Hydrogen Therapy Protects Muscle During Limb Reattachment Surgery
Hydrogen attenuates ischaemia-reperfusion injury in skeletal muscles post-limb replantation by activating the NRF2/HO-1 signalling pathway to reduce BAX expression
Research hubs: Musculoskeletal System
- Evidence type
- Animal study (rat)
- Authors
- Zi-Hao Jiang, Jun-Sheng Wang, Jin-Ling Wang, Jiang-Fan Zheng, Xiao-Ling Li, Zhi-Cheng Yang, Meng-Qiu Xu, Yong-Li Zhang, Yu Wang
- Journal
- Heliyon
- Year
- 2024
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e37018
- Study Type
- Rat
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
- Body System
- Musculoskeletal
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
TL;DR
Pre-treating with hydrogen-rich heparin sodium helps protect muscles from damage after limb reattachment by boosting the body's antioxidant defenses.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-rich heparin activated a cellular protection pathway (NRF2/HO-1) that reduced oxidative stress and cell death in muscle tissue after simulated limb replantation in rats.
Summary
This rat study tested whether hydrogen-rich heparin (a blood thinner mixed with hydrogen) could reduce damage to leg muscles during limb replantation surgery. When a limb is reattached, blood flow is restored after being cut off, which causes oxidative stress (harmful chemical reactions) and cell death. Researchers found that hydrogen-rich heparin activated a protective cellular pathway (NRF2/HO-1) that reduced oxidative damage and prevented cells from dying, compared to regular heparin alone.
Practical Takeaway
This is early-stage research in rats only, so it cannot yet be applied to human surgery. The findings suggest that hydrogen-enriched solutions may help protect muscle tissue during limb replantation procedures, but human clinical trials would be needed to determine if this approach is safe and effective in actual surgical patients.
Abstract (excerpt)
Background: Ischaemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a critical complication post-limb replantation. The oxidative stress and cellular apoptosis due to IRI considerably hinder the healing process. This study aimed to investigate the modulatory effects of pre-perfusion with hydrogen-rich heparin sodium…