Oral ‘hydrogen water’ induces neuroprotective ghrelin secretion in mice

Akio Matsumoto, Harumi Nakaya, Mami Noda, Megumi Yamafuji, Tomoko Tachibana, Yusaku Nakabeppu

Read more:

DOI: 10.1038/srep03273 DOI is the universal ID for this study.

This link will take you to the full study.

Abstract:

The therapeutic potential of molecular hydrogen (H₂) is emerging in a number of human diseases and in their animal models, including in particular Parkinson's disease (PD). H₂ supplementation of drinking water has been shown to exert disease-modifying effects in PD patients and neuroprotective effects in experimental PD model mice. However, H₂ supplementation does not result in detectable changes in striatal H₂ levels, indicating an indirect effect. Here we show that H₂ supplementation increases gastric expression of mRNA encoding ghrelin, a growth hormone secretagogue, and ghrelin secretion, which are antagonized by the β1-adrenoceptor blocker, atenolol. Strikingly, the neuroprotective effect of H₂ water was abolished by either administration of the ghrelin receptor-antagonist, D-Lys(3) GHRP-6, or atenolol. Thus, the neuroprotective effect of H₂ in PD is mediated by enhanced production of ghrelin. Our findings point to potential, novel strategies for ameliorating pathophysiology in which a protective effect of H₂ supplementation has been demonstrated.

Publish Year 2013
Country Japan
Rank Positive
Journal Nature Scientific Reports
Primary Topic Brain
Secondary TopicParkinson's Disease
Model Mouse
Tertiary TopicGhrelin Secretion
Vehicle Water (Electrolysis)
pH Alkaline
Application Ingestion
Comparison
Complement