Hydrogen Sulfide Impairs Meiosis Resumption in Xenopus laevis Oocytes

Abstract

The role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is addressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Three enzymes involved in H2S metabolism, cystathionine β-synthase, cystathionine γ-lyase, and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase, were detected in prophase I and metaphase II-arrested oocytes and drove an acceleration of oocyte meiosis resumption when inhibited. Moreover, meiosis resumption is associated with a significant decrease in endogenous H2S. On another hand, a dose-dependent inhibition was obtained using the H2S donor, NaHS (1 and 5 mM). NaHS impaired translation. NaHS did not induce the dissociation of the components of the M-phase promoting factor (MPF), cyclin B and Cdk1, nor directly impacted the MPF activity. However, the M-phase entry induced by microinjection of metaphase II MPF-containing cytoplasm was diminished, suggesting upstream components of the MPF auto-amplification loop were sensitive to H2S. Superoxide dismutase and catalase hindered the effects of NaHS, and this sensitivity was partially dependent on the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In contrast to other species, no apoptosis was promoted. These results suggest a contribution of H2S signaling in the timing of amphibian oocytes meiosis resumption.

Hydrogen sulfide and its role in female reproduction

“…Additionally, H 2 S is produced by cumulus cells, which likely promotes CO expansion ( 19 , 86 ). The importance of H 2 S during oocyte maturation is further supported by the findings of Gelaude et al ( 72 ), who confirmed the effect of H 2 S on meiosis in amphibian oocytes.…”

“…Additionally, H 2 S is produced by cumulus cells, which likely promotes CO expansion (19,86). The importance of H 2 S during oocyte maturation is further supported by the findings of Gelaude et al (72), who confirmed the effect of H 2 S on meiosis in amphibian oocytes. It has been previously described that H 2 S has anti-aging effects and promotes the longevity, health, and condition of many organ systems, including the fetal membranes, probably through the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway and its downstream factor S6 kinase beta-1 (S6K1) (87)(88)(89).…”

“…H 2 S regulates signalling pathways during the cell cycle, likely through S-sulfhydration (35). As was mentioned above, H 2 S-mediated regulation has been described in the cAMP-PKA, PI3K-PKB, MAPK and maturation promoting factor (MPF) pathways (43,46,72,84). Using H 2 S donor (Na 2 S), the supporting effect of the H 2 S on oocyte maturation has been proven, as the Na 2 S accelerated the porcine oocyte nuclear maturation and increased MPF activity during GVBD stage.…”

“…Potential reasons may include variances in homocysteine (Hcy) and cysteine metabolic pathways or differences in the substrate essential for the H 2 S formation. CBS utilizes Hcy or L-cysteine for H 2 S production ( 71 , 72 ), with L-cysteine also generated from Hcy by both CBS and CSE ( Figure 1 ). In reproductive tissues, the prevalence of Hcy may favor CBS ( 18 , 73 ).…”