Hydrogen sulfide ameliorates peritoneal fibrosis: inhibition of high mobility group box-1 expression to block the activation of the transforming growth factor-beta/Smad3 pathway.

Abstract

JOURNAL/mgres/04.03/01612956-202606000-00004/figure1/v/2025-08-18T154854Z/r/image-tiff Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) holds significant potential for clinical applications in the alleviation of fibrosis. This study aimed to verify the role of H2S in combating peritoneal fibrosis and elucidate its molecular mechanisms. A peritoneal fibrosis model was established through the intraperitoneal injection of 0.1% chlorhexidine gluconate. Subsequently, the mice were administered an intraperitoneal injection of the H2S donor GYY4137. The experimental data indicate that H2S mitigates the progression of peritoneal fibrosis, potentially by inhibiting the expression of high mobility group box-1 and consequently blocking the activation of the (TGF-β)/Smad3 signaling pathway. This study provides a scientific basis for the future clinical application of H2S in the treatment of peritoneal fibrosis.