Hydrogen Water Protects Brain Cells After Stroke in Rats
- Authors
- Hai-Ming Cong, Qiu-Ping Gao, Guo-Qiang Song, Ying-Xin Ye, Xiao-Li Li, Lian-Shuang Zhang, Xi-Feng Wang
- Journal
- Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Science
- Year
- 2020
- DOI
- 10.22038/ijbms.2020.41751.9857
- Study Type
- Rat
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Ischemic Stroke
- Body System
- Nervous System
TL;DR
Hydrogen-rich saline may help reduce brain cell damage and improve brain function after a stroke in rats.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-rich saline reduced brain cell death after stroke-like injury in rats by activating protective pathways that fight oxidative stress, particularly by increasing a molecule called hydrogen sulfide in the hippocampus.
Summary
Researchers gave rats with stroke-like brain injuries (caused by temporarily blocking blood flow) either hydrogen-rich saline or a placebo. They found that hydrogen treatment reduced brain cell death in a region called the hippocampus by increasing levels of a protective molecule and reducing harmful oxidative stress (cellular damage from unstable molecules). The hydrogen appeared to work by activating the brain's natural antioxidant defenses.
Practical Takeaway
This rat study provides early evidence that hydrogen-rich saline may have neuroprotective effects against stroke-related brain injury, but human studies are needed before any conclusions can be drawn about its use in stroke patients. The findings are promising but limited to laboratory conditions in animals.
Abstract (excerpt)
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the potential role of hydrogen in rats after cerebral ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Materials and methods: The experimental samples were composed of sham group, model group of rats that received middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 2 hr followed…