Immersing lungs in hydrogen-rich saline attenuates lung ischaemia-reperfusion injury.
Mamoru Takahashi, Toyofumi F Chen-Yoshikawa, Masao Saito, Satona Tanaka, Ei Miyamoto, Keiji Ohata, Takeshi Kondo, Hideki Motoyama, Kyoko Hijiya, Akihiro Aoyama, Hiroshi Date · European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery · 2017
Research-use notice
Independent study record
Each H2HUBB study page organizes source-linked research details for educational use. Interpretation should remain proportional to the study design, population, controls, and limitations.
H2HUBB TAKEAWAY
In rats, after IRI, pulmonary function (pulmonary compliance and oxygenation levels) was significantly higher in the hydrogen-rich saline group than in the normal saline group ( P < 0.05). These results are preclinical and suggest molecular hydrogen's therapeutic potential in the condition studied. Further human research is needed to establish clinical effectiveness.
What the Researchers Studied
In this study, the researchers evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of immersing lungs in hydrogen-rich saline on lung IRI.
How Molecular Hydrogen Was Used
Lewis rats were divided into three groups: (i) sham, (ii) normal saline and (iii) hydrogen-rich saline. In the first experiment, the left thoracic cavity was filled with either normal saline or hydrogen-rich saline for 1 h. Then, the researchers measured the hydrogen concentration in the left lung using a sensor gas chromatograph ( N = 3 per group).
What the Researchers Found
After IRI, pulmonary function (pulmonary compliance and oxygenation levels) was significantly higher in the hydrogen-rich saline group than in the normal saline group ( P < 0.05).
Biological or Mechanistic Findings
Similarly, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (interleukin-1β and interleukin-6) in the left lung were significantly lower in the hydrogen-rich saline group than in the normal saline group ( P < 0.05).
Authors’ Conclusion
The authors concluded that immersing lungs in hydrogen-rich saline delivered hydrogen into the lung and consequently attenuated lung IRI. Hydrogen-rich solution appears to be a promising approach to managing lung IRI. These results are preclinical and suggest molecular hydrogen's therapeutic potential in the condition studied. Further human research is needed to establish clinical effectiveness.