Molecular hydrogen promotes retinal vascular regeneration and attenuates neovascularization and neuroglial dysfunction in oxygen-induced retinopathy mice.
Yatu Guo, Jiahui Qin, Ruiqiang Sun, Peng Hao, Zhixin Jiang, Yuchuan Wang, Zhiqi Gao, Huan Zhang, Keliang Xie, Wei Zhang · Biological research · 2024
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Independent study record
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H2HUBB TAKEAWAY
The authors concluded that H₂ could be a promising therapeutic agent for ROP treatment and that its beneficial effect in human ROP might involve the activation of the Nrf2-Notch axis as well as HIF-1α/VEGF pathways. The authors concluded that H₂ could be a promising therapeutic agent for ROP treatment and that its beneficial effect in human ROP might involve the activation of the Nrf2-Notch axis as well as HIF-1α/VEGF pathways. These findings come from a laboratory model and suggest molecular hydrogen's biological potential. Further research is needed to determine clinical relevance.
What the Researchers Tested
However, whether H₂ provides physiological angiogenesis promotion, neovascularization suppression and glial protection in the progression of ROP is largely unknown.This study aims to investigate the effects of H₂ on retinal angiogenesis, neovascularization and neuroglial dysfunction in the retinas of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mice.
Laboratory Model
Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with H₂ under hypoxia were used as an in vitro model.
How Molecular Hydrogen Was Used
Different stages of hydrogen gas (H₂) inhalation were administered. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with H₂ under hypoxia were used as an in vitro model.
What Molecular Hydrogen Changed
The authors concluded that H₂ could be a promising therapeutic agent for ROP treatment and that its beneficial effect in human ROP might involve the activation of the Nrf2-Notch axis as well as HIF-1α/VEGF pathways.
Proposed Mechanism
H₂ promotes the proliferation of HUVECs under hypoxia by negatively regulating the Dll4/Notch pathway and reducing ROS levels through Nrf2 pathway aligning with the findings in vivo.Moreover, the retinal oxygen-sensing mechanisms (HIF-1α/VEGF) are also involved in hydrogen-mediated retinal revascularization and neovascularization suppression. Hydrogen (H₂) is widely considered as a useful neuroprotective and antioxidative therapeutic method for hypoxic-ischemic disease without toxic effects.
Authors’ Conclusion
These findings come from a laboratory model and suggest molecular hydrogen's biological potential. Further research is needed to determine clinical relevance.