General Research
Model: human
Molecular hydrogen alleviates motor deficits and muscle degeneration in mdx mice
Simplified Version Available
Hydrogen Water: A New Hope for Muscular Dystrophy Treatment
A Japanese study found that hydrogen water improved muscle function and reduced muscle damage in mice with muscular dystrophy. This simple, safe treatment could be a new hope for people with this genetic disorder. More research is needed, but the results are promising and have implications for other diseases, such as chronic fatigue syndrome and lung disease.
Read Simplified ArticleAbstract
Publish Year 2017 Country Japan Rank Positive Journal Redox Report Primary Topic Muscle Secondary TopicMuscular Dystrophy Model Mouse Tertiary TopicMotor Deficit Vehicle Water (Dissolved) pH Neutral Application Ingestion Comparison Complement
Methods
Results: Hydrogen water prevented abnormal body mass gain that is commonly observed in mdx mice. Hydrogen improved the spontaneous running distance that was estimated by a counter-equipped running-wheel, and extended the duration on the rota-rod. Plasma creatine kinase activities were decreased by hydrogen at ages 10 and 24 weeks. Hydrogen also decreased the number of central nuclei of muscle fibers at ages 10 and 24 weeks, and immunostaining for nitrotyrosine in gastrocnemius muscle at age 24 weeks. Additionally, hydrogen tended to increase protein expressions of antioxidant glutathione peroxidase 1, as well as anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, in skeletal muscle at age 10 weeks. Discussion: Although molecular mechanisms of the diverse effects of hydrogen remain to be elucidated, hydrogen potentially improves muscular dystrophy in DMD patients.