Hydrogen-Rich Saline in Cirrhotic Rats
Concomitant inhibition of oxidative stress and angiogenesis by chronic hydrogen‐rich saline and <scp>N</scp>‐acetylcysteine treatments improves systemic, splanchnic and hepatic hemodynamics of cirrhotic rats
Research hubs: Cardiovascular System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (rat)
- Authors
- Pei‐Chang Lee, Ying‐Ying Yang, Chien‐Sheng Huang, Shie‐Liang Hsieh, Kuei‐Chuan Lee, Yun‐Cheng Hsieh, Tzung‐Yan Lee, Han‐Chieh Lin
- Journal
- Hepatology Research
- Year
- 2014
- PMID
- 24961937
- Study Type
- Rat
- Delivery
- Saline (Dissolved)
- Dose
- 1-month treatment of hydrogen-rich saline
- Duration
- 30 days
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 22 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- Taiwan
TL;DR
Antioxidants like N-acetylcysteine and hydrogen-rich saline may help reduce complications in liver cirrhosis by improving blood circulation and reducing blood vessel growth and liver damage.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-rich saline reduced oxidative stress and abnormal blood vessel growth in cirrhotic rats, improving blood flow and decreasing portal hypertension to a degree comparable to N-acetylcysteine treatment.
Summary
This study tested whether hydrogen-rich saline (a solution containing dissolved hydrogen gas) could help treat complications of cirrhosis (severe liver disease) in rats. Researchers compared hydrogen-rich saline to N-acetylcysteine, a known antioxidant treatment, and found that both reduced oxidative stress (cellular damage from unstable molecules) and improved blood flow problems, reduced abnormal blood vessel growth, and decreased pressure in the portal vein (a major vessel that carries blood to the liver).
Practical Takeaway
While this rat study suggests hydrogen-rich saline may have therapeutic potential for liver disease complications, it is an animal study and does not demonstrate safety or effectiveness in humans. Much more research, including human clinical trials, would be needed before hydrogen water could be considered a treatment for cirrhosis or liver disease.
Abstract (excerpt)
AimIn cirrhosis, increased oxidative stress leads to systemic and splanchnic hyperdynamic circulation, splanchnic angiogenesis, portosystemic collateral formation, hepatic endothelial dysfunction, increased intrahepatic resistance and the subsequent portal hypertension. Like N‐acetylcysteine…