Hydrogen-Rich Saline in Mice After Bone Marrow Transplant
Administration of Hydrogen-Rich Saline in Mice with Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation
Research hubs: Immune System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (mouse)
- Authors
- Jianming Cai
- Journal
- Medical Science Monitor
- Year
- 2015
- PMID
- 25763677
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Delivery
- Saline (Dissolved)
- Dose
- 5 ml/kg hydrogen-rich saline once daily by intraperitoneal injection
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 10 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Treating mice with hydrogen-rich saline after a bone marrow transplant improved their survival and reduced signs of a serious post-transplant complication.
Key Finding
In mice receiving bone marrow transplants, hydrogen-rich saline increased survival rates and reduced the severity of acute graft-versus-host disease while lowering inflammatory markers.
Summary
Researchers gave mice that received bone marrow transplants either hydrogen-rich saline or regular saline to see if hydrogen could help prevent a serious complication called acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD), where the transplanted cells attack the recipient's body). Mice receiving hydrogen-rich saline had better survival rates, less severe disease symptoms, faster white blood cell recovery, and lower levels of inflammatory molecules in their blood compared to control mice.
Practical Takeaway
While these results are promising, this is an early-stage mouse study only—not human research. The findings suggest hydrogen-rich saline may help reduce transplant complications, but much more research, including human trials, would be needed before any clinical use. Anyone undergoing stem-cell transplantation should discuss any experimental treatments only with their transplant team.
Abstract (excerpt)
Background: Hydrogen, as a novel antioxidant, has been shown to selectively reduce the level of hydroxyl radicals and alleviate acute oxidative stress in many animal experiments. Hydrogen-rich saline provides a high concentration of hydrogen that can be easily and safely applied. Allogeneic…