Hydrogen Reduces Oxidative Stress in Preeclampsia in Rats
Hydrogen suppresses oxidative stress by inhibiting the p38 MAPK signaling pathway in preeclampsia
Research hubs: Reproductive 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
- Lili Guo, Ming Liu, Tao Duan
- Journal
- Advances in Clinical and Experimental Medicine
- Year
- 2022
- PMID
- 36330842
- Study Type
- Rat
- Delivery
- Saline (Dissolved)
- Duration
- 22 days
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 15 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Hydrogen treatment can reduce inflammation and damage in the placentas of pregnant rats with a condition similar to preeclampsia by blocking a specific stress-related pathway.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-rich saline reduced oxidative stress markers and inflammatory molecules in placental tissue of pregnant rats with induced high blood pressure, apparently by inhibiting the p38 MAPK signaling pathway.
Summary
Researchers used pregnant rats with artificially induced high blood pressure to test whether hydrogen-rich saline could help reduce harmful effects. They found that hydrogen-rich saline lowered markers of cellular damage (MDA), protein in urine, and inflammatory molecules (TNF-α and IL-1β) in placental tissue. The hydrogen appeared to work by blocking a specific cellular signaling pathway called p38 MAPK that contributes to oxidative stress (damage from unstable molecules called free radicals).
Practical Takeaway
This is an animal study in rats, so results cannot be directly applied to humans. While the findings suggest hydrogen may have a protective mechanism against preeclampsia-related damage, human clinical trials would be needed to determine if hydrogen water or hydrogen-rich saline could be safe or effective for pregnant people with high blood pressure. The study does not provide evidence for consumer use of hydrogen water.
Abstract (excerpt)
Background: Hypertensive disorders complicating pregnancy (HDCP) are one of the most serious medical disorders during pregnancy. Objectives: To investigate the effects of hydrogen on the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in preeclampsia (PE). Material and methods…