Hydrogen Sulfide Attenuated Tumor Necrosis Factor-α-Induced Inflammatory Signaling and Dysfunction in Vascular Endothelial Cells

BACKGROUND: Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S), the third physiologically relevant gaseous molecule, is recognized increasingly as an anti-inflammatory mediator in various inflammatory conditions. Herein, we explored the effects and mechanisms of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, a H(2)S donor) on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) dysfunction. METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Application of NaHS concentration-dependently suppressed TNF-α-induced mRNA and proteins expressions of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), mRNA expression of P-selectin and E-selectin as well as U937 monocytes adhesion to HUVEC. Western blot analysis revealed that the expression of the cytoprotective enzyme, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), was induced and coincident with the anti-inflammatory action of NaHS. Furthermore, TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation assessed by IκBα degradation and p65 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation and ROS production were diminished in cells subjected to treatment with NaHS. SIGNIFICANCE: H(2)S can exert an anti-inflammatory effect in endothelial cells through a mechanism that involves the up-regulation of HO-1.