Hydrogen Saline Speeds Wound Healing by Reducing Inflammation
- Authors
- Yujie Li, Chengcheng Shen, Xin Zhou, Jianghe Zhang, Xiaoyue Lai, Yiming Zhang
- Journal
- Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity
- Year
- 2022
- DOI
- 10.1155/2022/2949824
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Wound Healing Disorders
- Body System
- Integumentary
TL;DR
Applying hydrogen-rich saline directly to wounds can speed up healing by reducing inflammation, oxidative damage, and cell death.
Key Finding
Local application of hydrogen-rich saline significantly shortened wound closure time in mice and reduced oxidative stress and inflammation through activation of the Nrf-2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway.
Summary
Researchers tested whether hydrogen-rich saline (salt water containing dissolved hydrogen gas) could speed up wound healing in mice. They found that applying hydrogen-rich saline directly to wounds shortened healing time and reduced harmful molecules called free radicals that slow healing. The treatment also decreased inflammation and cell death in the wound area by activating a natural protective pathway in cells called the Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway.
Practical Takeaway
This early-stage mouse study suggests hydrogen-rich saline may help wounds heal faster by reducing harmful oxidative stress, but much more research is needed before any conclusions can be drawn for human use. The study was conducted only in animals, so results may not translate directly to people. Anyone with wound healing concerns should consult their healthcare provider rather than self-treating with hydrogen water products.
Abstract
Wound healing is a complex dynamic process involving a large number of biological events. Excessive oxidative stress is a key factor delaying wound healing. Hydrogen is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic medical gas with safety, effectiveness, and penetrability. However, the effects of local treatment of hydrogen on wound healing and its potential mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, Kunming (KM) mice were used to set up a wound model. All the mice were randomly divided into the control, the local treatment with saline group, the local treatment with the hydrogen-rich saline group, and the intraperitoneal injection of the hydrogen-rich saline group. To evaluate the impact of hydrogen-rich saline on wound healing, we assessed the wound healing rate, wound closure time, histomorphology, oxidative stress indicators, inflammatory cytokines, the apoptosis index, and the expression of the nuclear factor-erythroid-related factor 2(Nrf-2). Furthermore, the immortalized nontumorigenic human epidermal (HaCaT) cells were chosen to investigate the therapeutic effects of hydrogen-rich medium on oxidative stress and its underlying mechanisms. The results showed that local treatment of hydrogen-rich saline shortened wound closure time and reduced the level of proinflammatory cytokines and lipid peroxidation. Meanwhile, it decreased the cell apoptosis index and increased the Nrf-2 expression. Besides, hydrogen-rich medium relieved the oxidative stress via the activation of the Nrf-2/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway. In conclusion, local treatment of hydrogen-rich saline exhibits the healing-promoting function through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects. Hydrogen relieves the oxidative stress in the wound microenvironment via Nrf-2/HO-1 signaling pathway. This study may offer a new strategy to promote wound healing and a new perspective to illustrate the mechanism of wound healing.