bankhele P, Jamil J, Kulkarni CM, Njie-Mbye YF, Ohia SE, et al. Effect of Hydrogen Sulfide Donors on Intraocular Pressure in Rabbits. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2016 Apr 19. Abstract: PURPOSE: In this study, we investigated the effect of a slow-releasing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donor, GYY 4137, on intraocular pressure (IOP) in normotensive rabbits. Furthermore, we compared the IOP-lowering action of GYY 4137 with those elicited by other H2S-producing compounds, l-cysteine and ACS67 (a hybrid compound of latanoprost with an H2S-releasing moiety). METHODS: IOP was measured in New Zealand normotensive male albino rabbits using a pneumatonometer (model 30 classic; Reichert Ophthalmic Instruments, Depew, NY). At 0 h, 50 muL of test compounds were applied topically to 1 eye of each animal, while the contralateral eye received the same quantity of vehicle (saline). IOP was measured hourly until baseline IOP readings were attained and animal eyes monitored for potential side effects (i.e., tearing, hyperemia). RESULTS: GYY 4137 (0.1%-2%) produced a dose-dependent decrease in IOP reaching a maximum of 27.8% +/- 3.14% (n = 5) after 6 h. Interestingly, a significant contralateral effect was observed in vehicle-treated controls eyes at all doses tested. l-cysteine (5%) and ACS67 (0.005%) also elicited a significant (P < 0.01) decrease in IOP that achieved a maximum of 28.84% +/- 1.53% (n = 5) and 23.27% +/- 0.51% (n = 5), respectively, after 3 h. All 3 H2S-producing compounds also caused a significant contralateral effect in vehicle-treated control eyes. CONCLUSION: We conclude that GYY 4137 and other H2S-producing donors can reduce IOP in normotensive rabbits. However, the profile of IOP-lowering action of GYY 4137 was different from the other H2S donors affirming its ability to act as a slow-releasing gas donor

(39) Pan LP, Cao YP, Wen LC, Chai WB, DU JB, Jin HF, et al. [Hydrogen sulfide in cartilage and its inhibitory effect on matrix metalloproteinase 13 expression in chondrocytes induced by interlukin-1beta]. Beijing Da Xue Xue Bao 2016 Apr 18;48(2):194-202. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was involved in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) and its underlying mechanism, to detect H2S and its synthases expression in knee cartilage in patients diagnosed with different severity of OA, and to explore the transcription and expression of gene MMP-13 in chondrocytes treated with IL-1beta or H2S. METHODS: Synovial fluids of the in-patients with different severity of OA hospitalized in Peking University First Hospital were collected for measurement of H2S content using assay. Articular cartilages of the patients who underwent knee arthroplasty were collected for the cell culture of relatively normal chondrocytes. The chondrocytes were cultured to the P3 generation and H2S molecular probes were used for detection of endogenous H2S generation in the chondrocytes. Immunocytochemistry was used to detect the localization of H2S synthases including cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS), cystathionine-gamma-lyase (CSE), and mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MPST) in OA chondrocytes. Western blot was used to quantify the protein expressions of CSE, MPST, and CBS in cartilage tissues of the patients who were diagnosed with OA and underwent knee arthroplasty. The relatively normal human chondrocytes were cultured to passage 3 and then divided into 4 groups for different treatments: (1)the normal control group, no reagent was added; (2)the IL-1beta group, 5 mug/L of IL-1beta was added; (3)the IL-1beta+H2S group, 200 mumol/L of NaHS was added 30 min before adding 5 mug/L of IL-1beta;(4)the H2S group, 200 mumol/L of NaHS was added. The transcription

14 and expression of gene MMP-13 in chondrocytes of each group were determined with Real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. And the total NF-kappaB p65 and phosphorylated NF-kappaB p65 in chondrocytes were detected with Western blot. RESULTS: The content of H2S in the synovial fluid of degenerative knee was (14.3+/-3.3) mumol/L. Expressions of endogenous H2S and its synthases including CBS, CSE and MPST were present in the cytoplasm of chondrocytes.CSE protein expression in Grade 3 (defined by outerbridge grading) cartilage tissues was significantly increased as compared with that of Grade 1 cartilage tissues (1.67+/-0.09 vs. 1.26+/-0.11, P< 0.05). However, no significant difference of CBS or MPST expression among the different groups was observed. The expression of MMP-13 protein in the IL-1betagroup was significantly higher than that in the normal chondrocytes (1.87+/-0.67 vs. 0.22+/-0.10, P<0.05), and that in the IL-1beta+H2S group was significantly decreased than that in the IL-1beta group (0.55+/-0.11 vs. 1.87+/-0.67, P< 0.05), and that in the H2S group had no significant difference compared with that in the normal control group. The transcription of MMP-13 protein in the IL-1beta group was significantly higher than that in the normal chondrocytes (31.40+/-0.31 vs. 1.00+/-0.00, P<0.05), and that in the IL-1beta+H2S group was significantly decreased than that in the IL-1beta group (24.41+/-1.28 vs. 31.40+/-0.31, P<0.05), and that in the H2S group had no significant difference compared with that in the normal control group. The total NF-kappaB p65 in the IL-1beta group was significantly higher than that in the normal chondrocytes (2.13+/-0.08 vs. 0.73+/-0.08, P< 0.05), and that in the IL-1beta+H2S group was significantly decreased than that in the IL-1beta group (1.24+/-0.13 vs. 2.13+/-0.08, P<0.05), and that in the H2S group had no significant difference compared with that in the normal control group. The phosphorylated NF-kappaB p65 in IL-1beta group was significantly higher than that in the normal chondrocytes (1.30+/-0.13 vs. 0.19+/-0.04, P<0.05), and that in IL-1beta+H2S group was significantly decreased than that in the IL-1beta group (0.92+/-0.26 vs. 1.30+/-0.13, P<0.05), and that in the H2S group had no significant difference compared with that in the normal control group. CONCLUSION: H2S affected the cartilage degeneration by partly inhibiting the degradation of extracellular matrix

(40) Lee YS, Han GB. Complete reduction of highly concentrated contaminants in piggery waste by a novel process scheme with an algal-bacterial symbiotic photobioreactor. J Environ Manage 2016 Apr 18;177:202-12. Abstract: The complete reduction of highly concentrated contaminants in piggery waste was achieved with an innovative process scheme consecutively combining autothermal thermophilic aerobic digestion (ATAD), an expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) and a microalgal-bacterial symbiotic vertical photobioreactor (VPBR), followed by biomass recycling for effluent polishing. Contaminants in piggery waste, such as high organic and inorganic matter, total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) contents, were successfully reduced in the newly implemented system. The concentrations of volatile solids (VS) and the chemical oxygen demand (COD) for organic matter in the feed were reduced by approximately 99.3% and 99.7%, respectively, in the innovative system. The overall reduction efficiencies in TN, ammoniacal nitrogen, and TP were 98.8, 98.4, and 93.5%, respectively, through ammonia gas emission, coagulated sludge disposal, and the algal-bacterial symbiotic polishing process. Fecal coliform density was decreased to <1.7 x 104 CFU g-1 total solids. Biogas and CH4 in the EGSB were generated in the range of 0.36-0.79 and 0.18-0.44 L g-1 [VS removed], respectively, and contained 245 +/- 19 ppm (v/v) [H2S]

(41) Jenkins TA, Nguyen JC, Hart JL. Decreased vascular HS production is associated with vascular oxidative stress in rats fed a high-fat western diet. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2016 Apr 18. Abstract: A Western-style high-fat diet is known to cause vascular dysfunction and oxidative stress. H2S contributes to the regulation of vascular function and acts as a vasoprotective molecule; however, the effects of high-fat diet on vascular H2S production and function are not known. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of

15 high-fat diet on vascular function and H2S production. Wistar hooded rats were fed a western diet (WD, 21 % fat) or control rat chow (6 % fat) for 12 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the aorta was collected for assessing vascular function and NO and H2S bioavailability. Superoxide anion production was quantitated by lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence. The expression of NADPH oxidase subunit Nox2 and the H2S-producing protein cystathionine-gamma-lyase (CSE) were examined by Western blotting. WD rats had significantly higher body weight and body fat than control (p < 0.001). Endothelial function and NO bioavailability were significantly reduced in the WD group (p < 0.05), but vascular smooth muscle cell function was unaffected. Vascular superoxide production and Nox2 expression were significantly increased in the aorta from WD rats. L-Cysteine-induced vasorelaxation was reduced in the WD group (p < 0.05) and insensitive to the inhibition of the CSE. In addition, vascular H2S bioavailability and CSE expression were significantly reduced in the aorta from WD rats (p < 0.01). These data show that fat feeding induces vascular oxidative stress and a reduction in endothelial function. Furthermore, there is a reduced capacity for both basal and stimulated vascular H2S production via CSE in fat fed rats

(42) Pirolli M, da Silva ML, Mezzari MP, Michelon W, Prandini JM, Moreira SH. Methane production from a field-scale biofilter designed for desulfurization of biogas stream. J Environ Manage 2016 Apr 16;177:161-8. Abstract: The development of a simple and low maintenance field-scale biotrickling filter (BTF) for desulfurization of swine wastewater-derived biogas stream that was also capable of increasing biomethane concentrations was investigated. BTF was continuously fed with wastewater effluent from an air sparged nitrification-denitrification bioreactor installed downgradient from an UASB-type digester. BTF maximum removal efficiency (RE) of 99.8% was achieved with a maximum elimination capacity (EC) of 1,509 g H2S m-3 h-1. Average EC obtained with inlet biogas flow rates of 0.024, 0.036 and 0.048 m3 h-1 was 718, 1,013 and 438 g H2S m-3 h-1, respectively. SO4-2 and S0 were the major metabolites produced from biological conversion of H2S. Additionally to the satisfactory biodesulfurization capacity, an average increase in methane concentration of congruent with 3.8 +/- 1.68 g m-3 was measured in the filtered gas stream throughout 200 days of BTF operation. RT-PCR analyses of archaea communities in the biofilm confirmed dominance of hydrogenotrophic methanogens thus corroborating with the observed strong correlation between CO2 removal and CH4 production. Among the three major archaea orders investigated (i.e., Methanosarcinales, Methanobacteriales, and Methanomicrobiales), Methanobacteriales were encountered at highest concentrations (1.9 x 1011 gene copies mL-1). The proposed BTF was robust efficiently removing H2S from biogas stream while concomitantly enhancing the concentration of valuable methane as source of renewable fuel

(43) Dugbartey GJ, Bouma HR, Lobb I, Sener A. Hydrogen sulfide: A novel nephroprotectant against cisplatin-induced renal toxicity. Nitric Oxide 2016 Apr 16;57:15-20. Abstract: Cisplatin is a potent chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of various solid-organ cancers. However, a plethora of evidence indicates that nephrotoxicity is a major side effect of cisplatin therapy. While the antineoplastic action of cisplatin is due to formation of cisplatin-DNA cross-links, which damage rapidly dividing cancer cells upon binding to DNA, its nephrotoxic effect results from metabolic conversion of cisplatin into a nephrotoxin and production of reactive oxygen species, causing oxidative stress leading to renal tissue injury and potentially, kidney failure. Despite therapeutic targets in several pre-clinical and clinical studies, there is still incomplete protection against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), the third discovered gasotransmitter next to nitric oxide and carbon monoxide, has recently been identified in several in vitro and in vivo studies to possess specific antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties that modulate several pathogenic pathways involved in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. The current article reviews the molecular mechanisms

16 underlying cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and displays recent findings in the H2S field that could disrupt such mechanisms to ameliorate cisplatin-induced renal injury

(44) Ren W, Xun Z, Wang Z, Zhang Q, Liu X, Zheng H, et al. Tongue Coating and the Salivary Microbial Communities Vary in Children with Halitosis. Sci Rep 2016;6:24481. Abstract: Halitosis is a common symptom mainly caused by microbial activities in the oral cavity. Here, we used 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing and metagenomic sequencing to examine oral microbial compositions and their functional variations in children with halitosis. We found that the tongue coating of subjects with halitosis had greater bacterial richness than those of healthy subjects. The relative abundance and prevalence of Leptotrichia wadei and Peptostreptococcus stomatis were higher in tongue coating samples from children with halitosis than those from children without halitosis; Prevotella shahii had higher relative abundance and prevalence in saliva samples from children with halitosis. We present the first comprehensive evaluation of the co-occurrence networks of saliva and tongue coating communities under healthy and halitosis conditions, and investigated patterns of significant differences between these communities. Moreover, we observed that bacterial genes associated with responses to infectious diseases and terpenoid and polyketide metabolism were enriched in subjects with halitosis, but not in healthy subjects. Hydrogen sulphide (H2S)-related metabolic pathways suggested that there was higher microbial production and less usage of H2S in subjects with halitosis. Thus, the mechanism of halitosis was implied for the first time via metagenomic sequencing

(45) Liu MH, Zhang Y, He J, Tan TP, Wu SJ, Guo DM, et al. Hydrogen sulfide protects H9c2 cardiac cells against doxorubicin-induced cytotoxicity through the PI3K/Akt/FoxO3a pathway. Int J Mol Med 2016 Apr 14. Abstract: Doxorubicin (DOX) is an efficient drug used in cancer therapy that also produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) that induces severe cytotoxicity, which limits its clinical application. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a novel gasotransmitter, has been shown to exert cardioprotective effects. The present study aimed to determine whether exogenous H2S protects H9c2 cardiac cells against DOX-induced cytotoxicity and whether these protective effects are mediated through the PI3K/Akt/FoxO3a pathway. The H9c2 cardiac cells were exposed to 5 microM DOX for 24 h to establish a model of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. The results showed that the treatment of H9c2 cardiac cells with sodium hydrosul fi de (NaHS) for 30 min prior to DOX exposure markedly attenuated the phosphorylation of Akt and FoxO3a. Notably, pre-treatment of the H9c2 cells with NaHS significantly attenuated the nuclear localization of FoxO3a as well as the apoptosis of H9c2 cells induced by DOX. The treatment of H9c2 cells with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), a scavenger of ROS, prior to DOX exposure, also markedly increased the phosphorylation of Akt and FoxO3a which was inhibited by DOX alone. Furthermore, pre-treatment with LY294002, a selective inhibitor of PI3K/Akt, reversed the protective effect of H2S against DOX-induced injury of cardiomyocytes, as demonstrated by an increased number of apoptotic cells, a decrease in cell viability and the reduced phosphorylation of Akt and FoxO3a. These fi ndings suggested that exogenous H2S attenuates DOX-induced cytotoxic effects in H9c2 cardiac cells through the PI3K/Akt/FoxO3a pathway

(46) DeLeon ER, Gao Y, Huang E, Olson KR. Garlic Oil Polysulfides: H2S- and O2-Independent Pro-Oxidants in Buffer and Anti-Oxidants in Cells. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2016 Apr 13;ajpregu. Abstract: The health benefits of garlic and other organosulfur-containing foods are well recognized and have been attributed to both pro-oxidant and antioxidant activities. The effects of garlic are surprisingly similar to those of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) which is also known to be released from garlic under certain conditions. However, recent evidence suggests that polysulfides, not H2S, may be the actual mediator of physiological signaling. In this study we monitored formation of H2S and polysulfides from garlic oil in buffer and

17 in HEK293 cells with fluorescent dyes, AzMC and SSP4, respectively and redox activity with two redox indicators roGFP and DCF. Our results show that H2S release from garlic oil in buffer requires other low molecular weight thiols such as cysteine (Cys) or glutathione (GSH), whereas polysulfides are readily detected in garlic oil alone. Administration of garlic oil to cells rapidly increases intracellular polysulfide but has minimal effects on H2S unless Cys or GSH are also present in the extracellular medium. We also observed that garlic oil and diallyltrisulfide (DATS) potently oxidized roGFP in buffer but did not affect DCF. This appears to be a direct polysulfide-mediated oxidation that does not require a reactive oxygen species intermediate. Conversely, when applied to cells, garlic oil became a significant intracellular reductant independent of extracellular Cys or GSH. This suggests that intracellular metabolism and further processing of the sulfur moieties are necessary to confer anti-oxidant properties to garlic oil in vivo

(47) Asthana SK, Kumar A, Neeraj, Shweta, Upadhyay KK. Efficient visualization of H2S via a fluorescent probe with three electrophilic centres. Org Biomol Chem 2016 Apr 12;14(15):3690-4. Abstract: H2S is a reactive nucleophilic species with toxic effects towards human beings. Its efficient detection and marking is still a challenging job due to its similar nucleophilic character to a number of biothiols, like glutathione, cysteine, homocysteine etc. We report herein the first ever use of a chemosensor incorporating three electrophilic centres to achieve high sensitivity and very fast response time (40 s) towards H2S

(48) Wang MJ, Cai WJ, Zhu YC. Hydrogen sulphide in cardiovascular system: A cascade from interaction between sulphur atoms and signalling molecules. Life Sci 2016 Apr 9. Abstract: As a gasotransmitter, hydrogen sulphide exerts its extensive physiological and pathophysiological effects in mammals. The interaction between sulphur atoms and signalling molecules forms a cascade that modulates cellular functions and homeostasis. In this review, we focus on the signalling mechanism underlying the effect of hydrogen sulphide in the cardiovascular system and metabolism as well as the biological relevance to human diseases

(49) van der Graaf AM, Paauw ND, Toering TJ, Feelisch M, Faas MM, Sutton TR, et al. Impaired sodium dependent adaptation of arterial stiffness in formerly preeclamptic women: The RE. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2016 Apr 8;ajpheart. Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Women with a history of preeclampsia have an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases later in life. Persistent vascular alterations in the postpartum period might contribute to this increased risk. The current study assessed arterial stiffness under low sodium (LS) and high sodium (HS) conditions in a well-characterized group of formerly early-onset preeclamptic (fPE) women and formerly pregnant (fHP) women. METHODS: 18 fHP and 18 fPE women were studied at an average of 5 years after pregnancy on one week of LS (50 mmol Na+/day) and one week of HS (200 mmol Na+/day) intake. Arterial stiffness was measured by pulse wave analysis (aortic augmentation index, AIx) and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV). Circulating markers of the renin-angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS), extracellular volume (ECV), nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) were measured in an effort to identify potential mechanistic elements underlying adaptation of arterial stiffness. RESULTS: AIx was significantly lower in fHP women on LS compared to HS while no difference in AIx was apparent in fPE women. PWV remained unchanged upon different sodium loads in either group. Comparable sodium dependent changes in RAAS, ECV and NO/H2S were observed in fHP and fPE women. CONCLUSIONS: fPE women have an impaired ability to adapt their arterial stiffness in response to changes in sodium intake, independently of blood pressure, RAAS, ECV, and NO/H2S status. The pathways involved in impaired adaptation of arterial stiffness, and its possible contribution to the increased long-term risk for cardiovascular diseases in fPE women remains to be investigated

18 (50) Bruzzese L, Fenouillet E, Fromonot J, Durand-Gorde JM, Condo J, Kipson N, et al. High homocysteine levels prevent via H S the CoCl -induced alteration of lymphocyte viability. J Cell Mol Med 2016 Apr 8. Abstract: High homocysteine (HCy) levels are associated with lymphocyte-mediated inflammatory responses that are sometimes in turn related to hypoxia. Because adenosine is a potent lymphocyte suppressor produced in hypoxic conditions and shares metabolic pathways with HCy, we addressed the influence of high HCy levels on the hypoxia-induced, adenosine-mediated, alteration of lymphocyte viability. We treated mitogen-stimulated human lymphocytes isolated from healthy individuals and the human lymphoma T-cell line CEM with cobalt chloride (CoCl2 )to reproduce hypoxia. We found that CoCl2 -altered cell viability was dose-dependently reversed using HCy. In turn, the HCy effect was inhibited using DL-propargylglycine, a specific inhibitor of the hydrogen sulphide (H2 S)-synthesizing enzyme cystathionine-gamma-lyase involved in HCy catabolism. We then addressed the intracellular metabolic pathway of adenosine and HCy, and the role of the adenosine A2A receptor (A2 A R). We observed that: (i) hypoxic conditions lowered the intracellular concentration of HCy by increasing adenosine production, which resulted in high A2 A R expression and 3', 5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate production; (ii) increasing intracellular HCy concentration reversed the hypoxia-induced adenosinergic signalling despite high adenosine concentration by promoting both S-adenosylhomocysteine and H2 S production; (iii) DL-propargylglycine that inhibits H2 S production abolished the HCy effect. Together, these data suggest that high HCy levels prevent, via H2 S production and the resulting down-regulation of A2 A R expression, the hypoxia-induced adenosinergic alteration of lymphocyte viability. We point out the relevance of these mechanisms in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases

(51) Avincsal MO, Altundag A, Dinc ME, Cayonu M, Topak M, Kulekci M. Evaluation of halitosis using OralChroma in patients with allergic rhinitis. Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis 2016 Apr 7. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of halitosis in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we enrolled 53 patients with AR and 34 participants as controls. Halitosis was evaluated by measuring volatile sulphur compound (VSC) levels. VSCs, which consist of hydrogen sulphide (HS), methyl mercaptan (MM), and dimethyl sulphide (DMS), were measured using a portable gas chromatograph (OralChroma; AbiMedical, Osaka, Japan). RESULTS: Patients with AR exhibited significantly higher levels of MM and DMS that did control subjects. Specifically, MM levels showed a greater increase than DMS levels in patients with AR than in controls. We observed no significant changes in the levels of HS between the groups. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that AR is likely to result in halitosis. Several studies have overlooked the relationship between halitosis and AR. In light of our results, we suggest that halitosis should be further investigated in patients with AR

(52) Moustafa A, Habara Y. Crosstalk between polysulfide and nitric oxide in rat peritoneal mast cells. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2016 Apr 6;ajpcell. Abstract: The aim of this study was to define the effects of polysulfide on intracellular Ca2+concentration ([Ca2+]i) and the underlying machinery, especially from the hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and nitric oxide (NO) perspectives, in rat peritoneal mast cells. We found that a polysulfide donor known as Na2S4increased [Ca2+]i, which is both extracellular and intracellular Ca2+-dependent. Intracellular Ca2+release induced Na2S4was attenuated by the addition of a ryanodine receptor blocker. A slow-releasing H2S donor, GYY4137, dose-dependently increased the [Ca2+]ithat was independent from extracellular Ca2+influx. The GYY4137-induced [Ca2+]irelease was partially attenuated in the presence of the ryanodine receptor blocker. Both polysulfide and H2S donors increased the intracellular NO levels in DAF-2-loaded mast cells, which was abolished by an NO scavenger, cPTIO. Inhibition of NO synthase (NOS) significantly abolished the

19 polysulfide- or H2S-donor-induced [Ca2+]ielevation in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ An NO donor, DEA NONOate, increased the [Ca2+]iin a concentration-dependent manner, in which both extracellular and intracellular Ca2+are associated. At higher concentrations, the DEA NONOate-induced [Ca2+]iincreases were attenuated in the absence of extracellular Ca2+and by the addition of the ryanodine receptor blocker. H2S and NO dose-dependently induced polysulfide production. Curiously, polysulfide, H2S, and NO donors had no effect on mast cell degranulation. Amongst synthases, cystathionine-gamma-lyase and neuronal NOS seemed to be the major H2S- and NO-producing synthases, respectively. These results indicate that polysulfide acts as a potential signaling molecule that regulates [Ca2+]ihomeostasis in rat peritoneal mast cells via a crosstalk with NO and H2S

(53) Pham VT, Lacroix C, Braegger CP, Chassard C. Early colonization of functional groups of microbes in the infant gut. Environ Microbiol 2016 Apr 5. Abstract: The colonization of the infant gut is crucial for early life development. Although the composition and diversity of the infant gut microbiota has been well described at a taxonomic level, functional aspects of this ecosystem remain unexplored. In the infant gut, lactate is produced by a number of bacteria and plays an important role in the trophic chain of the fermentation process. However, little is known about the lactate-utilizing bacteria community in infants and their impact on gut health. By combining culture-based and molecular methods, we intensively studied lactate-utilizing bacteria in fecal samples of 40 healthy infants on both taxonomic and functional levels. We demonstrated metabolic cross-feeding of lactate and identified keystone species specified for lactate utilization. The interactions of such species and their metabolic outcome could have direct impacts on infant health, either beneficial (production of short chain fatty acids) or detrimental (accumulation of hydrogen or hydrogen sulfide). We identified mode of delivery as a strong determinant for lactate-producing and -utilizing bacteria levels. These findings present the early establishment of gut microbiota with a novel perspective and emphasize the importance of lactate utilization in infancy. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

(54) Lei Y, Zhen Y, Zhang W, Sun X, Lin X, Feng J, et al. Exogenous hydrogen sulfide exerts proliferation, anti-apoptosis, angiopoiesis and migration effects via activating HSP90 pathway in EC109 cells. Oncol Rep 2016 Apr 5. Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) participates in diverse physiological and pathophysiologic processes of cancer both in vitro and in vivo. We have previously reported the proliferation/anti-apoptosis/angiogenesis/migration effects of exogenous H2S on liver cancer and glioma via amplifying the activation of NF-kappaB and p38 MAPK/ERK1/2-COX-2 pathway. However, the effects of H2S on EC109 esophageal cells remain unclear. The present study demonstrated the effects of exogenous H2S on cancer cell growth via activating HSP90 pathways in EC109 esophageal cells. EC109 esophageal cells were treated with 400 micromol/l NaHS (a donor of H2S) for 24 h. The expression levels of HSP90, bcl-2, caspase-3, bax and MMP-2 were detected by western blot assay. Cell viability was detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). The migration rate was analyzed using a Transwell migration assay and ImageJ software. NaHS promoted cell proliferation, as evidenced by an increase in cell viability. In addition, NaHS treatment reduced apoptosis, as indicated by the increased bcl-2 expression and decreased cleaved caspase-3 and bax expression. Importantly, exposure of NaHS increased the expression of MMP-2, the migration rate and expression of VEGF. Notably, co-treatment of EC109 cells with NaHS and GA (an inhibitor of HSP90 pathway) largely suppressed the aforementioned NaHS-induced effects. The findings of the present study provided novel evidence that HSP90 pathway was involved in NaHS-induced cancer cell proliferation, anti-apoptosis, angiopoiesis and migration in EC109 esophageal cells

(55) Lovanh N, Loughrin J, Silva P. The effect of aged litter materials on polyatomic ion concentrations in fractionated suspended particulate matter from broiler house. J Air

20 Waste Manag Assoc 2016 Apr 4. Abstract: Inorganic emissions from livestock production and subsequent deposition of these ions can be a major source of pollution, causing nitrogen enrichment, eutrophication, acidification of soils and surface waters, and aerosol formation. In the poultry house, ammonia and hydrogen sulfide emissions can also adversely affect the health, performance, and welfare of both animals and human operators. The persistence and long life expectancy of ammonia, odors and toxic pollutants from poultry houses may be due to the ability of suspended particulate matters (SPM) to serve as carriers for odorous compounds such as ammonium ions and other inorganic compounds (e.g., phosphate, sulfate, nitrate, and etc.). SPM is generated from the feed, animal manure, and the birds themselves. A large portion of odor associated with exhaust air from poultry houses is SPM that have absorbed odors from within the houses. Understanding the fate and transport processes of ammonia and other inorganic emissions in poultry houses is a necessary first step in utilizing the appropriate abatement strategies. In this study, the examination and characterization of ammonium ions, major components of odors and toxic gases from poultry operations, and other ions in suspended particulate matter in a broiler house were carried out using particle trap impactors. The SPMs from the particle trap impactors were extracted and analyzed for its ionic species using ion chromatography (IC). The results showed concentrations of polyatomic ions in suspended particulate matter were found to increase with successive flocks and highly concentrated in the larger size particulate matter. In addition, the ions concentrations appeared to reach a maximum at the middle of flock age (around the fourth week) and tapering off toward the end in a given flock (possibly due to ventilation rates to cool off larger birds). Thus, it can be inferred that aged of bedding materials affect the ionic concentrations in aerosol particulate matters more than the age of the birds. Implications In poultry house, toxic gas emissions can adversely affect the health, performance, and welfare of both animals and human operators. The persistence of these toxic pollutants from poultry houses may be due to the ability of suspended particulate matters (SPM) to serve as carriers for these compounds (inorganic ions). Our study showed that polyatomic ions in suspended particulate matter were found to increase with successive flocks and highly concentrated in the larger size SPM. Understanding the effect of management practices on poultry air emissions will lead to innovative best management practices to safeguard the health and welfare of the animals as well as those of the poultry operators along with reducing the impact of potential air pollution on the environment

(56) Zangarini S, Trombino L, Cattaneo C. Micromorphological and ultramicroscopic aspects of buried remains: Time-dependent markers of decomposition and permanence in soil in experimental burial. Forensic Sci Int 2016 Apr 2;263:74-82. Abstract: A buried body not only determines an environmental response at the deposition site but it is also affected by the soil. The experiment was performed using eleven swine carcasses buried in an open site (Northern Italy). Changes occurring in bone tissue at different post-burial intervals were evaluated observing thin sections of bones through micromorphological and ultramicroscopic (SEM-EDS) techniques. These methods allowed the identification of: (a) magnesium phosphate (Mg3(PO4)2) crystallizations, probably linked to decomposition of bones and soft tissues; (b) significant sulphur levels which seem to be related to hydrogen sulphide (H2S) fixation in bone tissue; (c) metal oxide concentrations in the form of unusual violet-blue colorations, which probably are evidence of the soil's action and penetration in bones, also testified by (d) the presence of mineral grains enclosed in the osseous tissue. The results underline the possibility of identifying both time-dependent markers of decomposition and indicators of permanence in soil in buried bones

(57) Zhang M, Shan H, Chang P, Ma L, Chu Y, Shen X, et al. Upregulation of 3-MST Relates to Neuronal Autophagy After Traumatic Brain Injury in Mice. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2016 Apr 1.

21 Abstract: 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST) was a novel hydrogen sulfide (H2S)-synthesizing enzyme that may be involved in cyanide degradation and in thiosulfate biosynthesis. Over recent years, considerable attention has been focused on the biochemistry and molecular biology of H2S-synthesizing enzyme. In contrast, there have been few concerted attempts to investigate the changes in the expression of the H2S-synthesizing enzymes with disease states. To investigate the changes of 3-MST after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its possible role, mice TBI model was established by controlled cortical impact system, and the expression and cellular localization of 3-MST after TBI was investigated in the present study. Western blot analysis revealed that 3-MST was present in normal mice brain cortex. It gradually increased, reached a peak on the first day after TBI, and then reached a valley on the third day. Importantly, 3-MST was colocalized with neuron. In addition, Western blot detection showed that the first day post injury was also the autophagic peak indicated by the elevated expression of LC3. Importantly, immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that injury-induced expression of 3-MST was partly colabeled by LC3. However, there was no colocalization of 3-MST with propidium iodide (cell death marker) and LC3 positive cells were partly colocalized with propidium iodide. These data suggested that 3-MST was mainly located in living neurons and may be implicated in the autophagy of neuron and involved in the pathophysiology of brain after TBI

(58) Shimizu Y, Nicholson CK, Lambert JP, Barr LA, Kuek N, Herszenhaut D, et al. Sodium Sulfide Attenuates Ischemic-Induced Heart Failure by Enhancing Proteasomal Function in an Nrf2-Dependent Manner. Circ Heart Fail 2016 Apr;9(4). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Therapeutic strategies aimed at increasing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) levels exert cytoprotective effects in various models of cardiovascular injury. However, the underlying mechanism(s) responsible for this protection remain to be fully elucidated. Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a cellular target of H2S and facilitator of H2S-mediated cardioprotection after acute myocardial infarction. Here, we tested the hypothesis that Nrf2 mediates the cardioprotective effects of H2S therapy in the setting of heart failure. METHODS AND RESULTS: Mice (12 weeks of age) deficient in Nrf2 (Nrf2 KO; C57BL/6J background) and wild-type littermates were subjected to ischemic-induced heart failure. Wild-type mice treated with H2S in the form of sodium sulfide (Na2S) displayed enhanced Nrf2 signaling, improved left ventricular function, and less cardiac hypertrophy after the induction of heart failure. In contrast, Na2S therapy failed to provide protection against heart failure in Nrf2 KO mice. Studies aimed at evaluating the underlying cardioprotective mechanisms found that Na2S increased the expression of proteasome subunits, resulting in an increased proteasome activity and a reduction in the accumulation of damaged proteins. In contrast, Na2S therapy failed to enhance the proteasome and failed to attenuate the accumulation of damaged proteins in Nrf2 KO mice. Additionally, Na2S failed to improve cardiac function when the proteasome was inhibited. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that Na2S therapy enhances proteasomal activity and function during the development of heart failure in an Nrf2-dependent manner and that this enhancement leads to attenuation in cardiac dysfunction

(59) Chattopadhyay M, Kodela R, Duvalsaint PL, Kashfi K. Gastrointestinal safety, chemotherapeutic potential, and classic pharmacological profile of NOSH-naproxen (AVT-219) a dual NO- and H2S-releasing hybrid. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2016 Apr;4(2):e00224. Abstract: Naproxen (NAP) is a potent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with a favorable cardiovascular profile. However, its long-term use may lead to serious gastrointestinal and renal side effects

(60) Vicente JB, Malagrino F, Arese M, Forte E, Sarti P, Giuffre A. Bioenergetic relevance of hydrogen sulfide and the interplay between gasotransmitters at human cystathionine beta-synthase. Biochim Biophys Acta 2016 Mar 31.

22 Abstract: Merely considered as a toxic gas in the past, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is currently viewed as the third 'gasotransmitter' in addition to nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO), playing a key signalling role in human (patho)physiology. H2S can either act as a substrate or, similarly to CO and NO, an inhibitor of mitochondrial respiration, in the latter case by targeting cytochrome c oxidase (CcOX). The impact of H2S on mitochondrial energy metabolism crucially depends on the bioavailability of this gaseous molecule and its interplay with the other two gasotransmitters. The H2S-producing human enzyme cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS), sustaining cellular bioenergetics in colorectal cancer cells, plays a role in the interplay between gasotransmitters. The enzyme was indeed recently shown to be negatively modulated by physiological concentrations of CO and NO, particularly in the presence of its allosteric activator S-adenosyl-l-methionine (AdoMet). These newly discovered regulatory mechanisms are herein reviewed. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'EBEC 2016: 19th European Bioenergetics Conference, Riva del Garda, Italy, July 2-6, 2016', edited by Prof. Paolo Bernardi

(61) Fang H, Liu Z, Jin Z, Zhang L, Liu D, Pei Y. An emphasis of hydrogen sulfide-cysteine cycle on enhancing the tolerance to chromium stress in Arabidopsis. Environ Pollut 2016 Mar 31;213:870-7. Abstract: Increasing attention has been focused on the health of vegetables and grains grown in the contaminated agricultural soil, it is thus meaningful to find ways to reduce the heavy metals (HMs) accumulation in plants. As sulfur is considered to be an essential macronutrient for plant stress defenses, the important role of sulfur assimilation in plants responding to HMs stress has been followed. However, the potential mechanism of the only sulfur-containing gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and its main endogenously generated substrate, cysteine (Cys), in plant defense is poorly understood. The physiological and biochemical methods together with qRT-PCR were used to explore the response pattern of H2S-Cys cycle in plants resisting to chromium (Cr6+) stress. Our results suggested that Cr6+ stress inhibited Arabidopsis root elongation, increased the H2S and Cys contents time-dependently, and H2S production was activated earlier than Cys. Furthermore, H2S increased Cys accumulation more quickly than Cr6+ stress. The qRT-PCR results revealed that H2S up-regulated the Cys generation-related genes OASTLa, SAT1 and SAT5 expression levels, and that SAT1 and SAT5 expression was elevated for a longer duration. Data suggested that H2S might regulate Cys metabolism-related genes expression to participate in Cr6+-mediated Cys accumulation. H2S and Cys relieved the root elongation inhibition caused by Cr6+ in Arabidopsis. Both H2S and Cys enhanced glutathione generation and activated phytochelatins (PCs) synthesis by up-regulating PCS1 and PCS2 expression levels to fight against Cr6+ stress. Besides regulating the expression of PCs synthase encoding genes, H2S might promote metallothioneins accumulation by significantly increasing the MT2A gene expression. Overall, H2S and H2S-induced Cys accumulation (H2S-Cys system) was critical in imparting Cr6+ tolerance in Arabidopsis. This paper is the first to indicate that gasotransmitter H2S induced Cys accumulation in Arabidopsis Cr6+-stress defense and provides evidence for more extensive studies of the H2S signaling pathway

(62) Nancucheo I, Rowe OF, Hedrich S, Johnson DB. Solid and liquid media for isolating and cultivating acidophilic and acid-tolerant sulfate-reducing bacteria. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2016 Mar 31. Abstract: Growth media have been developed to facilitate the enrichment and isolation of acidophilic and acid-tolerant sulfate reducing bacteria (aSRB) from environmental and industrial samples, and to allow their cultivationin vitro The main features of the "standard" solid and liquid devised media are: (i) use of glycerol rather than an aliphatic acid as electron donor; (ii) inclusion of stoichiometric concentrations of zinc ions to both buffer pH and to convert potentially harmful hydrogen sulfide produced by the aSRB to insoluble zinc sulfide; (ii) inclusion ofAcidocella aromatica(an heterotrophic acidophile that does not metabolize glycerol or yeast extract) in the gel underlayer of double layered (overlay) solid media, to remove acetic acid produced by aSRB that incompletely oxidize

23 glycerol and also aliphatic acids (mostly pyruvic) released by acid hydrolysis of the gelling agent used (agarose). Colonies of aSRB are readily distinguished from those of other anaerobes due to their deposition and accumulation of metal sulfide precipitates. Data presented illustrate the effectiveness of the overlay solid media described for isolating aSRB from acidic anaerobic sediments and low pH sulfidogenic bioreactors

(63) Forte E, Borisov VB, Falabella M, Colaco HG, Tinajero-Trejo M, Poole RK, et al. The Terminal Oxidase Cytochrome bd Promotes Sulfide-resistant Bacterial Respiration and Growth. Sci Rep 2016;6:23788. Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) impairs mitochondrial respiration by potently inhibiting the heme-copper cytochrome c oxidase. Since many prokaryotes, including Escherichia (E.) coli, generate H2S and encounter high H2S levels particularly in the human gut, herein we tested whether bacteria can sustain sulfide-resistant O2-dependent respiration. E. coli has three respiratory oxidases, the cyanide-sensitive heme-copper bo3 enzyme and two bd oxidases much less sensitive to cyanide. Working on the isolated enzymes, we found that, whereas the bo3 oxidase is inhibited by sulfide with half-maximal inhibitory concentration IC50 = 1.1 +/- 0.1 muM, under identical experimental conditions both bd oxidases are insensitive to sulfide up to 58 muM. In E. coli respiratory mutants, both O2-consumption and aerobic growth proved to be severely impaired by sulfide when respiration was sustained by the bo3 oxidase alone, but unaffected by

(64) Haouzi P. Is exogenous hydrogen sulfide a relevant tool to address physiological questions on hydrogen sulfide? Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2016 Mar 30;229:5-10. Abstract: This review challenges the use of solutions of dissolved exogenous H2S in the literature as a tool to determine the potential physiological functions of endogenous H2S as well as its putative therapeutic applications. Our major point of contention is that solutions of dissolved H2S are used in vitro at concentrations, within the high microM range, which are above the concentrations of dissolved H2S found in blood and tissues during lethal H2S exposure in vivo. In addition, since the levels of toxicity are extremely variable among cell types, a property that is seldom acknowledged, the physiological relevance of data obtained after local or in-vitro administrations of H2S at concentrations of few microM is far from certain. Conversely, the rate of disappearance of the dissolved pool of H2S in the body (being trapped or oxidized), which we found to be at least of several micromoles/kg/min, is so rapid in vivo that if relatively low quantities of H2S, i.e. few micromoles for instance, are administered, no change in H2S concentrations in the body is to be expected, unless toxic levels are used. Protocols looking at the effects of compounds slowly releasing H2S must also resolve a similar conundrum, as their effects must be reconciled with the unique ability of the blood and tissues to get rid of H2S and the steepness of the dose-toxic effects relationship. Only by developing a comprehensive framework in which H2S metabolism and toxicity will be used as a rationale to justify any experimental approach will we be able to bring definitive evidence supporting a protective role for exogenous H2S, if any, and its putative function as an endogenous mediator

(65) Cen SD, Yu WB, Ren MM, Chen LJ, Sun CF, Ye ZL, et al. Endogenous hydrogen sulfide is involved in osteogenic differentiation in human periodontal ligament cells. Arch Oral Biol 2016 Mar 24;68:1-8. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has recently emerged as an important intracellular gaseous signaling molecule within cellular systems. Endogenous H2S is synthesized from l-cysteine via cystathionine beta-synthase and cystathionine gamma-lyase and it regulates multiple signaling pathways in mammalian cells. Indeed,

24 aberrant H2S levels have been linked to defects in bone formation in experimental mice. The aim of this study was to examine the potential production mechanism and function of endogenous H2S within primary human periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs). DESIGN: Primary human PDLCs were obtained from donor molars with volunteer permission. Immunofluorescent labeling determined expression of the H2S synthetase enzymes. These enzymes were inhibited with D,L-propargylglycine or hydroxylamine to examine the effects of H2S signaling upon the osteogenic differentiation of PDLCs. Gene and protein expression levels of osteogenic markers in conjunction with ALP and activity and staining of calcium deposition were used to assay the progression of osteogenesis under different treatment conditions. Cultures were exposed to Wnt3a treatment to assess downstream signaling mechanisms. RESULTS: In this study, we show that H2S is produced by human PDLCs via the cystathionine beta-synthase/cystathionine gamma-lyase pathway to promote their osteogenic differentiation. These levels must be carefully maintained as excessive or deficient H2S levels temper the observed osteogenic effect by inhibiting Wnt/beta-catenin signaling. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that optimal concentrations of endogenous H2S must be maintained within PDLCs to promote osteogenic differentiation by activating the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling cascade

(66) Chen X, Chen Q, Zhang X, Li R, Jia Y, Ef AA, et al. Hydrogen sulfide mediates nicotine biosynthesis in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) under high temperature conditions. Plant Physiol Biochem 2016 Feb 27;104:174-9. Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) acts as a signal to induce many physiological processes in plants, but its role in controlling the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites is not well established. In this study, we found that high temperature (HT) treatment induced nicotine biosynthesis in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and promoted the rapid accumulation of H2S. Furthermore, HT triggered the biosynthesis of jasmonic acid (JA), a plant hormone that promotes nicotine biosynthesis. Suppression of the H2S signal using chemical inhibitors or via RNAi suppression of l-cysteine desulphydrase (L-CD) in transgenic plants, compromised JA production and nicotine biosynthesis under HT treatments, and these inhibitory effects could be reversed by applying exogenous H2S. Based on these data, we propose that H2S is an important trigger of nicotine biosynthesis in tobacco under HT conditions, and that H2S acts upstream of JA signaling by modulating the transcription of genes associated with JA biosynthesis

(67) Rao A, Risgaard-Petersen N, Neumeier U. Electrogenic sulfur oxidation in a northern saltmarsh (St. Lawrence Estuary, Canada). Can J Microbiol 2016 Feb 18;1-8. Abstract: Measurements of porewater O2, pH, and H2S microprofiles in intact sediment cores collected in a northern saltmarsh in the St. Lawrence Estuary (Quebec, Canada) revealed the occurrence of electrogenic sulfur oxidation (e-SOx) by filamentous "cable" bacteria in submerged marsh pond sediments in the high marsh. In summer, the geochemical fingerprint of e-SOx was apparent in intact cores, while in fall, cable bacteria were detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization and the characteristic geochemical signature of e-SOx was observed only upon prolonged incubation. In exposed, unvegetated creek bank sediments sampled in the low marsh in summer, cable bacteria developed only in repacked cores of sieved (500 mum), homogenized sediments. These results suggest that e-SOx is suppressed by the activity of macrofauna in exposed, unvegetated marsh sediments. A reduced abundance of benthic invertebrates may promote e-SOx development in marsh ponds, which are dominant features of subarctic saltmarshes as in the St. Lawrence Estuary

(68) Mard SA, Veisi A, Ahangarpour A, Gharib-Naseri MK. Mucosal acidification increases hydrogen sulfide release through up-regulating gene and protein expressions of cystathionine gamma-lyase in the rat gastric mucosa. Iran J Basic Med Sci 2016 Feb;19(2):172-7. Abstract: OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to investigate the effects of mucosal

25 acidification on mRNA expression and protein synthesis of cystathionine gamma lyase (CSE), cystathionine beta synthase (CBS), and mucosal release of H2S in gastric mucosa in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two rats were randomly assigned into 4 groups (8 in each), including: the control group, HCl (10 mM) treated group, HCl (100 mM) treated group, and one group to study the effect of Nomega-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME). Anesthetized rats underwent tracheostomy and midline laparotomy. Ninety min after the instillation of neutral or acidic solutions, animals were sacrificed and the gastric mucosa was collected to measure the H2S concentration by ELISA method and to quantify mRNA expression of CSE and CBS by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Protein synthesis was also detected by Western blot method. RESULTS: Mucosal acidification with 10 and 100 HCl, significantly increased mucosal levels of H2S (P<0.01 and P<0.001) and mRNA (P<0.01 and P<0.001) and protein expressions of CSE (P<0.01 and P<0.001). L-NAME treatment reversed H2S release to control level. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicated that mucosal acidification with HCl increased mucosal release of H2S through upregulation of CSE gene and its protein expression. This effect is mainly mediated through the involvement of nitric oxide

(69) Mostafa DK, El Azhary NM, Nasra RA. The hydrogen sulfide releasing compounds ATB-346 and diallyl trisulfide attenuate streptozotocin-induced cognitive impairment, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress in rats: involvement of asymmetric dimethylarginine. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2016 Jan 20;1-10. Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has attracted interest as a gaseous mediator involved in diverse processes in the nervous system, particularly with respect to learning and memory. However, its therapeutic potential in Alzheimer disease (AD) is not fully explored. Therefore, the effects of H2S-releasing compounds against AD-like behavioural and biochemical abnormalities were investigated. Memory deficit was induced by intracerberoventicular injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 3 mg.kg-1). Animals were randomly assigned into 5 groups (12 rats each): normal control, STZ treated, and 3 drug-treated groups receiving naproxen, H2S-releasing naproxen (ATB-346), and diallyl trisulfide in 20, 32, 40 mg.kg-1.day-1, respectively. Memory function was assessed by passive avoidance and T-maze tasks. After 21 days, hippocampal IL-6, malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione (GSH), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), and acetylcholinestrase activity were determined. ATB-346 and diallyl trisulfide ameliorated behavioural performance and reduced malondialdehyde, ADMA, and acetylcholinestrase activity while increasing GSH. This study demonstrates the beneficial effects of H2S release in STZ-induced memory impairment by modulation of neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and cholinergic function. It also delineates the implication of ADMA to the cognitive impairment induced by STZ. These findings draw the attention to H2S-releasing compounds as new candidates for treating neurodegenerative disorders that have prominent oxidative and inflammatory components such as AD

(70) Olas B. Medical Functions of Hydrogen Sulfide. Adv Clin Chem 2016;74:195-210. Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gasomediator synthesized from l- and d-cysteine in various tissues. It is involved in a number of physiological and pathological processes. H2S exhibits antiatherosclerotic, vasodilator, and proangiogenic properties, and protects the kidney and heart from damage following ischemia/reperfusion injury. H2S donors may be natural or synthetic, and may be used for the safe treatment of a wide range of diseases. This review article summarizes the current state of knowledge of the therapeutic function of H2S

(71) Li L, Li M, Li Y, Sun W, Wang Y, Bai S, et al. Exogenous H2S contributes to recovery of ischemic post-conditioning-induced cardioprotection by decrease of ROS level via down-regulation of NF-kappaB and JAK2-STAT3 pathways in the aging cardiomyocytes. Cell Biosci 2016;6:26. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a third member of gasotransmitter family along with nitric oxide and carbon monoxide, generated from mainly catalyzed by

26 cystathionine-lyase, possesses important functions in the cardiovascular system. Ischemic post-conditioning (PC) strongly protects against the hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced injury and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. However, PC protection is ineffective in the aging cardiomyocytes. Whether H2S restores PC-induced cardioprotection by decrease of reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in the aging cardiomyocytes is unknown. METHODS: The aging cardiomyocytes were induced by treatment of primary cultures of neonatal cardiomyocytes using d-galactose and were exposed to H/R and PC protocols. Cell viability was observed by CCK-8 kit. Apoptosis was detected by Hoechst 33342 staining and flow cytometry. ROS level was analyzed using spectrofluorimeter. Related protein expressions were detected through Western blot. RESULTS: Treatment of NaHS (a H2S donor) protected against H/R-induced apoptosis, cell damage, the expression of cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9, the release of cytochrome c (Cyt c). The supplementation of NaHS also decreased the activity of LDH and CK, MDA contents, ROS levels and the phosphorylation of IkappaBalpha, NF-kappaB, JNK2 and STAT3, and increased cell viability, the expression of Bcl-2, the activity of SOD, CAT and GSH-PX. PC alone did not provide cardioprotection in H/R-treated aging cardiomyocytes, which was significantly restored by the addition of NaHS. The beneficial role of NaHS was similar to the supply of N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC, an inhibitor of ROS), Ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (PDTC, an inhibitor of NF-kappaB) and AG 490 (an inhibitor of JNK2), respectively, during PC. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that exogenous H2S contributes to recovery of PC-induced cardioprotection by decrease of ROS level via down-regulation of NF-kappaB and JAK2/STAT3 pathways in the aging cardiomyocytes

(72) Smith PM, Ferguson AV. Recent advances in central cardiovascular control: sex, ROS, gas and inflammation. F1000Res 2016;5. Abstract: The central nervous system (CNS) in concert with the heart and vasculature is essential to maintaining cardiovascular (CV) homeostasis. In recent years, our understanding of CNS control of blood pressure regulation (and dysregulation leading to hypertension) has evolved substantially to include (i) the actions of signaling molecules that are not classically viewed as CV signaling molecules, some of which exert effects at CNS targets in a non-traditional manner, and (ii) CNS locations not traditionally viewed as central autonomic cardiovascular centers. This review summarizes recent work implicating immune signals and reproductive hormones, as well as gasotransmitters and reactive oxygen species in the pathogenesis of hypertension at traditional CV control centers. Additionally, recent work implicating non-conventional CNS structures in CV regulation is discussed

(73) Vigentini I, Maghradze D, Petrozziello M, Bonello F, Mezzapelle V, Valdetara F, et al. Indigenous Georgian Wine-Associated Yeasts and Grape Cultivars to Edit the Wine Quality in a Precision Oenology Perspective. Front Microbiol 2016;7:352. Abstract: In Georgia, one of the most ancient vine-growing environment, the homemade production of wine is still very popular in every rural family and spontaneous fermentation of must, without addition of chemical preservatives, is the norm. The present work investigated the yeast biodiversity in five Georgian areas (Guria, Imereti, Kakheti, Kartli, Ratcha-Lechkhumi) sampling grapes and wines from 22 different native cultivars, in 26 vineyards and 19 family cellars. One hundred and eighty-two isolates were ascribed to 15 different species by PCR-ITS and RFLP, and partial sequencing of D1/D2 domain 26S rDNA gene. Metschnikowia pulcherrima (F' = 0.56, I' = 0.32), Hanseniaspora guilliermondii (F' = 0.49, I' = 0.27), and Cryptococcus flavescens (F' = 0.31, I' = 0.11) were the dominant yeasts found on grapes, whereas Saccharomyces cerevisiae showed the highest prevalence into wine samples. Seventy four isolates with fermentative potential were screened for oenological traits such as ethanol production, resistance to SO2, and acetic acid, glycerol and H2S production. Three yeast strains (Kluyveromyces marxianus UMY207, S. cerevisiae UMY255, Torulaspora delbrueckii UMY196) were selected and separately inoculated in vinifications experiments at a Georgian cellar.

27 Musts were prepared from healthy grapes of local varieties, Goruli Mtsvane (white berry cultivar) and Saperavi (black berry cultivar). Physical ( degrees Brix) and microbial analyses (plate counts) were performed to monitor the fermentative process. The isolation of indigenous S. cerevisiae yeasts beyond the inoculated strains indicated that a co-presence occurred during the vinification tests. Results from quantitative GC-FID analysis of volatile compounds revealed that the highest amount of fermentation flavors, such as 4-ethoxy-4-oxobutanoic acid (monoethyl succinate), 2-methylpropan-1-ol, ethyl 2-hydroxypropanoate, and 2-phenylethanol, were significantly more produced in fermentation conducted in Saperavi variety inoculated with K. marxianus, whereas other aromatic compounds like 3-methylbutyl acetate, ethyl hexanoate and dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one (gamma- butyrolactone) showed a higher content in Goruli Mtsvane variety samples fermented by S. cerevisiae. The selected yeast strains have proved to be promising for enhancing the flavor potential in low aromatic Georgian cultivars. This work intends to be a knowledge contribution for a precision oenology toward the strategic concept of "one grape variety-one yeast"

(74) Rios EC, Soriano FG, Olah G, Gero D, Szczesny B, Szabo C. Hydrogen sulfide modulates chromatin remodeling and inflammatory mediator production in response to endotoxin, but does not play a role in the development of endotoxin tolerance. J Inflamm (Lond) 2016;13:10. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Pretreatment with low doses of LPS (lipopolysaccharide, bacterial endotoxin) reduces the pro-inflammatory response to a subsequent higher LPS dose, a phenomenon known as endotoxin tolerance. Moreover, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an endogenous gaseous mediator (gasotransmitter) can exert anti-inflammatory effects. Here we investigated the potential role of H2S in the development of LPS tolerance. THP1 differentiated macrophages were pretreated with the H2S donor NaHS (1 mM) or the H2S biosynthesis inhibitor aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA, 1 mM). METHODS: To induce tolerance, cells were treated with a low concentration of LPS (0.5 mug/ml) for 4 or 24 h, and then treated with a high concentration of LPS (1 mug/ml) for 4 h or 24 h. In in vivo studies, male wild-type and CSE(-/-) mice were randomized to the following groups: Control (vehicle); Endotoxemic saline for 3 days before the induction of endotoxemia with 10 mg/kg LPS) mg/kg; Tolerant (LPS at 1 mg/kg for 3 days, followed LPS at 10 mg/kg). Animals were sacrificed after 4 or 12 h; plasma IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels were measured. Changes in histone H3 and H4 acetylation were analyzed by Western blotting. RESULTS: LPS tolerance decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine production. AOAA did not affect the effect of tolerance on reducing cytokine production. Treatment of the cells with the H2S donor reduced cytokine production. Induction of the tolerance increased the acetylation of H3; AOAA reduced histone acetylation. H2S donation increased histone acetylation. Tolerance did not affect the responses to H2S with respect to histone acetylation. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, both LPS tolerance and H2S donation decrease LPS-induced cytokine production in vitro and modulate histone acetylation. However, endogenous, CSE-derived H2S does not appear to play a significant role in the development of LPS tolerance

(75) Zhao FL, Fang F, Qiao PF, Yan N, Gao D, Yan Y. AP39, a Mitochondria-Targeted Hydrogen Sulfide Donor, Supports Cellular Bioenergetics and Protects against Alzheimer's Disease by Preserving Mitochondrial Function in APP/PS1 Mice and Neurons. Oxid Med Cell Longev 2016;2016:8360738. Abstract: Increasing evidence suggests that mitochondrial functions are altered in AD and play an important role in AD pathogenesis. It has been established that H2S homeostasis is balanced in AD. The emerging mitochondrial roles of H2S include antioxidation, antiapoptosis, and the modulation of cellular bioenergetics. Here, using primary neurons from the well-characterized APP/PS1 transgenic mouse model, we studied the effects of AP39 (a newly synthesized mitochondrially targeted H2S donor) on mitochondrial function. AP39 increased intracellular H2S levels, mainly in mitochondrial regions. AP39 exerted dose-dependent effects on mitochondrial activity in APP/PS1 neurons, including

28 increased cellular bioenergy metabolism and cell viability at low concentrations (25-100 nM) and decreased energy production and cell viability at a high concentration (250 nM). Furthermore, AP39 (100 nM) increased ATP levels, protected mitochondrial DNA, and decreased ROS generation. AP39 regulated mitochondrial dynamics, shifting from fission toward fusion. After 6 weeks, AP39 administration to APP/PS1 mice significantly ameliorated their spatial memory deficits in the Morris water maze and NORT and reduced Abeta deposition in their brains. Additionally, AP39 inhibited brain atrophy in APP/PS1 mice. Based on these results, AP39 was proposed as a promising drug candidate for AD treatment, and its anti-AD mechanism may involve protection against mitochondrial damage

(76) Li N, Wang MJ, Jin S, Bai YD, Hou CL, Ma FF, et al. The H2S Donor NaHS Changes the Expression Pattern of H2S-Producing Enzymes after Myocardial Infarction. Oxid Med Cell Longev 2016;2016:6492469. Abstract: Aims. To examine the expression patterns of hydrogen sulphide- (H2S-) producing enzymes in ischaemic heart tissue and plasma levels of H2S after 2 weeks of NaHS treatment after myocardial infarction (MI) and to clarify the role of endogenous H2S in the MI process. Results. After MI surgery, 2 weeks of treatment with the H2S donor NaHS alleviated ischaemic injury. Meanwhile, in ischemia myocardium, three H2S-producing enzymes, cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE), cystathionine-beta-synthase (CBS), and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST) significantly increased. Plasma H2S levels were also elevated. In vitro, NaHS treatment protected cardiomyocytes from hypoxic injury and raised CBS levels in a concentration-dependent manner. Different from in vivo results, however, CSE or 3-MST expression did not change. NaHS treatment increased the activity of CSE/CBS but not of 3-MST. When CSE was either knocked down (in vitro) or knocked out (in vivo), H2S levels significantly decreased, which subsequently exacerbated the ischaemic injury. Meanwhile, the expressions of CBS and 3-MST increased due to compensation. Conclusions. Exogenous H2S treatment changed the expressions of three H2S-producing enzymes and H2S levels after MI, suggesting a new and indirect regulatory mechanism for H2S production and its contribution to cardiac protection. Endogenous H2S plays an important role in protecting ischaemic tissue after MI

(77) Liu W, Xu C, You X, Olson DM, Chemtob S, Gao L, et al. Hydrogen Sulfide Delays LPS-Induced Preterm Birth in Mice via Anti-Inflammatory Pathways. PLoS One 2016;11(4):e0152838. Abstract: A major cause of preterm labor in pregnant women is intra-amniotic infection, which is mediated by an inflammatory process. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a gaseous transmitter, has been implicated to be involved in inflammatory responses. We sought to investigate whether H2S affects infectious preterm birth using the mouse model of lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced preterm birth. Administration of LPS at 0.4 mg/kg with two injections intraperitoneally (i.p.) on gestational day 14.5 induced preterm labor. LPS significantly increased leukocyte infiltration in uterus, stimulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), CCL2 and CXCL15 in myometrium. Administration of NaHS (i.p.) delayed the onset of labor induced by LPS in a dose-dependent manner. NaHS prevented leukocyte infiltration into intrauterine tissues and inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in myometrium and decreased the levels of these cytokines in maternal circulation. H2S also decreased LPS-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2/ nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB signaling pathways in myometrium. This study provides new in vivo evidence for the roles of H2S in attenuating inflammation, and a potential novel therapeutic strategy for infection-related preterm labor

(78) Wang J, Ma J, Cheng G. [An accident of acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning when cleaning up a salted vegetables pool]. Zhonghua Lao Dong Wei Sheng Zhi Ye Bing Za Zhi 2015 Dec;33(12):918-9.

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