Hydrogen-Rich Saline Protects Intestinal Tissue from Damage in Rats
Hydrogen-rich saline protects against intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats
Research hubs: Digestive System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (rat)
- Authors
- Xingfeng Zheng, Xingfeng Zheng, Yanfei Mao, Jianmei Cai, Yonghua Li, Wenwu Liu, Pengling Sun, John H. Zhang, Xuejun Sun, Hongbin Yuan
- Journal
- Free Radical Research
- Year
- 2009
- PMID
- 19353364
- Study Type
- Rat
- Delivery
- Saline (Dissolved)
- Dose
- 5 ml/kg hydrogen-rich saline via intravenous infusion at 10 min before reperfusion
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 165 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Hydrogen-rich saline was found to protect the small intestine from injury caused by temporary loss and restoration of blood supply by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-rich saline reduced intestinal damage from ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats by decreasing oxidative stress markers and inflammatory molecules.
Summary
Researchers gave rats a condition where blood flow to the intestines was cut off and then restored, which normally causes damage. They tested whether hydrogen-rich saline (salt water containing dissolved hydrogen gas) could protect against this damage. Hydrogen-rich saline reduced markers of cell damage and inflammation in the intestines and improved tissue appearance, while a control solution did not have these effects.
Practical Takeaway
This rat study suggests hydrogen-rich saline may protect intestinal tissue during conditions involving interrupted blood flow, such as surgery. However, this is early-stage animal research, and it's unclear whether these results would apply to humans or what dose and delivery method would be relevant for people.
Abstract (excerpt)
Hydrogen gas was reported to reduce reactive oxygen species and alleviate cerebral, myocardial and hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injuries. This paper studied the effect of hydrogen-rich saline, which was easier for clinical application, on the intestinal I/R injury. Model of intestinal I/R…