General Research Model: rat

Inhalation of Hydrogen Gas Is Beneficial for Preventing Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Rats

Simplified Version Available

Breathe Easy: How Hydrogen Gas May Prevent Kidney Damage

Researchers in Japan found that inhaling hydrogen gas can prevent acute kidney injury caused by contrast dyes used in medical imaging. This discovery could lead to new ways to protect our kidneys during procedures like MRIs and CT scans. More research is needed, but the potential benefits are promising.

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Abstract

Publish Year 2015 Country Japan Rank Positive Journal Nephron Experimental Nephrology Primary Topic Kidney Secondary TopicSurgery/Transplantation Model Rat Tertiary TopicContrast Media Toxicity (Loversol) Vehicle Gas pH N/A Application Inhalation Comparison Complement

Background

Methods: CIAKI was induced in rats by intravenous injection of a contrast medium, Ioversol, in addition to reagents inhibiting prostaglandin and nitric oxide synthesis. During the injection of these reagents, the rats inhaled H2 gas or control gas.

Methods

Results: One day after the injection, serum levels of urea nitrogen were significantly lower in H2 gas-inhaling CIAKI rats (17.6 ± 2.3 mg/dl) than those in control gas-treated CIAKI rats (36.0 ± 7.3 mg/dl), although they both were elevated as compared to untreated rats (14.9 ± 0.9 mg/dl). Consistently, creatinine clearance in H2 gas-treated CIAKI rats was higher than that in control gas-treated counterparts. Renal histological analysis revealed that the formation of proteinaceous casts and tubular necrosis was improved by H2 gas inhalation. Mechanistic analyses showed that inhalation of H2 gas significantly reduced renal cell apoptosis, expression of cleaved caspase 3, and expression of an oxidative stress marker, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, in injured kidneys.