Hydrogen-Oxygen Solution Protects Liver After Blood Loss in Rats
Hyperoxygenated hydrogen-rich solution suppresses shock- and resuscitation-induced liver injury
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
- Yangjie Dang, Ting Liu, Xiaopeng Mei, Xiangzhong Meng, Xingchun Gou, Bin Deng, Hao Xu, Lixian Xu
- Journal
- Journal of Surgical Research
- Year
- 2017
- PMID
- 29180204
- Study Type
- Rat
- Participants
- 60
- Delivery
- Saline (Dissolved)
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 4 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
A special solution containing both hydrogen and oxygen can help reduce liver damage in rats after severe blood loss and resuscitation.
Key Finding
In rats with severe bleeding, treatment with hyperoxygenated hydrogen-rich solution reduced liver damage markers and inflammatory responses more effectively than standard resuscitation fluids or hydrogen or oxygen alone.
Summary
Researchers tested whether a special fluid containing both hydrogen and oxygen could protect the liver from damage caused by severe bleeding and resuscitation in rats. Compared to standard treatment fluids, the hydrogen-oxygen combination reduced markers of liver damage, decreased inflammation, and prevented liver cell death in the hours after resuscitation.
Practical Takeaway
This is early-stage animal research showing that combining hydrogen and oxygen delivery may protect liver tissue during hemorrhagic shock. However, these findings are from rats only, and it remains unknown whether this approach would be safe or effective in humans. Much more research would be needed before any clinical application.
Abstract (excerpt)
Background: It is not known whether simultaneous delivery of hydrogen and oxygen can reduce injury caused by hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation (HSR). This study investigated the therapeutic potential of hyperoxygenated hydrogen-rich solution (HHOS), a combined hydrogen/oxygen carrier, in a rat…