Generation of reactive oxygen species by a persulfide (BnSSH)

Hydropersulfides (RSxSH) have been implicated as important intermediates in the cell-killing action of the anticancer natural products leinamycin and varacin. It has been suggested that persulfides can mediate the conversion of molecular oxygen to reactive oxygen species (O2-, H2O2, and HO). Here, experiments with synthetic benzyl hydrodisulfide (BnSSH) provide direct evidence that persulfides readily decompose to produce reactive oxygen species under physiologically relevant conditions.

Graphical abstractHydropersulfides (RSx-SH) have been implecated as important intermediates in cell-killing by the anticancer natural products leinamycin and varacin. Here experiments with synthetic benzyl hydrodisulfide (BnSSH) provide direct evidence that persulfides readily decompose to yield cytotoxic reactive oxygen species under physiologically relevant conditions.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide