Hydrogen Water Protects Heart Cells from Damage After Heart Attack
- Authors
- Xiaofei Xue, Wang Xi, Wei Li, Jian Xiao, Zhinong Wang, Yufeng Zhang
- Journal
- ESC Heart Failure
- Year
- 2023
- DOI
- 10.1002/ehf2.14492
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Myocardial Infarction
- Body System
- Cardiovascular
TL;DR
Hydrogen-rich saline (HRS) helps protect the heart from damage caused by interrupted blood flow and oxygen by targeting a specific microRNA and its associated protein.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-rich saline protected heart cells from damage by increasing miR-124-3p levels, which suppressed calpain1 activity and prevented cell death in laboratory and animal models of heart injury.
Summary
Researchers used mice and rat heart cells to study how hydrogen-rich saline (a salt solution containing dissolved hydrogen) protects heart tissue from damage caused by interrupted blood flow and oxygen loss. They found that hydrogen-rich saline works by increasing levels of a molecule called miR-124-3p, which then reduces activity of a protein called calpain1, ultimately preventing heart cells from dying and preserving their function.
Practical Takeaway
This early laboratory and animal study suggests hydrogen-rich saline may protect heart tissue through a specific molecular mechanism, but these findings have not been tested in humans. Much more research, including human trials, would be needed before any conclusions could be drawn about potential benefits for heart health in people.
Abstract (excerpt)
Aims: Molecular hydrogen has been exhibited a protective function in heart diseases. Our previous study demonstrated that hydrogen-rich saline (HRS) could scavenge free radicals selectively and alleviate the inflammatory response in the myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, but…