Hydrogen Therapy Protects Heart Cells from Stress-Induced Damage
Hydrogen inhibits isoproterenol‑induced autophagy in cardiomyocytes in vitro and in vivo
Research hubs: Cardiovascular System
- Authors
- Yaxing Zhang, Zhiyuan Long, Jingting Xu, Sihua Tan, Nan Zhang, Anfei Li, Ling Wang, Ting-Huai Wang
- Journal
- Molecular Medicine Reports
- Year
- 2017
- PMID
- 28944928
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Delivery
- Water (Dissolved)
- Dose
- In vivo: 1 ml/100 g/day by intraperitoneal injection for 14 days; In vitro: hydrogen-rich medium pretreatment for 30 min
- Duration
- 2 weeks
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 32 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Hydrogen treatment can reduce harmful levels of cell cleanup processes and prevent heart cell enlargement caused by stress signals in both lab-grown cells and live mice.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-rich water inhibited excessive autophagy in heart muscle cells exposed to isoproterenol stress, both in laboratory conditions and in living mice, and reduced markers of heart enlargement.
Summary
This study investigated whether hydrogen-rich water could reduce excessive autophagy (a cellular cleanup process) in heart muscle cells exposed to isoproterenol, a chemical that mimics stress on the heart. Researchers tested this both in lab-grown heart cells and in mice. They found that hydrogen-rich water blocked the excessive autophagy triggered by isoproterenol and reduced signs of heart enlargement in the mice.
Practical Takeaway
This early-stage animal research suggests hydrogen water may help protect heart muscle from stress-induced damage by reducing excessive autophagy, but these findings are from mice and lab cells only—human studies would be needed to determine if this applies to people. The study does not establish whether hydrogen water would benefit people with heart conditions.
Abstract (excerpt)
A previous study from our group has demonstrated that hydrogen administration can attenuate cardiovascular hypertrophy in vivo by targeting reactive oxygen species‑dependent mitogen‑activated protein kinase signaling. The aim of the present study is to determine the effect of hydrogen…