Inhalation of Hydrogen of Different Concentrations Ameliorates Spinal Cord Injury in Mice by Protecting Spinal Cord Neurons from Apoptosis, Oxidative Injury and Mitochondrial Structure Damages.
Xiao Chen, Jin Cui, Xiao Zhai, Jun Zhang, Zhengrong Gu, Xin Zhi, Weizong Weng, Panpan Pan, Liehu Cao, Fang Ji, Zhiwei Wang, Jiacan Su · Cellular physiology and biochemistry : international journal of experimental cellular physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology · 2018
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H2HUBB TAKEAWAY
In mice, spinal cord neurons were preserved by hydrogen administration after mechanical injury in a dose-dependent manner. 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
The study examined mice.
How Molecular Hydrogen Was Used
Hydrogen was administered to mice after spinal cord contusion injury was established for 42 days.
What the Researchers Found
Spinal cord neurons were preserved by hydrogen administration after mechanical injury in a dose-dependent manner. ROS generation, oxidative stress injury-related markers, and the number of apoptotic neurons were significantly reduced after hydrogen treatment. The ATP production and mPTP function in injured neurons were preserved by hydrogen incubation. The expression levels of Cox8b, Cox6a2, Cox7a1, Hspb7, and Atp2a1 were inhibited by hydrogen treatment.
H₂ Mechanisms / Biological Findings
ROS generation, oxidative stress injury-related markers, and the number of apoptotic neurons were significantly reduced after hydrogen treatment.
Authors’ Conclusion
The authors concluded that hydrogen inhalation (75%) ameliorated SCI in vivo and attenuated neuronal mechanical injuries in vitro, and its protective effect on spinal cord neurons was exerted in a dose-dependent manner. The underlying mechanisms included reducing ROS generation and oxidative stress, inhibiting neuronal apoptosis, and restoring mitochondrial construction and function. Cox8b, Cox6a2, Cox7a1, Hspb7, and Atp2a1 were identified as potential target genes of hydrogen treatment.