Hydrogen sulfide reduces the activity of human endothelial cells

INTRODUCTION: The volatile endogenous mediator hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is known to impair thrombus formation by affecting the activity of human platelets. Beside platelets and coagulation factors the endothelium is crucial during thrombogenesis. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the effect of the H2S donor GYY4137 (GYY) on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro. METHODS: Flow cytometry of resting, stimulated or GYY-treated and subsequently stimulated HUVECs was performed to analyse the expression of E-selectin, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. To study a potential reversibility of the GYY action, E-selectin expression was further assessed on HUVECs that were stimulated 24 h after GYY exposure. A WST-1 assay was performed to study toxic effects of the H2S donor. By using the biotin switch assay, protein S-sulfhydration of GYY-exposed HUVECs was assessed. Further on, the effects of GYY on HUVEC migration and von Willebrand factor (vWF) secretion were assessed. RESULTS: GYY treatment significantly reduced the expression of E-selectin and ICAM-1 but not of VCAM-1. When HUVECs were stimulated 24 h after GYY treatment, E-selectin expression was no longer affected. The WST-1 assay revealed no effects of GYY on endothelial cell viability. Furthermore, GYY impaired endothelial migration, reduced vWF secretion and increased protein S-sulfhydration. CONCLUSIONS: Summarizing, GYY dose dependently and reversibly reduces the activity of endothelial cells.