Hydrogen Therapy Protects Lungs from Injury in Rat Study
Protective effect of hydrogen-saturated saline on acute lung injury induced by oleic acid in rats
Research hubs: Respiratory System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (rat)
- Authors
- Youguo Ying, Haizhou Xu, Min Yao, Zonghe Qin
- Journal
- Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research
- Year
- 2017
- PMID
- 28927460
- Study Type
- Rat
- Delivery
- Saline (Dissolved)
- Dose
- 5 mL/kg hydrogen-saturated saline by intravenous and intraperitoneal injection
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 8 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Hydrogen-saturated saline (HSS) helps reduce lung damage and inflammation in rats with lung injury caused by oleic acid.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-saturated saline reduced lung damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress markers in rats with acute lung injury caused by oleic acid.
Summary
Researchers gave rats a substance that damages the lungs, then treated them with hydrogen-saturated saline (salt water containing dissolved hydrogen gas). The hydrogen treatment reduced signs of lung damage and lowered markers of inflammation and oxidative stress (cellular damage from unstable molecules) in the lung tissue. The treatment worked better when given through two routes—first into the abdomen, then into the bloodstream.
Practical Takeaway
This rat study suggests hydrogen-saturated saline may help protect against acute lung injury by reducing inflammation and oxidative damage. However, this is early-stage animal research only—human studies would be needed to determine if these effects apply to people with lung injury.
Abstract (excerpt)
Background The purpose of the study is to investigate the role and mechanisms of hydrogen-saturated saline (HSS) in the acute lung injury (ALI) induced by oleic acid (OA) in rats. Methods Rats were treated with OA (0.1 mL/kg) to induce ALI and then administered with HSS (5 mL/kg) by intravenous…