General Research
Model: rabbit
Protective effects of molecular hydrogen on steroid-induced osteonecrosis in rabbits via reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis
Simplified Version Available
How Hydrogen Gas May Help Prevent Bone Damage from Steroid Use
Researchers in China found that hydrogen gas may help prevent bone damage caused by long-term steroid use. The study suggests that hydrogen gas reduces oxidative stress and apoptosis, which can lead to bone tissue death. This discovery could be especially helpful for people with conditions like arthritis or asthma who rely on steroids to manage their symptoms.
Read Simplified ArticleAbstract
Publish Year 2017 Country China Rank Positive Journal BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Primary Topic Bone Secondary TopicOsteonecrosis Model Rabbit Tertiary TopicDrug Toxicity (Prednisolone) Vehicle Gas pH N/A Application Injection Comparison Complement
Background
Methods: Sixty rabbits were randomly divided into two groups (model group and hydrogen group). Osteonecrosis was induced according to an established protocol of steroid-induced ON. Rabbits in the hydrogen group were treated with intraperitoneal injections of molecular hydrogen at 10 ml/kg body weight for seven consecutive days. Plasma levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, soluble thrombomodulin(sTM), glutathione(GSH) and malondialdehyde(MDA) were measured before and after steroid administration. The presence or absence of ON was examined histopathologically. Oxidative injury and vascular injury were assessed in vivo by immunohistochemical staining of 8-hydoxy-2-deoxyguanosine(8-OHdG) and MDA, and ink artery infusion angiography. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays were performed to measure apoptosis.
Methods
Results: The incidence of steroid-induced ON was significantly lower in hydrogen group (28.6%) than that in model group (68.0%). No statistically differences were observed on the levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides. Oxidative injury, vascular injury and apoptosis were attenuated in the hydrogen group compared with those in the model group in vivo. Conclusions: These results suggested that molecular hydrogen prevents steroid-induced osteonecrosis in rabbits by suppressing oxidative injury, vascular injury and apoptosis.