OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study is to identify the role of adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel (KATP) in hydrogen sulfide (H₂S)-induced inhibition of high glucose (HG)-induced osteoblast damage.

METHODSOsteoblasts from rat mandible were cultured and identified. The osteoblasts were then treated with HG, H₂S, KATP channel opener pinacidil (Pia), and KATP channel blocker glibenclamide (Gli). Western blot method was performed to detect the expression of KATP channel protein. CCK8, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) , and image analysis were used to determine the effects of H₂S-KATP on the proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization of osteoblasts.

RESULTSThe expression of KATP channel protein in osteoblasts was significantly decreased under the influence of HG. H₂S pretreatment significantly inhibited HG on KATP channel protein down-regulation. Moreover, H₂S pretreatment significantly inhibited the effect of HG on the proliferation of osteoblasts, thereby preventing HG-induced inhibition of osteoblasts differentiation and mineralization. Meanwhile, the KATP channel blocker effectively blocked the H₂S on osteoblasts and had a protective effect.

CONCLUSIONSThrough the KATP channel, H₂S inhibited osteoblasts damage induced by HG.