General Research
Model: mouse
The Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Hydrogen Gas Inhalation and Its Influence on Laser-Induced Choroidal Neovascularization in a Mouse Model of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Simplified Version Available
Breathe Easy: How Hydrogen Gas Inhalation May Help Combat Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Researchers in Taiwan found that inhaling hydrogen gas reduced inflammation and prevented the growth of new blood vessels in a mouse model of age-related macular degeneration. This non-invasive therapy could potentially be used to manage AMD, a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. The study's findings are promising and warrant further research to confirm the effectiveness of hydrogen gas inhalation in humans.
Read Simplified ArticleAbstract
Publish Year 2021 Country Taiwan Rank Positive Journal International Journal of Molecular Sciences Primary Topic Eye Secondary TopicAging Model Mouse Tertiary TopicMacular Degeneration Vehicle Gas pH N/A Application Inhalation Comparison Complement
Background
Methods: Laser was used to induce CNV formation. C57BL/6J mice were divided into five groups: the control group; the laser-only group; and the 2 h, 5 h, and 2.5 h/2.5 h groups that received laser and H2 inhalation (21% oxygen, 42% hydrogen, and 37% nitrogen mixture) for 2 h, 5 h, and 2.5 h twice every day, respectively.
Methods
Results: The severity of CNV leakage on fluorescence angiography showed a significant decrease in the H2 inhalation groups. The mRNA expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha and its immediate downstream target vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) showed significant elevation after laser, and this elevation was suppressed in the H2 inhalation groups in an inhalation period length-related manner. The mRNA expression of cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor alpha and interlukin-6, also represented similar results.
Results
Conclusion: H2 inhalation could alleviate CNV leakage in a laser-induced mouse CNV model, and the potential mechanism might be related to the suppression of the inflammatory process and VEGF-driven CNV formation.