Hydrogen Water Reduces Allergy Symptoms in Allergic Rhinitis Study
- Authors
- Shaoqing Yu, Chuanliang Zhao, Na Che, Lin Jing, Rongming Ge
- Journal
- Journal of Inflammation
- Year
- 2017
- DOI
- 10.1186/s12950-016-0148-x
- Study Type
- Guinea Pig
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Allergic Rhinitis
- Body System
- Respiratory
TL;DR
Hydrogen-rich saline reduces allergy symptoms and inflammation in guinea pigs with allergic rhinitis by lowering oxidative stress and the activity of allergy-related cells.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-rich saline reduced sneezing and scratching frequency while decreasing eosinophil activation and oxidative stress markers in guinea pigs with allergic rhinitis.
Summary
Researchers tested whether hydrogen-rich saline could help reduce allergic rhinitis (hay fever-like symptoms) in guinea pigs. They found that hydrogen-rich saline reduced harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species, lowered sneezing and scratching, and decreased the number of immune cells (eosinophils) involved in allergic reactions in the nasal tissue.
Practical Takeaway
This early animal study suggests hydrogen may help reduce allergic inflammation by acting as an antioxidant, but these results are from guinea pigs only and have not been tested in humans. More research is needed before drawing conclusions about hydrogen water's effects on human allergies.
Abstract
Background: It is well considered that reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a prominent causative role in the development of allergic rhinitis (AR), and eosinophils cells as important allergic inflammatory cells contribute to elevating oxidative stress. Hydrogen, emerging as a novel antioxidant, has been proven effective in selectively reducing ROS in animals models of oxidative damage. We herein aim to verify protective effects of hydrogen on eosinophils cells in guinea pigs models of AR. Methods: Thirty two guinea pigs were random divided into four groups, and AR model was established through ovalbumin sensitization. The guinea pigs were injected with hydrogen-rich saline (Normal-HRS and AR-HRS group) or normal saline (control and AR group). The frequencies of sneezing and scratching were recorded. The IgE level, blood eosinophil count and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) level in serum were measured. The serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) assays were also measured to evaluate oxidative stress. The expression levels of eotaxin mRNA and protein in the nasal mucosa were also determined by real-time RT-PCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence. Results: HRS reduced the ROS and MDA levels and increased SOD level in guinea pigs of AR-HRS group accompanied with decreased frequency of sneezing and scratches. Meanwhile, there was a decline of the number of eosinophils cells in blood and of thelevel of ECP in serum in the AR-HRS group. HRS also significantly decreased the expression of eotaxin in nasal mucosa. Conclusion: HRS may play a protective role in attenuating allergic inflammation, and suppressing the increase and activation of eosinophils in AR possibly through antioxidation effect of hydrogen.