Hydrogen Saline Protects Liver During Surgery in Pig Study
Influence of Hydrogen-rich Saline on Hepatocyte Autophagy During Laparoscopic Liver Ischaemia-reperfusion Combined Resection Injury in Miniature Pigs
Research hubs: Oxidative Stress · Digestive System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (pig)
- Authors
- Ge Bai, Hui Li, Yansong Ge, Qianzhen Zhang, Jiantao Zhang, Mingzi Chen, Tao Liu, Hong-Bin Wang
- Journal
- Journal of Veterinary Research
- Year
- 2018
- PMID
- 30584622
- Study Type
- Pig
- Participants
- 18
- Delivery
- Saline (Dissolved)
- Duration
- 3 days
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 13 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Hydrogen-rich saline may help protect the liver from damage caused by interrupted blood flow and subsequent surgical removal of liver tissue.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-rich saline reduced liver damage and improved liver function in pigs undergoing surgery that temporarily cut off blood flow to the liver, an effect linked to reduced harmful oxidative stress and changes in cellular cleanup processes.
Summary
This study tested whether hydrogen-rich saline (a salt water solution containing dissolved hydrogen) could protect the liver from damage during surgery. Researchers performed liver surgery on 18 miniature pigs, comparing three groups: one that had surgery without complications, one that experienced reduced blood flow to the liver during surgery (which causes injury), and one that received hydrogen-rich saline to prevent that injury. The hydrogen-rich saline group showed better liver function, less cellular damage, and reduced harmful chemical reactions compared to the group without treatment.
Practical Takeaway
While this animal study suggests hydrogen-rich saline may protect liver tissue during surgical stress, it was conducted only in pigs and does not establish whether the same effect occurs in humans. More research, including human trials, would be needed before drawing conclusions about its usefulness for people undergoing liver surgery.
Abstract (excerpt)
Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of hydrogen-rich saline (HRS) against liver ischaemia-reperfusion combined resection injury. Material and Methods: Eighteen miniature pigs were randomly divided into three groups: a sham operated group (sham group…