Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an important gasotransmitter that has shown many physiological effects, ranging from anti-inflammation to antioxidation. To advance research on H2S, donor compounds that can slowly release H2S in biological conditions while producing minimal bioactive byproducts are essential. Herein, we report the evaluation of thiosaccharides as hydrolysis-based H2S donors. These compounds were found to slowly produce H2S over days, in aqueous buffers and in cells. Their H2S release rates could be affected by the hydroxyl protection groups of thiosaccharides, with faster release by electron-donating groups and slower release by electron-withdrawing groups. We also demonstrated the vasodilatory effect of 1-thioglucose using arterial rings isolated from adult ewes, which is likely due to H2S release. Altogether, thiosaccharides might be suitable slow-releasing H2S donors for biological applications.
Lindahl et al. (2026) studied this question.