Protective effect of hydrogen sulfide against neuronal apoptosis via inhibiting neuroinflammation in Parkinson rats

Objective: Parkinson's disease (PD) is an age related progressive degenerative disorder. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenous gasotransmitter and exerts crucial physiological functions in central nervous system. Whether H2S protects PD through inhibiting neuro-inflammation remains unknown. Methods: In this study, a 6-OHDA induced PD rat model was established and the protective role of H2S was detected via H2S donor NaHS. Results: Our results demonstrated that H2S inhibited the activation of NF-kappa B signaling pathway, cytokines release in PD rats and significantly reduced the expression of caspase 3, caspase 9 and cytochrome C, and decreased apoptotic cell numbers. Conclusion: H2S may preserve the function of dopaminergic neurons in PD rats possibly through inhibiting neuro-inflammation in Parkinson rats.