Effect of hydrogen sulfide on collagen synthesis in rat cardiomyocytes through down regulation of TGF-β_1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway

Objective To explore the role of hydrogen sulfide(H2S), a novel gaseous transmitter, in the regulation of rat myocardial collagen synthesis and the possible mechanisms thereof. Methods Rat myocardial cell line(H9C2) was divided into four groups: normal control group(DMEM medium was used), NaHS group(NaHS at concentration of 2×10–4mol/L was used), TGF-β group(TGF-β1 at a final concentration of 10ng/ml was added) and TGF-β+NaHS group(cultured with 2×10–4mol/L NaHS for 30 min, and then 10ng/ml TGF-β1 was added). After cultivation for 1h, p-Smad2 and p-Smad3 expressions in cardiomyocytes were assessed with Western blotting. After cultivation for 72 h, collagen type Ⅰ expression was determined by immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. Results Compared with control group, the expressions of p-Smad2, p-Smad3 and collagen type Ⅰsignificantly increased in TGF-β group, but there was no significant difference in NaHS group. Compared with TGF-β group, the expressions of p-Smad2, p-Smad3 and collagen type Ⅰstimulated by TGF-β1 significantly decreased in TGF-β+NaHS group. Conclusions H2 S can prevent collagen synthesis in rat cardiomyocytes. The mechanism might involve the inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway.