Evaluation of Thiosaccharides as Carbohydrate-Based Slow-Releasing Hydrogen Sulfide Donors

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.