Hydrogen-Enriched Dressing May Improve Diabetic Foot Ulcers in Rats
Hydrogen-Enriched Hyaluronic Acid Dressing Ameliorates Diabetic Foot Ulcer via Promoting Mitophagy
Research hubs: Type 2 Diabetes · Skin & Dermatology System · Endocrine System
- Authors
- Ziyu Xu, Xinyu Cui, Houbin Chu, Hao Wan, Yunbo Xie, Ying Wang, Qingbin Ni, Xiaolin Ding, Guohua Song
- Journal
- Journal of Diabetes
- Year
- 2026
- PMID
- 41906653
- Study Type
- Rat
- Participants
- 60
- Delivery
- Saline (Dissolved)
- Dose
- hydrogen-enriched hyaluronic acid dressing; vacuum-assisted closure combined with hydrogen-rich saline in human patients
- H₂ concentration
- 0.6 mmol/L
- Funding
- National Natural Science Foundation of China (82370446); National Natural Science Foundation of China (81873517)
- Conflicts of interest
- None declared
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 1 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
A hydrogen-enriched hyaluronic acid dressing improved diabetic wound healing by reducing inflammation and activating mitochondrial repair pathways.
Key Finding
A hydrogen-enriched hyaluronic acid dressing promoted wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers by activating a cellular pathway that removes damaged mitochondria and reduces oxidative stress in rat models and human cell cultures.
Summary
Researchers developed a wound dressing containing hydrogen and hyaluronic acid to treat diabetic foot ulcers (open sores that develop in people with diabetes). In rat studies and laboratory tests with human cells, the dressing improved wound healing, reduced inflammation and cell damage, and helped cells survive better by activating a cellular cleanup process called mitophagy (where cells remove damaged mitochondria, which are the energy-producing parts of cells).
Practical Takeaway
This early-stage research in rats and laboratory cells suggests hydrogen-enriched dressings may help diabetic wound healing, but human clinical trials are needed to confirm effectiveness and safety. The study does not provide evidence that hydrogen water taken orally would have similar effects.
Abstract (excerpt)
ABSTRACT Objective Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is one of the most common chronic complications of diabetes. This study developed a hydrogen‐enriched hyaluronic acid (HA) dressing and aimed to explore its therapeutic effects and mechanisms in DFU treatment. Methods A combination of vacuum‐assisted…