Hydrogen sulfide improves diabetic wound healing in ob/ob mice via attenuating inflammation

Background:The proposed mechanisms of impaired wound healing in diabetes involve sustained inflammation, excess oxidative stress and compromised agiogenesis. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has been reported to have multiple biological activities. We aim to investigate the role of H₂S in impaired wound healing in ob/ob mice and explore the possible mechanisms involved.

Procedures:Full-thickness skin dorsal wounds were created on ob/ob mice and C57BL/6 mice. Cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) expression and H₂S production were determined in granulation tissues of the wounds. Effects of NaHS on wound healing were evaluated. Inflammation and angiogenesis in granulation tissues of the wounds were examined.

Results:CSE expression, and H₂S content were significantly reduced in granulation tissues of wounds in ob/ob mice compared with control mice. NaHS treatment significantly improved wound healing in ob/ob mice, which was associated with reduced neutrophil and macrophage infiltration, decreased production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6. NaHS treatment decreased metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, whereas increased collagen deposition and vascular-like structures in granulation tissues of wounds in ob/ob mice.

Conclusion:CSE down-regulation may play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetic impaired wound healing. Exogenous H₂S could be a potential agent to improve diabetic impaired wound healing by attenuating inflammation and increasing angiogenesis.

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