Hydrogen Saline Protects Kidneys from Surgery-Related Damage
- Authors
- Chihiro Shingu, Hironori Koga, Satoshi Hagiwara, Shigekiyo Matsumoto, Koji Goto, Isao Yokoi, Takayuki Noguchi
- Journal
- Journal of Anesthesia
- Year
- 2010
- DOI
- 10.1007/s00540-010-0942-1
- Study Type
- Rat
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- Japan
- Health Condition
- Acute Kidney Injury
- Body System
- Urinary System
TL;DR
A special saline solution rich in hydrogen can reduce kidney damage caused by temporary loss and restoration of blood flow in rats.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-rich saline solution reduced kidney damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress markers in rats subjected to ischemia-reperfusion injury, while also preserving the structure of mitochondria (the cell's energy factories).
Summary
Researchers tested whether hydrogen-rich saline solution could protect rat kidneys from damage caused by temporary loss of blood flow followed by blood flow restoration—a common problem during kidney surgery and transplants. They found that rats given hydrogen-rich saline had less kidney tissue damage, better-preserved cell structures, and lower markers of oxidative stress (cellular damage from unstable molecules) compared to rats given regular saline.
Practical Takeaway
This early-stage animal study suggests hydrogen-rich saline may help protect kidneys during surgery, but it is a rat study only and does not yet tell us whether this approach would work in humans. Much more research, including human trials, would be needed before any clinical use could be considered.
Abstract
Renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R), an important cause of acute kidney injury, is unavoidable during various types of operations, including renal transplantation, surgical revascularization of the renal artery, partial nephrectomy, and treatment of suprarenal aortic aneurysms. Exacerbation of I/R injury is mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). A recent study has shown that hydrogen has antioxidant properties. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that a hydrogen-rich saline solution (HRSS) attenuates renal I/R injury in a rodent model. Rats were treated with an intravenous injection of HRSS or control saline solution followed by renal I/R. After 24 h of treatment, we performed a histological examination and transmission electron microscopy, and measured serum levels of 8-OHdG. Histological analysis revealed a marked reduction of interstitial congestion, edema, inflammation, and hemorrhage in renal tissue harvested 24 h after HRSS treatment compared to saline administration. Renal I/R injury, which led to altered mitochondrial morphology, was also inhibited by HRSS. Furthermore, serum 8-OHdG levels were significantly lower in rats treated with HRSS and subjected to renal I/R. These protective effects were likely due to the antioxidant properties of HRSS. These results suggest that HRSS is a potential therapeutic candidate for treating various I/R diseases.