Aim: To construct a long circulatory and sustained releasing H2S system and explore its protective effects on myocardial ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury. Materials & methods: Red blood cell (RBC) membrane-coated, diallyl trisulfide (DATS)-carrying mesoporous iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONs) (RBC-DATS-MIONs) were prepared and characterized. Cytotoxicity and cellular uptake were studied in vitro, followed by in vivo assessment of safety, distribution and effect on cardiac function following I/R injury. Results: RBC-DATS-MIONs exhibited excellent biocompatibility, extended circulatory time and controlled-release of H2S in plasma and myocardium. They exhibited superior therapeutic effects on in vitro hypoxia/reoxygenation models and in vivo myocardial I/R models, which involved various mechanisms, including anti-apoptosis, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Conclusion: This work provides a new potential platform for best utilizing the protective effects of H2S by prolonging its releasing process.
Keywords: hydrogen sulfide; ischemia and reperfusion injury; mesoporous iron oxide nanoparticles; red blood cell membrane.