Abstract: Objective To investigate the effect of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on the proliferation and migration of human colon
cancer SW480 cells and explore its molecular mechanisms. Methods The proliferation of SW480 cells exposed to different
concentrations of NaHS for varying time lengths was analyzed by MTT assay, and the changes in cell migration was evaluated
using wound-healing assay. The changes in the expression levels of MMP-2, MMP-9 and SIRT1 protein were detected by
Western blotting in the exposed cells. Results Compared with the control cells, SW480 cells exposed to 50, 100, 200, or 400
μmol/L NaHS for 24, 48 and 72 h all showed increased proliferative activity. NaHS treatment at 100 μmol/L significantly
promoted the cell migration (P<0.01) and enhanced the cellular expressions of MMP-2 (P<0.05) and MMP-9 (P<0.01) proteins;
NaHS exposure (100 μmol/L) also resulted in up-regulation of SIRT1 expression in SW480 cells. Conclusion H2S can promote
proliferation and migration of SW480 cells in vitro, the mechanism of which may involve up-regulated expression of SIRT1.