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Updated: Apr 13, 2026
A Sensitive Visual Method for the Detection of Hydrogen Sulfide Producing Bacteria
Published on: June 27, 2022
[Effect of intestinal resection on hydrogen sulfide biosynthesis and the damage of Cajal interstitial cells]
Ying Huang1, Yu Shao, Daoxiong Ye
1Department of Colorectal Surgery, Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China. hy9033sy@sina.com.
Objective:
To investigate the effect of intestinal resection on hydrogen sulfide (H2S) biosynthesis and interstitial cells of Cajal(ICC) in mice.
Methods:
After intestinal resection mouse model was established, the activity of MPO in the proximal anastomosis intestinal tissue were detected. Sensitive sulphur electrode assay was applied to measure the H2S level. RT-PCR technique was employed to investigate the mRNA expression of the endogenous H2S biosynthesis enzymes, cystathionine-b-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine-c-lyase (CSE). Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of c-kit in order to calculate the area of ICC.
Results:
The mRNA expression of CSE was detected in the small intestine tissue of mice, while no CBS mRNA was found. The mRNA expression of CSE in proximal anastomotic stoma increased in time-dependent manner in the model group. CSE mRNA expression began to increase 1 hour after operation, reached the peak at 6th hour, then decreased gradually, and was similar to the control group at postoperative 24th hour. Compared to the model group, in the intestinal tissues of proximal 3 cm to anastomotic stoma, the mRNA expression of CSE (1.16 ± 0.18 vs. 1.63 ± 0.13, P<0.05), the activity of MPO [(0.54 ± 0.07) U/g vs. (0.83 ± 0.09) U/g, P<0.05], the H2S level [(36.1 ± 6.1) nmol/mg vs. (5.3 ± 5.6) nmol/mg, P<0.05] were significantly reduced in the PPG group. Meanwhile, average percentage of positive ICC area in the PPG groups was significantly higher [(2.26 ± 0.19)% vs. (1.65 ± 0.24)%, P<0.05].
Conclusions:
Inflammatory reaction in muscular layer induced by intestinal resection up-regulates the mRNA expression of CSE proximal to anastomotic stoma, generates excess H2S to damage ICC leading to intestinal motor dysfunction. Preoperative inhibition of endogenous H2S generation may protect the ICC.
Insights
Intestinal resection increases hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production, damaging interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and causing motor dysfunction. Preoperative inhibition of H2S may protect ICC function after surgery.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Research
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Intestinal resection can lead to postoperative complications affecting gut motility.
- Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gasotransmitter with complex roles in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are crucial for regulating intestinal motility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of intestinal resection on H2S biosynthesis and ICC in a mouse model.
- To explore the relationship between inflammation, H2S production, and ICC integrity post-resection.
Main Methods:
- Established a mouse model of intestinal resection.
- Measured myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity as an indicator of inflammation.
- Quantified H2S levels using a sensitive sulphur electrode assay.
- Assessed mRNA expression of H2S-producing enzymes (CBS and CSE) via RT-PCR.
- Detected ICC using immunofluorescence staining for c-kit.
Main Results:
- CSE mRNA was detected and upregulated in proximal anastomotic tissue post-resection, peaking at 6 hours.
- A specific intervention (PPG group) significantly reduced CSE mRNA, MPO activity, and H2S levels compared to the model group.
- The PPG group also showed a significant increase in the percentage of positive ICC area.
Conclusions:
- Surgical manipulation and inflammation following intestinal resection upregulate CSE, leading to excess H2S production.
- Excess H2S damages ICC, contributing to intestinal motor dysfunction.
- Preoperative strategies to inhibit endogenous H2S generation may offer a protective effect on ICC.
