Hydrogen-rich Saline Treatment Research Articles

Effect of hydrogen-rich saline on melanopsin after acute blue light-induced retinal damage in rats.

Excessive exposure to blue light can cause retinal damage. Hydrogen-rich saline (HRS), one of the hydrogen therapies, has been demonstrated to be effective in eye photodamage, but the effect on the expression of melanopsin in intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) is unknown. In this study, we used a rat model of light-induced retinal injury to observe the expression of melanopsin after HRS treatment and to determine the effect of HRS on retinal ganglion cell protection. Adult SD rats were exposed to blue light (48 h) and treated with HRS for 0, 3, 7, and 14 days. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting (WB) were performed to find the expression of genes and proteins, respectively. The function of retinal ipRGCs was measured by pattern-evoked electroretinography (pERG). The number and morphological changes of melanopsin-positive ganglion cells in the retina were observed by immunofluorescence (IF). Acute blue light exposure caused a decrease in ipRGC function, decreased expression of melanopsin protein and the melanopsin-positive RGCs, and diminished immunoreactivity in dendrites. However, over time, melanopsin showed a tendency to self-recovery, with an increase in melanopsin protein expression and the number of melanopsin-positive RGCs, with incomplete recovery of function within two weeks. HRS treatment accelerated the recovery process, with a significant increase in melanopsin expression and the number of melanopsin-positive RGCs, and an improvement in the pERG waveform within two weeks.

Hydrogen-rich saline alleviates cardiomyocyte apoptosis by reducing expression of calpain1 via miR-124-3p.

Molecular hydrogen has been exhibited a protective function in heart diseases. Our previous study demonstrated that hydrogen-rich saline (HRS) could scavenge free radicals selectively and alleviate the inflammatory response in the myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, but the underlying mechanism has not been fully clarified. Adult (10weeks) C57BL/6 male mice and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were used to establish I/R and hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury models. I/R and H/R models were treated with HRS to classify the mechanisms of cardioproctective function. In this study, we found that miR-124-3p was significantly decreased in both I/R and H/R models, while it was partially ameliorated by HRS pretreatment. HRS treatment also alleviated ischaemia-induced apoptotic cell death and increased cell viability during I/R process, whereas silencing expression of miR-124-3p abolished this protective effect. In addition, we identified calpain1 as a direct target of miR-124-3p, and up-regulation of miR-124-3 produced both activity and expression of calpain1. It was also found that compared with the HRS group, overexpression of calpain1 increased caspase-3 activities, promoted cleaved-caspase3 and Bax protein expressions, and correspondingly decreased Bcl-2, further reducing cell viability. These results illustrated that calpain1 overexpression attenuated protective effect of HRS on cardiomyocytes in H/R model. The present study showed a protective effect of HRS on I/R injury, which may be associated with miR-124-3p-calpain1 signalling pathway.

Hydrogen-rich saline regulates NLRP3 inflammasome activation in sepsis-associated encephalopathy rat model

Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is characterised by long-term cognitive impairment and psychiatric illness in sepsis survivors, associated with increased morbidity and mortality. There is a lack of effective therapeutics for SAE. Molecular hydrogen (H2) plays multiple roles in septic diseases by regulating neuroinflammation, reducing oxidative stress parameters, regulating signalling pathways, improving mitochondrial dysfunction, and regulating astrocyte and microglia activation. Here we report the protective effect of hydrogen-rich saline in the juvenile SAE rat model and its possible underlying mechanisms. Rats were injected intraperitoneally with lipopolysaccharide at a dose of 5 mg/kg to induce sepsis; Hydrogen-rich saline (HRS) was administered 1 h after LPS induction at a dose of 5 ml/kg and nigericin at 1 mg/kg 1 h before LPS injection. H&E staining for neuronal damage, TUNEL assay for detection of apoptotic cells, immunofluorescence, ELISA protocol for inflammatory cytokines and 8-OHdG determination and western blot analysis to determine the effect of HRS in LPS-induced septic rats. Rats treated with HRS showed decreased TNF-α and IL-1β expression levels. HRS treatment enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT and GPX) and decreased MDA and MPO activities. The number of MMP-9 and NLRP3 positive immunoreactivity cells decreased in the HRS-treated group. Subsequently, GFAP, IBA-1 and CD86 immunoreactivity were reduced, and CD206 increased after HRS treatment. 8-OHdG expression was decreased in the HRS-treated rats. Western blot analysis showed decreased NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, MMP-2/9, TLR4 and Bax protein levels after HRS treatment, while Bcl-2 expression increased after HRS treatment.These data demonstrated that HRS attenuated neuroinflammation, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, neuronal injury, and mitochondrial damage via NLRP3/Caspase-1/TLR4 signalling in the juvenile rat model, making it a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of paediatric SAE.

Hydrogen-Rich Saline-A Novel Neuroprotective Agent in a Mouse Model of Experimental Cerebral Ischemia via the ROS-NLRP3 Inflammasome Signaling Pathway In Vivo and In Vitro.

Our previous research revealed that inflammation plays an important role in the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia. The function of the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is to activate the inflammatory process. Recent findings suggest that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are essential secondary messengers that activate the NLRP3 inflammasome. Hydrogen-rich saline (HS) has attracted attention for its anti-inflammatory properties. However, the protective effect and possible mechanism of HSin brain ischemia have not been well elucidated. To test the therapeutic effect of HS, we established a mouse model of distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (dMCAO) and an in vitro model of BV2 cells induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine (NAC) was used to investigate the underlying mechanisms of HS. HS significantly improved neurological function, reduced infarct volume, and increased cerebral blood flow in a dMCAO mouse model. ROS, NLRP3, Caspase-1, and IL-1β expression increased after cerebral ischemia, and this was reversed by HS treatment. In BV2 cells, the application of NAC further demonstrated that HS could effectively inhibit the expression of the ROS-activated NLRP3 inflammasome. HS, as a novel therapeutic option, could exert protect the brain by inhibiting the activation of the ROS-NLRP3 signaling pathway after cerebral ischemia.

Hyperbaric oxygen combined with hydrogen-rich saline protects against acute lung injury

Background: This study sought to investigate therapeutic effects of hydrogen-rich saline (HRS) combined with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) in an experimental rat model of acute lung injury (ALI). Methods: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham, LPS, LPS + HBO2, LPS + HRS, and LPS + HBO2 + HRS groups. After an intratracheal injection of LPS-induced ALI, the rats were given a single-agent HBO2 or HRS or HBO2 + HRS treatment. The treatments were continued for three days in this experimental rat model of ALI. At the end of experiment, the lung pathological, inflammatory factors, and cell apoptosis in the pulmonary tissue were detected by Tunel method and cell apoptosis rate was calculated accordingly. Results: In the groups treated with HBO2 + HRS, pulmonary pathological data, wet-dry weight ratio, and inflammatory factors of pulmonary tissues and alveolar lavage fluid were significantly superior to those of the sham group (p<0.05). Cell apoptosis detection revealed that no single agent treatment of HRS or HBO2, or combination treatment , could alleviate all cell apoptosis. HRS combined with HBO2 treatment was superior to single treatment (p<0.05). Conclusion: HRS or HBO2 single treatment could decrease inflammatory cytokines release in lung tissue, reduce the accumulation of oxidative products and alleviate apoptosis of pulmonary cells, then lead to positive therapeutic effects on ALI induced by LPS. Furthermore, HBO2 combined with HRS treatment presented a synergy effect on cell apoptosis decrease and a decline in inflammatory cytokine release and related inflammatory product generation, compared with a single treatment.

Hyperbaric oxygen combined with hydrogen-rich saline protect against acute lung in rat model

Background: To investigate therapeutic effects of hydrogen-rich saline (HRS) combined with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) in an experimental rat model of acute lung injury (ALI). Methods: 40 Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham, LPS, LPS + HBO2, LPS + HRS and LPS + HBO2 + HRS groups. ALI was induced by an intratracheal injection of LPS, then the rats were respectively given single agent treatment of HBO2 or HRS or HBO2 + HRS treatment. The treatments were continued for three days in an experimental rat model of ALI. At the end of the experiment, the lung pathological, inflammatory factors, and cell apoptosis in the pulmonary tissue were detected by Tunel method and cell apoptosis rate was calculated accordingly. Results: In the groups treated with HBO2 + HRS, pulmonary pathological data, wet-dry weight ratio and inflammatory factors of pulmonary tissues and aveolar lavage fluid were signficantly superiror to those of the sham group (p<0.05). Cell apoptosis detection revealed that no matter single agent treatment of HRS or HBO2, or combination treatment, could all alleviate cell apoptosis, and HRS combined with HBO2 treatment was obviously superior to single treatment (p<0.05). Conclusions: HRS or HBO2 single treatment could decrease inflammatory cytokines release in lung tissue, reduce accumulation of oxidative products and alleviate apoptosis of pulmoanry cells, then lead to positive therapeutic effects on ALI induced by LPS. Furthermore, HBO2 combined with HRS treatment presented a synergy effect on cell apoptosis decrease, and a declined trend in inflammatory cytokines release and related inflammatory products generation, compared with single treatment.

Jin

Background: To investigate therapeutic effects of hydrogen-rich saline (HRS) combined with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) in an experimental rat model of Acute Lung Injury (ALI). Methods: 40 Male Sprague-Dawlay rats were randomly divided into sham, LPS, LPS + HBO, LPS + HRS and LPS + HBO + HRS groups. ALI was induced by an intratracheal injection of LPS, then the rats were respectively given single agent treatment of HBO or HRS or HBO + HRS treatment. The treatments were continued for 3 days in such experimental rat model of ALI. At the end of experiment, the lung pathological , inflammatory factors , and cell apoptosis in the pulmonary tissue were detected by Tunel method and cell apoptosis rate was calculated accordingly. Results: In the groups treated with HBO + HRS, pulmonary pathological data, wet-dry weight ratio and inflammatory factors of pulmonary tissues and aveolar lavage fluid were signficantly superiror to those of the sham group（P<0.05）. Cell apoptosis detection revealed that no matter single agent treatment of HRS or HBO, or combination treatment , could all alleviate cell apoptosis, and HRS combined with HBO treatment was obviously superior to single treatment（P<0.05）. Conclusions: HRS or HBO single treatment could decrease inflammatory cytokines release in lung tissue, reduce accumulation of oxidative products and alleviate apoptosis of pulmoanry cells, then lead to positive therapeutic effects on ALI induced by LPS. Furthermore, HBO combined with HRS treatment presented a synergy effect on cell apoptosis decrease, and a declined trend in inflammatory cytokines release and related inflammatory products generation, compared with single treatment.

Effects of hydrogen-rich saline in neuroinflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction in rat model of sepsis-associated encephalopathy

BackgroundSepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is one of the most common types of sepsis-related organ dysfunction without overt central nervous system (CNS) infection. It is associated with higher mortality, low quality of life, and long-term neurological sequelae in suspected patients. At present there is no specific treatment for SAE rather than supportive therapy and judicious use of antibiotics, which are sometimes associated with adverse effects. Molecular hydrogen (H2) has been reported to play crucial role in regulating inflammatory responses, neuronal injury, apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction in adult models of SAE. Here we report the protective effect of hydrogen-rich saline in juvenile SAE rat model and its possible underling mechanism(s).Materials and methodsRats were challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at a dose of 8 mg/kg injected intraperitoneally to induce sepsis and hydrogen-rich saline (HRS) administered 1 h following LPS induction at a dose of 5 ml/kg. Rats were divided into: sham, sham + HRS, LPS and LPS + HRS. At 48 h, rats were sacrificed and Nissl staining for neuronal injury, TUNEL assay for apoptotic cells detection, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA protocol for inflammatory cytokines determination, mitochondrial dysfunction parameters, electron microscopy and western blot analysis were studied to examine the effect of HRS in LPS-induced septic rats.ResultsRats treated with HRS improved neuronal injury, improvement in rats’ survival rate. ELISA analysis showed decreased TNF-α and IL-1β and increased IL-10 expression levels in the HRS-treated group. Apoptotic cells were decreased after HRS administration in septic rats. The numbers of GFAP and IBA-1positive cells were attenuated in the HRS-treated group when compared to the LPS group. Subsequently, GFAP and IBA-1 immunoreactivity were decreased after HRS treatment. Mitochondrial membrane potential detected by JC-1 dye and ATP content were decreased in septic rats, which were improved after HRS treatment, while release of ROS was increased in the LPS group reverted by HRS treatment, ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction. Further analysis by transmission electron microscopy showed decreased number of mitochondria and synapses, and disrupted mitochondrial membrane ultrastructure in the LPS group, while HRS administration increased mitochondria and synapses number.ConclusionThese data demonstrated that HRS can improve survival rate, attenuate neuroinflammation, astrocyte and microglial activation, neuronal injury and mitochondrial dysfunction in juvenile SAE rat model, making it a potential therapeutic candidate in treating paediatric SAE.

Hydrogen suppresses oxidative stress by inhibiting the p38 MAPK signaling pathway in preeclampsia.

Hypertensive disorders complicating pregnancy (HDCP) are one of the most serious medical disorders during pregnancy. To investigate the effects of hydrogen on the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in preeclampsia (PE). The N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced PE model with Sprague Dawley (SD) rats was employed. An inhibitor of MAPK signaling pathways (SB203580) was used as a p38 MAPK inhibitor. The SD rats were randomized into 5 groups: non-pregnant (NP); normal pregnancy (P); pregnancy + L-NAME (L); pregnancy + L-NAME + hydrogen-rich saline (LH); and pregnancy + L-NAME + hydrogen-rich saline + SB203580 (LHS). The pregnancies were terminated on day 22 of gestation, and the placentas and kidneys were microscopically inspected. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were assessed. The mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) and level of proteinuria were recorded. The p38 MAPK mRNA expression and p-p38 MAPK protein levels were measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot, respectively. It was found that hydrogen-rich saline (LH group) decreased placental MDA, proteinuria, TNF-α, and IL-1β levels in the placental tissues compared with the L group (all p < 0.05). Additionally, hydrogen-rich saline (LH group) treatment significantly decreased the p38 MAPK mRNA expression and p-p38 MAPK protein levels compared with the L group (p < 0.05). The p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 (LHS group) further decreased the p38 MAPK mRNA expression and p-p38 MAPK protein levels compared with the LH group (p < 0.05). Hydrogen can decrease the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and inhibit the MAPK pathway. The protective effect of hydrogen may be associated with the inhibition of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway.

Hydrogen exerts neuroprotective effects by inhibiting oxidative stress in experimental diabetic peripheral neuropathy rats.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a complex disorder caused by long-standing diabetes. Oxidative stress was considered the critical creed in this DPN pathophysiology. Hydrogen has antioxidative effects on diabetes mellitus and related complications. However, there is still no concern on the beneficial effects of hydrogen in DPN. This paper aimed to evaluate the effects of exogenous hydrogen to reduce the severity of DPN in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Compared with hydrogen-rich saline treatment, hydrogen inhalation significantly reduced blood glucose levels in diabetic rats in the 4th and 8th weeks. With regard to nerve function, hydrogen administration significantly attenuated the decrease in the velocity of motor nerve conduction in diabetic animals. In addition, hydrogen significantly attenuated oxidative stress by reducing the level of malondialdehyde, reactive oxygen species, and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine and meaningfully enhanced the antioxidant capability by partially restoring the activities of superoxide dismutase. Further studies showed that hydrogen significantly upregulated the expression of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 and downstream proteins such as catalase and hemeoxygenase-1 in the nerves of diabetic animals. Our paper showed that hydrogen exerts significant protective effects in DPN by downregulating oxidative stress via the pathway of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2, which suggests its potential value in clinical applications.

Hydrogen-rich saline alleviates early brain injury through inhibition of necroptosis and neuroinflammation via the ROS/HO-1 signaling pathway after traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been recognized as a serious public health issue and a key contributor to disability and death, with a huge economic burden worldwide. Hydrogen, which is a slight and specific cytotoxic oxygen radical scavenger, has been demonstrated to ameliorate early brain injury (EBI) through reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidative stress injury, apoptosis and necroptosis. Necroptosis refers to a type of programmed cell death process that has a vital function in neuronal cell death following TBI. The specific function of necroptosis in hydrogen-mediated neuroprotection after TBI, however, has yet to be determined. The present study aimed to examine the neuroprotective effects and possible molecular basis that underly hydrogen-rich saline in TBI-stimulated EBI by examining neural necroptosis in the C57BL/6 mouse model. The brain water content, neurological score, neuroinflammatory cytokines (NF-κΒ, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) and ROS were evaluated using flow cytometry. Malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) levels were evaluated using a biochemical kit. Receptor-interacting protein kinase (RIP)1, RIP3, Nrf2 and Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) were evaluated using western blotting. mRNA of Nrf2 and HO-1 were evaluated using quantitative PCR. Neuronal death was evaluated by TUNEL staining. The outcomes illustrated that hydrogen-rich saline treatment considerably enhanced the neurological score, increased neuronal survival, decreased the levels of serum MDA and brain ROS, increased the levels of serum GSH and SOD. In addition the protein expression levels of RIP1 and RIP3 and the cytokines NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were downregulated compared with the TBI group, which demonstrated that hydrogen-rich saline-induced inhibition of necroptosis and neuroinflammation ameliorated neuronal death following TBI. The neuroprotective capacity of hydrogen-rich saline was demonstrated to be partly dependent on the ROS/heme oxygenase-1 signaling pathway. Taken together, the findings of the present study indicated that hydrogen-rich saline enhanced neurological outcomes in mice and minimized neuronal death by inducing protective effects against neural necroptosis as well as neuroinflammation.

Molecular Hydrogen Attenuated N-methyl-N-Nitrosourea Induced Corneal Endothelial Injury by Upregulating Anti-Apoptotic Pathway.

PurposePrevious work by our group has demonstrated the value of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU)-induced corneal endothelial decompensation in animal models. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of molecular hydrogen (H2) on MNU-induced corneal endothelial cell (CEC) injury and the underlying mechanism.MethodsMNU-induced animal models of CEC injury were washed with hydrogen-rich saline (HRS) for 14 days. Immunofluorescence staining, immunohistochemical staining, and corneal endothelial assessment were applied to determine architectural and cellular changes on the corneal endothelium following HRS treatment. MNU-induced cell models of CEC injury were co-cultured with H2. The effect of H2 was examined using morphological and functional assays.ResultsIt was shown that MNU could inhibit the proliferation and specific physiological functions of CECs by increasing apoptosis and decreasing the expression of ZO-1 and Na+/K+-ATPase, whereas H2 improved the proliferation and physiological function of CECs by anti-apoptosis. Cell experiments further confirmed that H2 could reverse MNU damage to CECs by decreasing oxidative stress injury, interfering with the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway and the FOXO3a/p53/p21 pathway.ConclusionsThis study suggests that topical application of H2 could protect CECs against corneal damage factors through anti-apoptotic effect, reduce the incidence and severity of corneal endothelial decompensation, and maintain corneal transparency.

Hydrogen-rich saline alleviates early brain injury through regulating of ER stress and autophagy after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage.

ABSTRACTPurpose:Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a common complication of cerebral vascular disease. Hydrogen has been reported to alleviate early brain injury (EBI) through oxidative stress injury, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and autophagy. Autophagy is a programmed cell death mechanism that plays a vital role in neuronal cell death after SAH. However, the precise role of autophagy in hydrogen-mediated neuroprotection following SAH has not been confirmed.Methods:In the present study, the objective was to investigate the neuroprotective effects and potential molecular mechanisms of hydrogen-rich saline in SAH-induced EBI by regulating neural autophagy in the C57BL/6 mice model. Mortality, neurological score, brain water content, ROS, malondialdehyde (MDA), and neuronal death were evaluated.Results:The results show that hydrogen-rich saline treatment markedly increased the survival rate and neurological score, increased neuron survival, downregulated the autophagy protein expression of Beclin-1 and LC3, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. That indicates that hydrogen-rich saline-mediated inhibition of autophagy and ER stress ameliorate neuronal death after SAH. The neuroprotective capacity of hydrogen-rich saline is partly dependent on the ROS/Nrf2/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway.Conclusions:The results of this study demonstrate that hydrogen-rich saline improves neurological outcomes in mice and reduces neuronal death by protecting against neural autophagy and ER stress.

Hydrogen-Rich Saline Regulates Microglial Phagocytosis and Restores Behavioral Deficits Following Hypoxia-Ischemia Injury in Neonatal Mice via the Akt Pathway.

IntroductionWe have reported previously that hydrogen-rich saline (HS) plays a neuroprotective role in hypoxia-ischemia (HI) brain damage in newborn mice. However, the mechanisms for this neuroprotection resulting from HS remain unknown. In this study, we examined the potential for HS to exert effects upon microglial phagocytosis via involvement of the Akt signaling pathway as one of the neuroprotective mechanisms in response to neonatal HI.MethodsThe HI brain injury model was performed on postnatal day (PND) 7 (modified Vannucci model). The acute brain damage was detected at 3 days after HI exposure. The behavioral and functional screening of the pups at PND11 and PND13 and their long-term outcomes (PND35, 28-days post-HI) were evaluated sensorimotor performance and cognitive functions, respectively.ResultsThe result showed that HS administration alleviated HI-induced edema, infract volume and cellular apoptosis within the cortex of neonatal mice. Accompanying these indices of neuroprotection from HS were reductions in HI-induced phagocytosis in microglia as demonstrated in vivo and in vitro, effects that were associated with increasing levels of Akt phosphorylation and improvements in neurobehavioral responses. These beneficial effects of HS were abolished in mice treated with an Akt inhibitor.DiscussionThese results demonstrate that HS treatment attenuates neurobehavioral deficits and apoptosis resulting from HI, effects which were associated with reductions in phagocytosis and appear to involve the Akt signaling pathway.

MicroRNA files in the prevention of intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury by hydrogen rich saline.

Background: Hydrogen-rich saline (HRS) has been proven effective against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, knowledge on the underlying signaling events remain poor. Having recent highlight of microRNAs (miRNAs) in mediating intestinal I/R injury, we hypothesized that HRS may protect intestine against I/R injury by regulating miRNAs.Method: Mice were given intraperitoneal injection of saline or HRS once daily for five consecutive days before undergoing intestinal I/R that was induced by 60-min ischemia followed by 180-min reperfusion of superior mesenteric artery. The intestine was collected for histopathological assay, miRNA microarray profiling, Real-Time PCR, and Western blotting. Next, miR-199a-3p mimics or inhibitors were transfected into IEC-6 cells to explore the relationship between HRS treatment and miR-199a-3p.Results: I/R-induced mucosal injury and epithelial cells apoptosis were attenuated by HRS pretreatment. A total of 64 intestinal I/R-responsive miRNAs were altered significantly by HRS pretreatment, in which we validated four novel miRNAs with top significance by Real-Time PCR, namely miR-199a-3p, miR-296-5p, miR-5126, and miR-6538. Particularly, miR-199a-3p was drastically increased by I/R but reduced by HRS. Computational analysis predicts insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) regulatory subunit 1 as targets of miR-199a-3p, suggesting involvement of the pro-survival pathway, IGF- 1/PI3K/Akt/mTOR. In in vitro experiment, HRS treatment reduced miR-199a-3p level, increase IGF-1, PI3K and mTOR mRNA expression, restore IEC-6 cells viability, and this protective effects were reversed under miR-199a-3p mimics treatment.Conclusion: Collectively, miR-199a-3p may serve a key role in the anti-apoptotic mechanism of HRS that contributes to its protection of the intestine against I/R injury.

The interventional effects of saturated hydrogen saline on lung injury in rats with cecal ligation and puncture operation

To investigate the hypothesis that hydrogen could ameliorate cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced lung injury of rats by inhibiting cystathionine-gamma-lyase/hydrogen sulfide (CSE/H2S) system. A total number of 24 healthy male SD rats weighting 250～300 g were randomly divided into four groups (n=6 in each group): sham operation group(sham group), hydrogen-rich saline control group(H2 group), CLP group and hydrogen-rich saline treatment group(CLP+H2 group). The rats were treated with hydrogen-rich saline or saline 10 min before CLP or sham operation. At 8 h of sham or CLP operation, lung samples were obtained to detect the changes of the CSE/H2S system using biochemical and RT-PCR methods. In order to further confirm the role of H2S during hydrogen improve the lung injury of CLP rats, we also observed the effect of hydrogen-rich saline on the lung injury induced by H2S donor-sodium sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS). Thirty-two healthy male SD rats (250~300 g) were randomly divided into four groups (n=8 in each group): control group, H2S group, H2S+H2 group and H2 group. Saline(10 mg/kg) or NaHS(H2S donor, 56 μmol/kg) was injected intraperitoneally (10 mg/kg) respectively into rats in the control rats or H2S group. For rats in the H2S+H2 and H2 group, hydrogen-rich saline (10 mg/kg) was injected 10 min before saline or NaHS administration. Eight hours after the LPS saline or NaHS administration, lung coefficient, MDA content, and MPO activity were detected. The contents of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 in lung tissue were measured, and the morphological changes of lung tissue were also observed. CSE/H2S system up-regulating were observed in animals exposed to CLP. Hydrogen-rich saline treatment significantly inhibited CSE/H2S system as indicated by significantly reduced H2S production in lung, along with a decreased CSE activity and CSE mRNA expression (all P＜0.05). Importantly, the results showed that lung injury and lung tissue inflammation were observed in animals exposed to NaHS. Hydrogen-rich saline treatment significantly attenuated lung injury as indicated by significantly improved histological changes in lung, significantly reduced index of quantitative assessment (IQA), MDA content and lung coefficient (all P＜0.05). MPO activity in lung tissue was significantly reduced along with decreased productions of TNF-α and IL-6, and an increased production of IL-10 in the presence of hydrogen (all P＜0.05), demonstrating antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of hydrogen in NaHS-induced ALI. These results indicate that hydrogen-rich saline peritoneal injection improves the lung injury induced by CLP operation. The therapeutic effects of hydrogen-rich saline may be related to suppressing the production of H2S.

Hydrogen-rich saline protects against hepatic injury induced by ischemia-reperfusion and laparoscopic hepatectomy in swine

Hydrogen-rich saline (HRS) has antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. We investigated the effects of hydrogen on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) and laparoscopic hepatectomy in swine. Twenty-one healthy Bama miniature pigs were randomly divided into the sham group, ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) group, HRS-5 (5 mL/kg) group, and HRS-10 (10 mL/kg) group. HRS was injected through the portal vein 10 min before reperfusion and at postoperative day 1, 2 and 3. The roles of HRS on oxidative stress, inflammatory response and liver regeneration were studied. Compared with the IRI group, HRS treatment attenuated oxidative stress by increasing catalase activity and reducing myeloperoxidase. White blood cells in the HRS-10 group were reduced compared with the IRI group (P < 0.01). In the HRS-10 group, interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha, C-reactive protein and cortisol were downregulated, whereas interleukin-10 was upregulated. In addition, HRS attenuated endothelial cell injury and promoted the secretion of angiogenic cytokines, including vascular endothelial growth factor, angiopoietin-1 and angiopoietin-2. HRS elevated the levels of hepatocyte growth factor, Cyclin D1, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, Ki-67 and reduced the secretion of transforming growth factor-beta. HRS treatment may exert a protective effect against I/R and hepatectomy-induced hepatic damage by reducing oxidative stress, suppressing the inflammatory response and promoting liver regeneration.

Effect of hydrogen-rich saline on apoptosis induced by hepatic ischemia reperfusion upon laparoscopic hepatectomy in miniature pigs

Hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury (HIRI) occurs commonly in liver surgery and liver transplantation. Hydrogen, a safe and effective antioxidant, exerts a protective effect against liver injury. In this study, we investigated the role of hydrogen-rich saline (HRS) in apoptosis in a miniature pig model of laparoscopic HIRI upon hepatectomy. Bama miniature pigs were randomly assigned to sham, I/R and HRS groups. The pigs received 10 mL/kg HRS by portal venous injection 10 min before reperfusion and at 1 d, 2 d, and 3 d after surgery. The results showed that HRS treatment significantly decreased serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and total bilirubin (TBIL) activity and TUNEL-positive cells. Upon HRS treatment, the expression of P53 and Bax mRNA and protein by RT-qPCR and Western blot was markedly decreased, whereas the expression of bcl-2 mRNA and protein was significantly increased. Moreover, Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 activities were significantly decreased upon treatment with HRS. In conclusion, the results indicate that HRS could alleviate liver injury and improve liver function via inhibiting apoptosis after laparoscopic HIRI and hepatectomy injury in miniature pigs.

Hydrogen-Rich Saline Ameliorates Allergic Rhinitis by Reversing the Imbalance of Th1/Th2 and Up-Regulation of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Regulatory T Cells, Interleukin-10, and Membrane-Bound Transforming Growth Factor-β in Guinea Pigs

It is well known that CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg cells play an important role in the development of allergic rhinitis (AR); the defect of cell numbers and functions contribute to AR. Hydrogen has been proven effective in alleviating symptoms of AR. We herein aim to verify the protective effects of hydrogen on CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg cells in guinea pigs with AR and to explore the effect of hydrogen-rich saline (HRS) on CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg cells in animals with AR and investigate the underlying anti-inflammatory mechanism. Eighteen guinea pigs were randomly divided into three groups (control group/AR group/AR-HRS group). The guinea pigs were injected with hydrogen-rich saline (AR-HRS group) for 10days after sensitization. The control group was injected with an equal volume of normal saline. The number of sneezes, degree of runny nose, and nasal-rubbing movements were scored. Peripheral blood eosinophil count was recorded. The proportions of Th1/Th2 of the peripheral blood and the CD4+CD25+Foxp3+T cells in the CD4+T cells of the spleen and peripheral blood were determined by flow cytometry. The content of interleukin (IL)-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β in the serum was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein and mRNA expression of Foxp3, IL-10, and TGF-β were determined by Western blot, immunofluorescence, and real-time PCR analysis, respectively. Scores of symptoms, number of eosinophils,and nasal mucosa damage were dramatically reduced after HRS treatment. HRS increased the expression of Foxp3, IL-10, TGF-β, and number of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg cells, which were reduced in AR. HRS also revised the dysregulation of Th1/Th2 balance. Both the number and biological activity of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg cells increased with up-regulation of Th1/Th2 after HRS administration. HRS could play a protective role in attenuating AR through improving the proportion and functions of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg cells.

The Comparative Efficiency of Intraperitoneal and Intravitreous Injection of Hydrogen Rich Saline against N-Methyl-N-Nitrosourea Induced Retinal Degeneration: A Topographic Study.

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) comprises a heterogeneous group of inherited retinal diseases leading to blindness. The present study explored the protective effects of hydrogen rich saline (HRS) against the photoreceptor degeneration in the N-Methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) administrated rat, a pharmacologically induced RP model. The therapeutic effects of intraperitoneal (IP) and intravitreous (IV) injections of HRS on regional retina was quantified via topographic measurements. The MNU administrated rats received IV or IP injections of HRS, and then they were subjected to electroretinography, multi electrode array, histological and immunohistochemistry examinations. The concentrations of the retinal malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as the mRNA levels of apoptotic-associated genes were quantified. The IP and IV delivery pathways of HRS were both effective to ameliorate MNU induced photoreceptor degeneration. Moreover, the IV acted as a more efficient delivery method than the IP in terms of therapeutic effects. Particularly, the topographic measurements suggested that the IV delivery of HRS could alleviate MNU induced photoreceptor degeneration in the posterior retina. The immunostaining experiments also verified the comparative efficiency between IV and IP delivery of HRS on regional cone photoreceptors. Focal cone photoreceptors showed different susceptibilities to HRS and exhibited as a distinct spatial disequilibrium: cone photoreceptors in the ST quadrant were preferentially rescued; meanwhile, HRS induced protection was feeblest in the IN quadrant. Furthermore, the HRS treatment increased the level of retinal SOD, while reduce the level of retinal MDA in MNU administered rats. The expression levels of sever apoptotic -associated genes were significantly altered by HRS treatment. Collectively, these findings suggest that the IV space is an excellent target for HRS delivery. The IV delivery of HRS can efficiently alleviate the photoreceptors (especially these locate at the posterior retina) from MNU toxicity and act as a candidate treatment for RP.