Hydrogen sulfide donor GYY4137 protects against atherosclerosis by modulating autophagic activity

Objective Atherosclerosis (AS) constitutes the central pathological process underlying major cardiovascular ailments, such as coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction, and is a primary driver of global morbidity and premature mortality. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) confers protective effects on AS. The aim of this study is to explore the effect of hydrogen sulfide donor GYY4137 in atherosclerosis and its potential mechanism. Methods Macrophages were treated with ox-LDL to establish atherosclerosis models in vitro . Cell viability was assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). Total cholesterol (TC), free cholesterol (Fch), and cholesteryl ester (CE) were detected by cholesterol esterase assay. Lipid accumulation was measured by Oil Red O staining. The autophagy markers (LC3-II, p62) were tested by Western blotting. Result Ox-LDL induced foam cells formation and led to autophagy dysregulation, whereas GYY4137 alone exhibits no cytotoxicity or disruption of autophagy. Furthermore, GYY4137 can reduce the LC3 Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ ratio of foam cells, as well as the expression of p62 protein. Conclusion GYY4137 has protective effects on ox-LDL induced macrophage foam cell, and this protective effect is related to the regulation of autophagy.