Hepatic hydrogen sulfide levels are reduced in mouse model of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome

Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a rare human disease characterised by accelerated biological ageing. Current treatments are limited, and most patients die before 15 years of age. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is an important gaseous signalling molecule that it central to multiple cellular homeostasis mechanisms. Dysregulation of tissue H₂S levels is thought to contribute to an ageing phenotype in many tissues across animal models. Whether H₂S is altered in HGPS is unknown. We investigated hepatic H₂S production capacity and transcript, protein and enzymatic activity of proteins that regulate hepatic H₂S production and disposal in a mouse model of HGPS (G609G mice, mutated Lmna gene equivalent to a causative mutation in HGPS patients). G609G mice were maintained on either regular chow (RC) or high fat diet (HFD), as HFD has been previously shown to significantly extend lifespan of G609G mice, and compared to wild type (WT) mice maintained on RC. RC fed G609G mice had significantly reduced hepatic H₂S production capacity relative to WT mice, with a compensatory elevation in mRNA transcripts associated with several H₂S production enzymes, including cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE). H₂S levels and CSE protein were partially rescued in HFD fed G609G mice. As current treatments for patients with HGPS have failed to confer significant improvements to symptoms or longevity, the need for novel therapeutic targets is acute and the regulation of H₂S through dietary or pharmacological means may be a promising new avenue for research.