The role of endogenous H2S in experimental metabolic syndrome

Relevance. The gasotransmitter hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is a well-known signalling molecule that is involved in the regulation of a wide range of cellular functions in both health and disease. Its biological effects in obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) have been investigated. It is a promising pharmacological target for the correction of MetS and associated diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of endogenously produced H2S in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders in experimental Met S. Materials and Methods. A high-fat and high-carbohydrate diet was used to induce MS in male Wistar rats. The body and adipose tissue weights of the animals were determined. The animals body and adipose tissue weights were measured. Indicators of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in the blood serum were determined with the use of reagent kits. Additionally, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were analyzed in adipose tissue through photometric analysis. The concentration of H2S in blood serum and adipose tissue, as well as H2S production by adipocytes, was measured spectrophotometrically. Results and Discussion. H2S concentrations in blood serum, adipose tissue and adipocyte H2S production were found to decrease in animals with hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance. Additionally, a negative correlation was observed between the H2S content and production in the adipose tissue of rats with the mass of visceral adipose tissue. Furthermore, a negative relationship was found between the concentrations of glucose, insulin, leptin, ROS and the level of H2S in blood serum and adipose tissue. In contrast, the increase in glutathione (GSH) in adipocytes was directly correlated with the increase in hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in serum and adipose tissue cells. Conclusions. The regulatory effect of H2S on target cell function has been extensively studied. However, its role in the development and progression of MetS remains unclear. Our work demonstrates that under conditions of metabolic pathology, there is a decrease in the serum concentration of H2S and its production in adipose tissue. This decrease correlates with the development of obesity, hyperglycemia, insulinemia, leptinemia, and redox imbalance.