Hydrogen Gas Protects Liver from Damage During Transplant Storage
- Authors
- Shingo Shimada, Kenji Wakayama, Moto Fukai, Tsuyoshi Shimamura, Takahisa Ishikawa, Daisuke Fukumori, Maki Shibata, Kenichiro Yamashita, Taichi Kimura, Satoru Todo, Ikuroh Ohsawa, Akinobu Taketomi
- Journal
- Artificial Organs
- Year
- 2016
- DOI
- 10.1111/aor.12710
- Study Type
- Rat
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- Japan
- Health Condition
- Liver Disease
- Body System
- Hepatic
TL;DR
Breathing hydrogen gas can significantly reduce damage to the liver caused by a lack of blood flow and oxygen after it has been preserved in cold storage.
Key Finding
Hydrogen gas significantly reduced liver damage and improved function in rat livers that had undergone prolonged cold storage, primarily by maintaining blood flow, protecting cellular energy centers (mitochondria), and reducing oxidative stress.
Summary
This study tested whether hydrogen gas could reduce damage to rat livers that were stored in cold conditions for 48 hours before being used for transplant. Researchers perfused (circulated fluid through) the livers with either hydrogen-enriched or regular oxygen-enriched buffer and measured various markers of liver damage and function. Livers treated with hydrogen gas showed significantly less damage, better blood flow, and less oxidative stress (cellular damage from unstable molecules) compared to livers without hydrogen treatment.
Practical Takeaway
While these results are promising for potential transplant applications, this was an isolated rat liver study conducted in a laboratory setting—not a human trial. The findings suggest hydrogen may have protective effects during organ preservation, but much more research, including human studies, would be needed before any clinical applications could be considered.
Abstract (excerpt)
AbstractHydrogen gas reduces ischemia and reperfusion injury (IRI) in the liver and other organs. However, the precise mechanism remains elusive. We investigated whether hydrogen gas ameliorated hepatic I/R injury after cold preservation. Rat liver was subjected to 48‐h cold storage in University…