Hydrogen Water Protects Heart During Cardiac Surgery in Rat Study
Hydrogen‑rich solution against myocardial injury and aquaporin expression via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway during cardiopulmonary bypass in rats
Research hubs: Cardiovascular System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (rat)
- Authors
- Dandan Song, Xuelei Liu, Yugang Diao, Yingjie Sun, Guangjie Gao, Tiezheng Zhang, Keyan Chen, Ling Pei
- Journal
- Molecular Medicine Reports
- Year
- 2018
- PMID
- 29956781
- Study Type
- Rat
- Delivery
- Saline (Dissolved)
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 37 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
A hydrogen-rich solution (HRS) can reduce heart damage caused by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery by affecting certain cell survival pathways.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-rich solution significantly reduced heart tissue damage and improved heart cell survival in rats undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass, with protection appearing to work through activation of the PI3K/Akt cellular signaling pathway.
Summary
This rat study investigated whether hydrogen-rich solution could protect heart tissue from damage during cardiopulmonary bypass (a machine that temporarily takes over heart and lung function during surgery). Researchers found that hydrogen-rich solution reduced markers of heart damage, decreased inflammation and oxidative stress (harmful chemical reactions), and improved heart cell survival. The protective effect appeared to work through a specific cellular signaling pathway called PI3K/Akt.
Practical Takeaway
This is an early-stage animal study suggesting hydrogen-rich solution may help protect heart tissue during cardiac surgery, but human studies are needed before any clinical recommendations can be made. The findings are promising but limited to laboratory rats and do not yet demonstrate safety or effectiveness in people.
Abstract (excerpt)
Myocardial ischemia, hypoxia and reperfusion injury are induced by aortic occlusion, cardiac arrest and resuscitation during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), which can severely affect cardiac function. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of hydrogen‑rich solution (HRS)…