Hydrogen Protects Skin Cells from UV Damage Through Antioxidant Pathway
- Authors
- Bingxin Zhang, Zishen Zhao, Xiaoyin Meng, Hongguang Chen, Guojun Fu, Ke-Liang Xie
- Journal
- International Journal of Molecular Medicine
- Year
- 2018
- DOI
- 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3550
- Study Type
- Cell Culture
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Photoaging
- Body System
- Integumentary
TL;DR
Hydrogen gas can help protect skin cells from damage caused by UV rays by activating a protective pathway in the cells.
Key Finding
Hydrogen reduced oxidative stress markers in UVB-damaged skin cells and activated protective cellular defense pathways, with effects partially dependent on the PI3K/Akt signaling mechanism.
Summary
This laboratory study examined how molecular hydrogen protects skin cells from damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) light. Researchers exposed human skin cells to UVB radiation and treated some with hydrogen. They found that hydrogen reduced harmful molecules called free radicals (reactive oxygen species) and activated protective defense systems within the cells, specifically through a pathway involving proteins called PI3K, Akt, and Nrf2.
Practical Takeaway
This is an early-stage laboratory study in isolated skin cells, not humans, so its relevance to drinking hydrogen water or using hydrogen products for skin protection remains unclear. While the findings suggest hydrogen may have antioxidant effects in skin cells exposed to UV damage, much more research—including human studies—would be needed before drawing conclusions about real-world benefits for photoaging or sun damage prevention.
Abstract
Chronic ultraviolet (UV) exposure-induced oxidative stress is associated with the pathogenesis of skin damage. However, the nuclear factor erythroid‑2‑related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway is a critical factor in protecting cells against UVB‑induced injury through inhibiting oxidative stress. Furthermore, Nrf2 activation requires the involvement of the phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway, which has a major role in survival of various cell types. Molecular hydrogen exerts protective effects on UV‑induced injury, but the underlying mechanisms have remained elusive. The present study assessed the protective effects of hydrogen against oxidative stress‑induced injury caused by UVB irradiation and investigated the molecular mechanisms. In vitro, UVB‑induced HaCaT cells were collected for the detection of reactive oxygen species, 8‑iso‑prostaglandin F2α, malondialdehyde via fluorescence spectrometry and ELISA; cell activity and cytotoxicity by MTT and lactate dehydrogenase assays, respectively. Additionally, the expression level of PI3K, Akt, Nrf2 and heme oxygenase‑1 (HO‑1) were investigated using western blot, etc. All of the results indicated that hydrogen decreased the levels of reactive oxygen species, 8‑iso‑prostaglandin F2α and malondialdehyde, and promoted the UVB exposure‑induced expression of PI3K, Akt, Nrf2 and heme oxygenase‑1 in HaCaT cells. Of note, PI3K inhibition partially reversed the effects of hydrogen on UVB‑induced HaCaT cells. Therefore, hydrogen effectively protects cells from UVB radiation‑induced oxidative stress by inhibiting Nrf2/HO‑1 activation through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.