Evaluating the Effect of Hydrogen Sulfide in the Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Model with a Fluorescent Probe

Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S), a gaseous signaling molecule, is involved in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes. H 2 S has been proven to play a beneficial role in lung diseases, and the relationship between perturbations in endogenous H 2 S synthesis and degree with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) has attacted increasing attention. However, the changes in endogenous lung H 2 S levels in the pathological progression of chronic pulmonary diseases remain unclear. To this end, we synthesized a fluorescent probe (Bcy-HS) for the selective imaging of H 2 S in living cells and mice. This probe was mainly used for in situ in vivo and cellular imaging as well as a systematic assessment of intrapulmonary H 2 S levels at different stages of IPF. In addition, we also discussed the potential of H 2 S supplementation in the treatment of pulmonary fibrotic diseases. Our results confirmed the key role of H 2 S in pulmonary fibrosis. In cellular and mice models of pulmonary fibrosis, intracellular H 2 S levels are reduced. However, the severity of oxidative damage and pulmonary fibrosis decreased after NaSH (H 2 S donor). Therefore, we concluded that increasing the H 2 S content in vivo may be a novel strategy for IPF treatment.