Protective Effects of Hydrogen Sulfide in the Ageing Kidney

Aims. The study aimed to examine whether hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) generation changed in the kidney of the ageing mouse and its relationship with impaired kidney function. Results. H(2)S levels in the plasma, urine, and kidney decreased significantly in ageing mice. The expression of two known H(2)S-producing enzymes in kidney, cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) and cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS), decreased significantly during ageing. Chronic H(2)S donor (NaHS, 50 μmol/kg/day, 10 weeks) treatment could alleviate oxidative stress levels and renal tubular interstitial collagen deposition. These protective effects may relate to transcription factor Nrf2 activation and antioxidant proteins such as HO-1, SIRT1, SOD1, and SOD2 expression upregulation in the ageing kidney after NaHS treatment. Furthermore, the expression of H(2)S-producing enzymes changed with exogenous H(2)S administration and contributed to elevated H(2)S levels in the ageing kidney. Conclusions. Endogenous hydrogen sulfide production in the ageing kidney is insufficient. Exogenous H(2)S can partially rescue ageing-related kidney dysfunction by reducing oxidative stress, decreasing collagen deposition, and enhancing Nrf2 nuclear translocation. Recovery of endogenous hydrogen sulfide production may also contribute to the beneficial effects of NaHS treatment.