Intestinal epithelial injury induced by maternal separation is protected by hydrogen sulfide.

Purpose: Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various neonatal diseases involving the intestine. Hydrogen sulfide (HS) has been shown to protect against oxidative stress. We hypothesized that administration of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), an HS donor, to neonatal mice can decrease the intestinal epithelial injury associated with maternal separation (MS).

Intestinal epithelial cell injury is rescued by hydrogen sulfide.

Background/purpose: Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been reported to have a protective function against oxidative stress in the gut. We hypothesize that administration of H2S can help decrease intestinal epithelial cell injury in vitro.