Alkylamine-Substituted Perthiocarbamates: Dual Precursors to Hydropersulfide and Carbonyl Sulfide with Cardioprotective Actions

The recent discovery of hydropersulfides (RSSH) in mammalian systems suggests their potential roles in cell signaling. However, the exploration of RSSH biological significance is challenging due to their instability under physiological conditions. Herein, we report the preparation, RSSH-releasing properties, and cytoprotective nature of alkylamine-substituted perthiocarbamates. Triggered by a base-sensitive, self-immolative moiety, these precursors show efficient RSSH release and also demonstrate the ability to generate carbonyl sulfide (COS) in the presence of thiols. Using this dually reactive alkylamine-substituted perthiocarbamate platform, the generation of both RSSH and COS is tunable with respect to half-life, pH, and availability of thiols. Importantly, these precursors exhibit cytoprotective effects against hydrogen peroxide-mediated toxicity in H9c2 cells and cardioprotective effects against myocardial ischemic/reperfusion injury, indicating their potential application as new RSSH- and/or COS-releasing therapeutics.