Hydrogen Water Protects Gum Cells from Damage and Speeds Healing
- Authors
- Li Xiao, Nobuhiko Miwa
- Journal
- Human Cell
- Year
- 2017
- DOI
- 10.1007/s13577-016-0150-x
- Study Type
- Cell Culture
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- Japan
- Health Condition
- Gum Disease
- Body System
- Oral
TL;DR
Hydrogen-rich water (HW) can help protect gum cells from damage caused by harmful oxygen-related molecules and aid in wound healing.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-rich water significantly reduced reactive oxygen species levels in human gum cells and prevented cell death caused by oxidative stress, while also restoring depleted glutathione levels.
Summary
This laboratory study tested whether hydrogen-rich water (water infused with hydrogen gas using a magnesium stick) could protect human gum cells from damage caused by harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS). Researchers exposed gum cells and 3D tissue samples to hydrogen-rich water and then exposed them to substances that generate ROS. The hydrogen-rich water reduced ROS levels, prevented cell death, restored a protective molecule called glutathione, and improved wound healing in the cells.
Practical Takeaway
This is an early-stage cell culture study, not a human trial, so results cannot yet be applied to real-world use. The findings suggest hydrogen-rich water may have potential protective effects against oxidative damage in oral tissues, but much more research—including human studies—would be needed before any health claims could be made. The study's relevance to drinking hydrogen water versus direct application to gum tissue remains unclear.
Abstract
The aim of the present study is to investigate protective effects of hydrogen-rich water (HW) against reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced cellular harmful events and cell death in human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) and three-dimensional (3D-) gingival tissue equivalents. HW was prepared with a magnesium stick in 600-mL double distilled water (DDW) overnight. Dissolved hydrogen was about 1460 ± 50 μg/L versus approximately 1600 μg/L for the saturated hydrogen. Under cell-free conditions, HW, dose-dependently, significantly scavenged peroxyl radicals (ROO·) derived from 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH). Extract from HW-treated HGF cells scavenged ROO· more markedly than that from DDW-treated cells, suggesting that HW can increase the intracellular antioxidant capacity. Hydrogen peroxide dose-dependently increased the intracellular ROS generation, which was significantly repressed by HW, both in the cytoplasm and nuclei. LIVE/DEAD staining and our original cell viability dye-extraction assay showed that HW significantly protected HGF cells from hydrogen peroxide-induced cell death. Hydrogen peroxide also diminished the contents of intracellular glutathione, which were appreciably relieved by HW-pretreatment. Additionally, HW noticeably prevented cumene hydroperoxide-induced generation of cellular ROS in epidermis parts of 3D-gingival equivalents. The in vitro scratch assay showed that HW was able to diminish physical injury-induced ROS generation and promote wound healing in HGF cell monolayer sheets. In summary, HW was able to increase intracellular antioxidative capacity and to protect cells and tissue from oxidative damage. Thus, HW might be used for prevention/treatment of oxidative stress-related diseases.