Hydrogen Saline Protects Brain During Heart Surgery in Rats
Hydrogen-Rich Saline Attenuates Brain Injury Induced by Cardiopulmonary Bypass and Inhibits Microvascular Endothelial Cell Apoptosis Via the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β Signaling Pathway in Rats
Research hubs: Brain & Nervous System · Cardiovascular System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (rat)
- Authors
- Keyan Chen, Nan Wang, Yugang Diao, Wanwei Dong, YingJie Sun, Lidan Liu, Xiuying Wu
- Journal
- Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry
- Year
- 2017
- PMID
- 29040978
- Study Type
- Rat
- Delivery
- Saline (Dissolved)
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 47 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
A hydrogen-rich solution can reduce brain damage caused by heart surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass by affecting a specific cell signaling pathway.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-rich saline reduced brain injury markers and cell death in rats undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, with effects mediated through the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway.
Summary
This rat study tested whether hydrogen-rich saline (a salt solution containing dissolved hydrogen gas) could protect the brain from injury during heart-lung bypass surgery. Researchers found that the hydrogen-rich saline reduced brain swelling, decreased cell death, and lowered inflammation markers in treated rats compared to untreated controls. The protective effect appeared to work through a specific cellular pathway (PI3K/Akt/GSK3β) that regulates cell survival.
Practical Takeaway
While this rat study suggests hydrogen-rich saline may protect brain tissue during cardiac surgery, it is early-stage research that has not been tested in humans. The findings are interesting for potential future clinical applications, but much more research would be needed before any health recommendations could be made for surgical patients.
Abstract (excerpt)
Background/aims: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is prone to inducing brain injury during open heart surgery. A hydrogen-rich solution (HRS) can prevent oxidation and apoptosis, and inhibit inflammation. This study investigated effects of HRS on brain injury induced by CPB and regulatory mechanisms…