Hydrogen Saline Protects Liver During Surgery in Pig Study
- 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
- DOI
- 10.2478/jvetres-2018-0056
- Study Type
- Pig
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Liver Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
- Body System
- Hepatic
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
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, laparoscopic liver ischaemia-reperfusion combined resection injury group (IRI group), and a hydrogen-rich saline intervention group (IRI + HRS group). Samples of hepatic tissue and serum were collected at the time of reperfusion and then 3 h, 1 d, and 3 d post reperfusion. Liver function, oxidative stress, autophagy-related mRNA genes, and protein expression were evaluated. Changes in cell and tissue ultrastructure were examined by transmission electron microscopy. Results: Compared with the sham group, the level of autophagy of hepatocytes increased in the IRI and IRI + HRS groups, corresponding to high oxidative stress and severe liver function injury. Liver function, antioxidant content, autophagy levels, and liver injury were improved after intervention with HRS in the IRI + HRS group compared with the IRI group. Conclusion: Intervention with hydrogen-rich saline could exert a protective effect against liver ischaemia-reperfusion combined resection injury through the reduction of oxidative stress and hepatocyte autophagy.