General Research
Model: mouse
Protective Effect of Hydrogen Gas Inhalation on Muscular Damage using a Mouse Hind Limb Ischemia Reperfusion Injury Model
Simplified Version Available
How Hydrogen Gas Inhalation Can Protect Your Muscles from Damage
A 2017 study found that hydrogen gas inhalation can protect muscles from damage in mice. The study suggests that hydrogen gas could be a new way to reduce muscle damage, especially for people at risk such as athletes or those undergoing surgery. More research is needed, but the findings are promising and could lead to new ways to protect our muscles.
Read Simplified ArticleAbstract
Publish Year 2017 Country Japan Rank Positive Journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Primary Topic Muscle Secondary TopicSurgery/Transplantation Model Mouse Tertiary TopicIschemia-Reperfusion Injury Vehicle Saline (Dissolved) pH Neutral Application Injection Comparison Complement
Background
Methods: The authors compared the concentration of hydrogen in a muscle on intraperitoneal administration of hydrogen-rich saline and on inhalation of hydrogen gas. Animals were subjected to ischemia-reperfusion. Mice were treated with inhalation of hydrogen gas, and the hind gastrocnemius muscle was collected. Muscle morphology and inflammatory change were evaluated after ischemia-reperfusion. Moreover, a footprint test was performed to assess the functional effect of hydrogen.
Methods
Results: Hydrogen concentration of tissue was significantly higher, and the elevated level was maintained longer by hydrogen gas inhalation than by intraperitoneal administration of hydrogen-rich saline. Infarct zone and area with loss of tissue structure and marked cellular infiltration were significantly decreased in groups treated by hydrogen gas inhalation during ischemia-reperfusion; however, these effects were not observed by posttreatment of hydrogen. One week after ischemia-reperfusion, mice that had been pretreated with hydrogen gas recovered faster and achieved smoother walking in appearance compared with mice in the other groups as assessed by the footprint test. Conclusions: Inhalation of hydrogen gas attenuates muscle damage, inhibits inflammatory response, and enhances functional recovery. These findings suggest that the optimal route for hydrogen delivery is continuous inhalation of hydrogen gas, which could be a novel clinical mode of treatment in ischemia-reperfusion injury.