Neglected role of hydrogen sulfide in sulfur mustard poisoning: Keap1 S-sulfhydration and subsequent Nrf2 pathway activation

Sulfur mustard (SM) is a chemical warfare agent and a terrorism choice that targets various organs and tissues, especially lung tissues. Its toxic effects are tightly associated with oxidative stress. The signaling molecule hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) protects the lungs against oxidative stress and activates the NF-E2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. Here, we sought to establish whether endogenous H(2)S plays a role in SM induced lesion in mouse lungs and lung cells and whether endogenous H(2)S plays the role through Nrf2 pathway to protect against SM-induced oxidative damage. Furthermore, we also explored whether activation of Nrf2 by H(2)S involves sulfhydration of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein-1 (Keap1). Using a mouse model of SM-induced lung injury, we demonstrated that SM-induced attenuation of the sulfide concentration was prevented by NaHS. Concomitantly, NaHS attenuates SM-induced oxidative stress. We also found that H(2)S enhanced Nrf2 nuclear translocation, and stimulated expression of Nrf2-targeted downstream protein and mRNA levels. Incubation of the lung cells with NaHS decreased SM-induced ROS production. Furthermore, we also found that H(2)S S-sulfhydrated Keap1, which induced Nrf2 dissociation from Keap1, and enhanced Nrf2 nuclear translocation. Our data indicate that H(2)S is a critical, however, being long neglected signal molecule in SM-induced lung injury.