Hydrogen Protects Skin Cells from Diabetes-Related Damage
Hydrogen-rich medium protects human skin fibroblasts from high glucose or mannitol induced oxidative damage
Research hubs: Oxidative Stress · Skin & Dermatology System · Endocrine System
- Evidence type
- Laboratory study (cells or tissue)
- Authors
- Pan Yu, Zhenxiang Wang, Xuejun Sun, Xiaohua Chen, Suyun Zeng, Liang Chen, Shirong Li
- Journal
- Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
- Year
- 2011
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.bbrc.2011.05.024
- Study Type
- Cell Culture
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Diabetes
- Body System
- Integumentary
This research was done on cells or tissue in a lab, not in people or animals.
TL;DR
Hydrogen treatment can protect skin cells from damage caused by high sugar levels and oxidative stress, which is beneficial for treating skin problems in diabetes.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-rich medium significantly reduced oxidative stress markers and protected human skin cells from damage caused by high glucose or mannitol exposure by neutralizing harmful free radicals and strengthening cellular defense systems.
Summary
Researchers grew human skin cells in a lab and exposed them to high glucose or mannitol (both create oxidative stress, a type of cellular damage linked to diabetes). They then tested whether hydrogen-rich medium could protect these cells. Hydrogen successfully reduced harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species, stabilized the cells' energy-producing structures (mitochondria), and boosted the cells' natural defense systems. This suggests hydrogen might one day help protect skin from diabetes-related damage, though this was a lab study in cells, not in people.
Practical Takeaway
This cell-culture study suggests hydrogen may have protective effects against oxidative stress related to diabetes, but it is very early-stage research. The findings cannot yet be applied to people—further studies in animals and humans would be needed to determine if hydrogen water or other hydrogen delivery methods could actually help prevent or treat diabetes-related skin problems.
Abstract (excerpt)
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are an important factor in the development of skin lesions in diabetes. A new antioxidant, hydrogen, can selectively neutralize hydroxyl radicals (OH) and peroxynitrite (ONOO−) in cell-free systems, whereas it seldom reacts with other ROS. Fibroblasts are a key…