Significance of Hydrogen Sulfide Production in the Pancreatic β-Cell

Abstract

Abstract.Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) is an important signaling molecule in various mammalian cells and tissues. H 2 S is synthesized from L-cysteine and regulates several cellular and physiological phenomena (vasorelaxation, hormone secretion, and apoptosis) and multicellular events (neuro modulation and inflammatory responses). H 2 S can be produced in pancreatic β-cells by cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) or cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE). H 2 S inhibits insulin release and regulates β-cell survival. We found that glucose stimulation increased CSE expression at transcript and protein levels in mouse pancreatic islets. We also found that H 2 S protects β-cells that were chronically exposed to high glucose from apoptotic cell death. Loss of β-cell mass and failures of β-cell function are important in the pathogenesis and/or progression of diabetes mellitus; therefore, molecular analyses of the mechanisms of H 2 S production and its protective effects on β-cells may lead to new insights into diabetes mellitus.

Hydrogen Sulfide in Biochemistry and Medicine

“…They also found that NaHS was able to suppress ROS production induced by cytokines or hydrogen peroxide, via activation of Akt signaling (90,197,198). These findings are consistent with the effect of DATS (a hydrogen sulfide precursor, see below) on the level of blood sugar and oxidative stress markers in rats with type II diabetes mellitus (54).…”

Roles of Hydrogen Sulfide in the Pathogenesis of Diabetes Mellitus and Its Complications

“…Ultimately, the above processes may culminate a progressive destruction (apoptosis) of the bcells. However, it must be noted that there are marked species differences in the regulation of CSE expression in islets (65). For instance, H 2 S production can be increased by hyperglycemia, which has been observed in mouse islets and MIN6 cells (65), but not in rat insulinoma cells (80).…”

Enhanced Plasma H2S Levels Associated With Fasting Blood Glucose In Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus

“…1 Though several etiological background of this non-communicable epidemic disease has been well explained and being efficiently treated, yet, a number of recent literatures suggested a potential role of H 2 S and H 2 S modifying agents in the etiology and management of this metabolic disorder. 2 Hydrogen sulfide is endogenously produced in the mammalian tissues from the amino acid L-cysteine by the action of two enzymes, cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE). Both of these enzymes are dependent on pyridoxal-5'-phosphate.…”