Correlation of Lower Concentrations of Hydrogen Sulfide with Activation of Protein Kinase CβII in Uremic Accelerated Atherosclerosis Patients

BACKGROUND Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) plays a protective role in chronic hemodialysis (CHD) patients. In this study, we further investigate the relationship between H 2 S and conventional protein kinase CβII (cPKCβII) in CHD patients with uremic accelerated atherosclerosis (UAAS). METHODS A total of 30 healthy people, 30 CHD patients without AS and 30 CHD patients with AS (CHD + AS) were studied. Plasma H 2 S was measured with a sulfide sensitive electrode, and cPKCβII membrane translocation was detected by Western blotting. RESULTS Plasma H 2 S in CHD + AS group was significantly lower than that in CHD patients. cPKCβII membrane translocation in CHD + AS group increased significantly compared with CHD group. Plasma H 2 S concentration was negatively correlated with cPKCβII membrane translocation in CHD + AS patients. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest a possible linkage between H 2 S metabolism and cPKCβII activation, which may contribute to the development of UAAS in CHD patients.