Hydrogen Gas Protects Skin During Surgery by Preventing Cell Death
- Authors
- Xin-Hang Dong, Hao Liu, Ming-Zi Zhang, Peng-Xiang Zhao, Shu Liu, Yan Hao, You-Bin Wang
- Journal
- American Journal of Translational Research
- Year
- 2019
- Study Type
- Rat
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
- Body System
- Integumentary
TL;DR
Breathing in high levels of hydrogen gas helps reduce tissue damage and improve blood flow in rats after a surgical procedure that temporarily cuts off and then restores blood supply.
Key Finding
Rats that inhaled high-concentration hydrogen after ischemia/reperfusion injury showed significantly better skin flap survival and blood perfusion, with reduced activity of proteins involved in cell death pathways.
Summary
Researchers tested whether inhaling high concentrations of hydrogen gas could protect rat skin tissue from damage caused by temporarily cutting off and then restoring blood flow during surgery. Rats that received hydrogen inhalation after the blood flow was restored had better skin survival and blood flow compared to rats that did not receive hydrogen. The protective effect appeared to work by reducing activity of certain proteins involved in a cell death process called necroptosis.
Practical Takeaway
This is an early-stage animal study suggesting hydrogen gas inhalation may help protect tissue during surgical procedures involving temporary blood flow interruption. However, this research was conducted only in rats, and it is unclear whether these results would apply to humans or what practical delivery methods would be feasible in a clinical setting. Much more research would be needed before any therapeutic application could be considered.
Abstract (excerpt)
This study explored the flap-protective effects of high concentrations of hydrogen (HCH) inhalation in a rat flap ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury model and the potential mechanism of necroptosis. Forty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: SH, IR and HCH groups…