Leonardo Andre da Costa Marques

Significance: Nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) are, to date, the identified members of the gasotransmitter family, which consists of gaseous signaling molecules that play central roles in the regulation of a wide variety of physiological and pathophysiological processes, including inflammatory edema. Recent Advances: Recent studies show the potential anti-inflammatory and anti-edematogenic effects of NO-, CO- and H2S-donors in vivo. In general, it has been observed that the therapeutical effects of NO-donors are more relevant when administered at low doses at the onset of the inflammatory process. Regarding CO-donors, their anti-edematogenic effects are mainly associated with inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators (such as iNOS-derived NO), and the observed protective effects of H2S-donors seem to be mediated by reducing some pro-inflammatory enzyme activities. Critical Issues: The most recent investigations focus on the interactions among the gasotransmitters under different pathophysiological conditions. However, the biochemical/pharmacological nature of these interactions is neither general nor fully understood, although specifically dependent on the site where the inflammatory edema occurs. Future Directions: Considering the nature of the involved mechanisms, a deeper knowledge of the interactions among the gasotransmitters is mandatory. In addition, the development of new pharmacological tools, either donors or synthesis inhibitors of the three gasotransmitters, will certainly aid the basic investigations and open new strategies for the therapeutic treatment of inflammatory edema.

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a complex pathology characterized by visceral adiposity, insulin resistance, arterial hypertension, and dyslipidaemia. It has become a global epidemic associated with increased consumption of high-calorie, low-fibre food and sedentary habits. Some of its underlying mechanisms have been identified, with hypoadiponectinemia, inflammation and oxidative stress as important factors for MS establishment and progression. Alterations in adipokine levels may favour glucotoxicity and lipotoxicity which, in turn, contribute to inflammation and cellular stress responses within the adipose, pancreatic and liver tissues, in addition to hepatic steatosis. The multiple mechanisms of MS make its clinical management difficult, involving both non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are non-selective calcium channels involved in a plethora of physiological events, including energy balance, inflammation and oxidative stress. Evidence from animal models of disease has contributed to identify their specific contributions to MS and may help to tailor clinical trials for the disease. In this context, the oxidative stress sensors TRPV1, TRPA1 and TRPC5, play major roles in regulating inflammatory responses, thermogenesis and energy expenditure. Here, the interplay between these TRP channels and oxidative stress in MS is discussed in the light of novel therapies to treat this syndrome.

Mitochondria-targeted hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) donor compounds, such as compound AP39, supply H₂S into the mitochondrial environment and have shown several beneficial in vitro and in vivo effects in cardiovascular conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. However, the study of their direct vascular effects has not been addressed to date. Thus, the objective of the present study was to analyze the effects and describe the mechanisms of action of AP39 on the in vitro vascular reactivity of mouse mesenteric artery. Protein and gene expressions of the H₂S-producing enzymes (CBS, CSE, and 3MPST) were respectively analyzed by Western blot and qualitative RT-PCR, as well the in vitro production of H₂S by mesenteric artery homogenates. Gene expression of CSE and 3MPST in the vessels has been evidenced by RT-PCR experiments, whereas the protein expression of all the three enzymes was demonstrated by Western blotting experiments. Nonselective inhibition of H₂S-producing enzymes by AOAA abolished H₂S production, whereas it was partially inhibited by PAG (a CSE selective inhibitor). Vasorelaxation promoted by AP39 and its H₂S-releasing moiety (ADT-OH) were significantly reduced after endothelium removal, specifically dependent on NO-cGMP signaling and SK_Ca channel opening. Endogenous H₂S seems to participate in the mechanism of action of AP39, and glibenclamide-induced K_ATP blockade did not affect the vasorelaxant response. Considering the results of the present study and the previously demonstrated antioxidant and bioenergetic effects of AP39, we conclude that mitochondria-targeted H₂S donors may offer a new promising perspective in cardiovascular disease therapeutics.