General Research
Model: rat
Hydrogen coadministration slows the development of COPD-like lung disease in a cigarette smoke-induced rat model
Simplified Version Available
Breathing Easier: How Hydrogen May Help Combat COPD
A recent study suggests that hydrogen therapy may slow down the development of COPD, a serious lung condition. The study used a rat model and found that hydrogen gas inhalation reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in the lungs. This breakthrough offers new hope for people with COPD and could lead to improved treatments.
Read Simplified ArticleAbstract
Publish Year 2017 Country China Rank Positive Journal International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Primary Topic Lung Secondary TopicEnvironmental Pollution Model Rat Tertiary TopicCigarette Smoke Exposure Vehicle Gas pH N/A Application Inhalation Comparison Complement
Background
Methods: A rat COPD model was established through smoke exposure methods, and inhalation of different concentrations of hydrogen was used as the intervention. The daily condition of rats and the weight changes were observed; lung function and right ventricular hypertrophy index were assessed. Also, white blood cells were assessed in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Pathologic changes in the lung tissue were analyzed using light microscopy and electron microscopy; cardiovascular structure and pulmonary arterial pressure changes in rats were observed using ultrasonography. Tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17, IL-23, matrix metalloproteinase-12, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, caspase-3, caspase-8 protein, and mRNA levels in the lung tissue were determined using immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and real-time polymerase chain reaction.
Methods
Results: The results showed that hydrogen inhalation significantly reduced the number of inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha, IL-6, IL-17, IL-23, matrix metalloproteinase-12, caspase-3, and caspase-8, but increased the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 expression. Furthermore, hydrogen inhalation ameliorated lung pathology, lung function, and cardiovascular function and reduced the right ventricular hypertrophy index. Inhalation of 22% and 41.6% hydrogen showed better outcome than inhalation of 2% hydrogen.
Results
Conclusion: These results suggest that hydrogen inhalation slows the development of COPD-like lung disease in a cigarette smoke-induced rat model. Higher concentrations of hydrogen may represent a more effective way for the rat model.