The Chronic Elevated Consumption of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linnaeus Results in Kidney Damage Associated with Excess H2S

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is essential for renal function; however, it is toxic at high concentrations. H₂S is increased during reductive stress (RS). Increased antioxidant capacity and reduced/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) characterize a rat model of RS associated with chronic consumption of 6% <i>Hibiscus sabdariffa</i> Linnaeus (HSL). Here, we evaluate if chronic consumption of an infusion of HSL causes kidney damage associated with an increase in H₂S. Twenty-one Wistar rats were divided into three groups. Group 1: rats received plain tap water ad libitum (G1); Group 2: rats received an ad libitum infusion of 6% HSL for one month (G2); and Group 3: rats consumed a 6% HSL infusion for one month and were then given natural water for another month (G3). We evaluated renal vasodilatation, cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS), cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE), 3-mercaptopyruvate-sulfur-transferase (3-MST), γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (GCLC), Nrf2, total OXPHOS, H₂S concentration, GSH/GSSG and oxidized/reduced thiols in the kidney. Renal vasodilatation and total OXPHOS in complex IV and I and oxidized/reduced thiols were decreased (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.01) but H₂S, CBS, SCE, GCLC, and NrF2 expression and GSH/GSSG were increased (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.04). The HSL infusion provided cysteine that was metabolized by CBS and CSE, elevating chronic H₂S and favoring renal damage.