General Research Model: human

Treatment of hydrogen molecule abates oxidative stress and alleviates bone loss induced by modeled microgravity in rats

Simplified Version Available

How Hydrogen Therapy May Help Prevent Bone Loss in Space and On Earth

A 2013 study found that hydrogen-rich water reduced bone loss in rats exposed to simulated microgravity, suggesting potential benefits for astronauts and people on Earth. Hydrogen's antioxidant properties help neutralize harmful substances that can damage bones. This research could lead to new ways to prevent bone loss and keep our skeletons healthy.

Read Simplified Article

Abstract

Publish Year 2013 Country China Rank Positive Journal Osteoporosis International Primary Topic Bone Secondary TopicSpaceflight Model Rat Tertiary TopicMicrogravity Vehicle Water (Dissolved) pH Neutral Application Ingestion Comparison Complement

Methods

Results: Treatment with HW alleviated HLS-induced reduction of bone mineral density, ultimate load, stiffness, and energy in femur and lumbar vertebra. Treatment with HW alleviated HLS-induced augmentation of malondialdehyde content and peroxynitrite content and reduction of total sulfhydryl content in femur and lumbar vertebra. In cultured MC3T3-E1 cells, incubation with HRM inhibited modeled microgravity-induced ROS formation, reduction of osteoblastic differentiation, increase of ratio of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand to osteoprotegerin, inducible nitric oxide synthetase upregulation, and Erk1/2 phosphorylation. In cultured RAW264.7, incubation with HRM aggravated modeled microgravity-induced ROS formation, osteoclastic differentiation, and osteoclastogenesis.

Results

Conclusion: Treatment with molecular hydrogen alleviates microgravity-induced bone loss in rats. Molecular hydrogen could thus be envisaged as a nutritional countermeasure for spaceflight but remains to be tested in humans.