Hydrogen sulfide, a potential novel drug, attenuates concanavalin A-induced hepatitis

BACKGROUND: Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) is known to exert anti-inflammatory properties. Apoptosis and autophagy play important roles in concanavalin A (Con A)-induced acute hepatitis. The purpose of this study was to explore both the effect and mechanism of H(2)S on Con A-induced acute hepatitis. METHODS: BALB/c mice were randomized into sham group, Con A-injection group, and 14 μmol/kg of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, an H(2)S donor) pretreatment group. RESULTS: Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and pathological damage were significantly ameliorated by NaHS pretreatment. NaHS pretreatment significantly reduced the levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α compared with those of the Con A group. The expression of Bcl-2, Bax, Beclin-1, and LC3-2, which play important roles in the apoptosis and autophagy pathways, were also clearly affected by NaHS. Furthermore, NaHS affected the p-mTOR and p-AKT. CONCLUSION: H(2)S attenuates Con A-induced acute hepatitis by inhibiting apoptosis and autophagy, in part, through activation of the PtdIns3K-AKT1 signaling pathway.