Hydrogen Therapy Prevents Kidney Dialysis Complications in Mice
Molecular hydrogen regulates PTEN-AKT-mTOR signaling via ROS to alleviate peritoneal dialysis-related peritoneal fibrosis
- Evidence type
- Animal study (cell culture)
- Authors
- Hongtao Lu, Wei Chen, Wenrui Liu, Yachen Si, Tingting Zhao, Xueli Lai, Zhimin Kang, Xuejun Sun, Zhiyong Guo
- Journal
- The FASEB Journal
- Year
- 2020
- DOI
- 10.1096/fj.201901981R
- Study Type
- Cell Culture
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- End-Stage Renal Disease
- Body System
- Renal
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
TL;DR
Adding molecular hydrogen to the fluid used in peritoneal dialysis could help prevent scarring in the abdomen caused by long-term dialysis treatment.
Key Finding
Molecular hydrogen reduced peritoneal fibrosis in laboratory and mouse models by reducing harmful reactive oxygen species and blocking the PTEN/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
Summary
Peritoneal dialysis is a kidney treatment that helps people with severe kidney disease, but using it long-term can cause scarring of the membrane lining the abdomen (peritoneal fibrosis). This study tested whether molecular hydrogen—a gas that can reduce harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species in cells—could prevent this scarring. Researchers used mouse models and laboratory cell cultures exposed to high glucose (similar to dialysis fluid) and found that hydrogen-rich dialysate reduced scarring by lowering harmful molecules and blocking specific cellular signaling pathways.
Practical Takeaway
While this early-stage research in cells and mice suggests hydrogen-rich dialysate may help protect against scarring in peritoneal dialysis patients, human clinical trials are needed to confirm safety and effectiveness. The study does not yet provide evidence that hydrogen water supplements would have similar benefits for dialysis patients.
Abstract (excerpt)
As a convenient, effective and economical kidney replacement therapy for end-stage renal disease (ESRD), peritoneal dialysis is available in approximately 11% of ESRD patients worldwide. However, long-term peritoneal dialysis treatment causes peritoneal fibrosis. In recent years, the application…