Nano Platinum-Hydrogen Saline Protects Newborn Eyes from Oxygen Damage
- Authors
- Yangcan Ming, Wanyi Xu, Zhe Yang, Zi Wang, Na Wang
- Journal
- Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine
- Year
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.1080/14767058.2025.2454374
- Study Type
- Rat
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Retinopathy of Prematurity
- Body System
- Visual System
TL;DR
A mixture of tiny platinum particles and hydrogen saline reduces abnormal blood vessel growth and damage in the eyes of newborn rats with a disease similar to human premature infant eye disease.
Key Finding
Nano platinum-hydrogen saline reduced oxidative stress markers and abnormal blood vessel growth in rat retinas more effectively than hydrogen saline alone, suggesting a synergistic effect between the two components.
Summary
Researchers tested a combination of nano platinum particles and hydrogen-enriched saline on newborn rats with oxygen-induced retinopathy (a vision-threatening condition that can develop in premature infants exposed to high oxygen). The treatment reduced harmful molecules called free radicals in the retina, decreased abnormal blood vessel growth, and reduced cell death compared to untreated rats or rats given hydrogen saline alone.
Practical Takeaway
This is an early-stage animal study showing promise for a potential new treatment approach to retinopathy of prematurity. However, these results are from rats only and have not been tested in humans, so it is far too early to draw conclusions about safety or effectiveness in infants. Much more research would be needed before this could be considered for clinical use.
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the impact of nano platinum-hydrogen saline (Pt NPs + H2) on oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) in neonatal rats, with the goal to contribute new insights into the therapeutic strategies for retinopathy of prematurity. Methods: Pt NPs + H2 formulation was synthesized to address OIR in a rat model. Subsequent examination included the assessment of retinal blood vessel distribution and morphology through hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and isolectin B4 (IB4) staining techniques. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde(MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured to reflect the oxidative stress in rats. Additionally, the protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in each experimental group was assessed using western blot analysis, while the gene expression of VEGF in retinal neovascularization tissues was assessed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Furthermore, the extent of retinal cell apoptosis was measured using a TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) apoptosis kit. Results: HE staining and IB4 staining revealed positive retinal neovascularization in the OIR group, whereas neovascularization in the Pt NPs + H2 group exhibited reduced severity. Significantly fewer capillary globules and capillary tubules were observed in the Pt NPs + H2 group compared to the OIR group (p 0.05). Conclusions: The synergistic effect of hydrogen saline and nano platinum manifests as enhanced antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-neovascular properties. Nano platinum-hydrogen saline demonstrates inhibitory effects on OIR in rats.