Hydrogen Saline Protects Lungs from Surgery-Related Damage in Rats

Authors
Journal
Science Progress
Year
DOI
10.1177/00368504241257060
Study Type
Rat
Outcome
Positive
Peer Reviewed
Yes
Country
Turkey
Health Condition
Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Body System
Respiratory

TL;DR

Giving rats hydrogen-rich saline before blood flow is restricted and restored reduces lung damage and stress caused by the lack of oxygen.

Key Finding

Hydrogen-rich saline administered before ischemia-reperfusion injury reduced oxidative stress markers and lung tissue damage in rats, including decreased inflammation and injury scores.

Summary

This rat study tested whether hydrogen-rich saline (a salt solution containing dissolved hydrogen) could protect lung tissue from damage caused by ischemia-reperfusion injury—a type of tissue damage that occurs when blood flow is cut off and then restored, common during vascular surgery. Researchers induced this injury in rats' leg muscles and measured markers of oxidative stress (cellular damage from unstable molecules) and lung tissue damage. Rats that received hydrogen-rich saline before the procedure showed reduced oxidative stress markers and less lung inflammation compared to untreated rats.

Practical Takeaway

This is an early-stage animal study suggesting hydrogen-rich saline may help protect lungs from damage during vascular surgery complications. However, this was only tested in rats at a specific dose and timing; human studies would be needed to determine if similar benefits apply to people. The findings are preliminary and should not be interpreted as medical advice for surgical patients.

Abstract

Introduction: Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury is a major concern that frequently occurs during vascular surgeries. Hydrogen-rich saline (HRS) solution exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to examine the effects of HRS applied before ischemia in the lungs of rats using a lower extremity IR model. Material and methods: After approval was obtained from the ethics committee, 18 male Wistar albino rats weighing 250-280 g were randomly divided into three groups: control (C), IR and IR-HRS. In the IR and IR-HRS groups, an atraumatic microvascular clamp was used to clamp the infrarenal abdominal aorta, and skeletal muscle ischemia was induced. After 120 min, the clamp was removed, and reperfusion was achieved for 120 min. In the IR-HRS group, HRS was administered intraperitoneally 30 min before the procedure. Lung tissue samples were examined under a light microscope and stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E). Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, total sulfhydryl (SH) levels, and histopathological parameters were evaluated in the tissue samples. Results: MDA and total SH levels were significantly higher in the IR group than in the control group (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.001, respectively). MDA and total SH levels were significantly lower in the IR-HRS group than in the IR group (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.013, respectively). A histopathological examination revealed that neutrophil infiltration/aggregation, alveolar wall thickness, and total lung injury score were significantly higher in the IR group than in the control group (p < 0.0001, p = 0.001, and p < 0.0001, respectively). Similarly, alveolar wall thickness and total lung injury scores were significantly higher in the IR-HRS group than in the control group (p = 0.009 and p = 0.004, respectively). A statistically significant decrease was observed in neutrophil infiltration/aggregation and total lung injury scores in the IR-HRS group compared to those in the IR group (p = 0.023 and p = 0.022, respectively). Conclusion: HRS at a dose of 20 mg/kg, administered intraperitoneally 30 min before ischemia in rats, reduced lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress, while also reducing IR damage in lung histopathology. We believe that HRS administered to rats prior to IR exerts a lung-protective effect.