Hydrogen Water May Reduce Bone Death From Steroids in Mice
Hydrogen activates ACOD1-itaconate pathway to ameliorate steroid-associated osteonecrosis
Research hubs: Cardiovascular System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (mouse)
- Authors
- Yuanming An, Lizhen Zheng, Shi'an Zhang, Haozhi Zhang, Yuantao Zhang, Hongwei Shao, Wenxue Tong, Ziyi Chen, Hao Yao, Zhenkang Wen, Shunxiang Xu, Ye Li, Qinyu Tian, Liming Cheng, Wei Sun, Ling Qin, Jiankun Xu
- Journal
- Biomaterials
- Year
- 2025
- PMID
- 40411985
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Delivery
- Water (Electrolysis)
- Dose
- saturated hydrogen-rich water (HRW)
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Drinking hydrogen-rich water (HRW) helps prevent bone damage and reduces bad cholesterol in mice treated with high doses of steroids.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-rich water prevented steroid-induced bone death in mice by activating a cellular pathway (ACOD1-itaconate) that reduced bone cell death, improved bone structure, and shifted immune cells toward an anti-inflammatory state.
Summary
This mouse study tested whether hydrogen-rich water could prevent bone death (osteonecrosis) caused by steroid medications. Mice given high-dose steroids and treated with hydrogen-rich water showed better bone health, improved blood vessel formation, lower cholesterol levels, and reduced inflammation compared to untreated mice. The protective effects appeared to work through a specific cellular pathway called ACOD1-itaconate.
Practical Takeaway
While this is early evidence from mouse studies suggesting hydrogen water may help prevent steroid-related bone damage, human studies are needed before any health claims can be made. The study does not report how long treatment lasted or other practical details needed to assess real-world applicability. Anyone taking steroids should discuss bone health strategies with their doctor rather than relying on unproven interventions.
Abstract (excerpt)
Steroid-associated osteonecrosis (SAON) remains a challenging clinical condition as there are few effective preventive measures. This study investigates the effects of hydrogen (H2) administrated via saturated hydrogen-rich water (HRW) in mice received high dose of glucocorticoids (for inducing…