| Summary: | Hydrogen sulfide (H<sub>2</sub>S) is particularly produced in the skin, where it participates in the regulation of inflammation, pruritus, cytoprotection, scarring, and angiogenesis. In this study, we compared the effects of dexamethasone (Dex) with two H<sub>2</sub>S-releasing Dex derivatives in a murine model of atopic dermatitis (AD) induced by topical application of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). After sensitization with DNCB, the animals were topically treated for five consecutive days with either the H<sub>2</sub>S-releasing compounds 4-hydroxy-thiobenzamide (TBZ) and 5-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-1,2-dithione-3-thione (ADT-OH), Dex, or the derivatives Dex-TBZ or Dex-ADT. Topical treatment with equimolar doses of either Dex, Dex-TBZ, or Dex-ADT resulted in similar reductions in dermatitis score, scratching behavior, edema, eosinophilia, splenomegaly, and histological changes. In contrast with Dex, the H<sub>2</sub>S-releasing derivatives prevented IL-4 elevation and oxidative modification of skin proteins. On an equimolar dose basis, Dex-TBZ, but not Dex-ADT, promoted the elevation of endogenous H<sub>2</sub>S production and GPx activity. Neither Dex-TBZ nor Dex-ADT decreased GR activity or caused hyperglycemia, as observed with Dex treatment. We conclude that the presence of H<sub>2</sub>S-releasing moieties in the Dex structure does not interfere with the anti-inflammatory effects of this corticosteroid and adds beneficial therapeutical actions to the parent compound.
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