Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a noxious, potentially poisonous, but necessary gas produced from sulfur metabolism in humans. In Down Syndrome (DS), the production of H2S is elevated and associated with degraded mitochondrial function. Therefore, removing H2S from the body as a stable oxide could be an approach to reducing the deleterious effects of H2S in DS. In this report we describe the catalytic oxidation of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) to polysulfides (HS2+n−) and thiosulfate (S2O32−) by poly(ethylene glycol) hydrophilic carbon clusters (PEG‐HCCs) and poly(ethylene glycol) oxidized activated charcoal (PEG‐OACs), examples of oxidized carbon nanozymes (OCNs). We show that OCNs oxidize H2S to polysulfides and S2O32−in a dose‐dependent manner. The reaction is dependent on O2and the presence of quinone groups on the OCNs. In DS donor lymphocytes we found that OCNs increased polysulfide production, proliferation, and afforded protection against additional toxic levels of H2S compared to untreated DS lymphocytes. Finally, in Dp16 and Ts65DN murine models of DS, we found that OCNs restored osteoclast differentiation. This new action suggests potential facile translation into the clinic for conditions involving excess H2S exemplified by DS.
This content will become publicly available on June 20, 2025
Hydrogen polysulfides (H2Sn) have emerged as critical physiological mediators that are closely associated with hydrogen sulfide (H2S) signaling. H2Snexhibit greater nucleophilicity than H2S while also having electrophilic characteristics, enabling unique activities such as protein S‐persulfidation. Despite their physiological importance, mechanisms and reactivities of H2Snremain inadequately explored due to their inherent instability in aqueous environments. Consequently, there is a need to develop biocompatible methods for controlled H2Sngeneration to elucidate their behaviors in biological contexts. Herein, we present a dual enzyme system (containing glucose oxidase (GOx) and chloroperoxidase (CPO)) with thioglucose as the substrate to facilitate the controlled release of H2Sn. Fluorescence measurements with SSP4 and the trapping studies allowed us to confirm the production of H2Sn. Such a method may be useful in elucidating the reactivity of hydrogen polysulfides in biological systems as well as provide a potential delivery of H2Snto target sites for biological applications.
more » « less- NSF-PAR ID:
- 10527780
- Publisher / Repository:
- Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- ChemBioChem
- Volume:
- 25
- Issue:
- 16
- ISSN:
- 1439-4227
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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