NOS activity mediates some pathways in the protective effects of H2S in a model of diabetic nephrotpathy

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is one of the gaseous transmitters participating in different physiological and pathophysiological conditions. H2S possess vasoprotective, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties so this study aimed to investigate the role of H2S in diabetic nephropathy and to examine the role of nitric oxide on H2S induced effects. The protective effects of H2S were tested by administration of sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaHS) an exogenous source of H2S. To study the role of nitric oxide, N-Nitro L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) was administered with NaHS. 
Diabetic rats showed signs of nephropathy evident in increased serum urea and creatinine levels. Treatment with an H2S donor (NaHS) exhibited protective effects against nephropathy induced by diabetes. NaHS diminished the elevated TNF-, NFB and caspase 3 expression induced by diabetes. Treatment with NaHS resulted in decreased MDA and H2O2 production with subsequent increase of SOD and CAT activity measured in kidney tissues. Administration of L-NAME in combination with NaHS diminished the protective effects of NaHS on inflammatory and oxidative status.
In conclusion, H2S has a protective role in diabetic nephropathy through its antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory on kidney tissue. This study provides anevidence that nitric oxide is important in mediating some of the protective effects of H2S.