Hydrogen Solution Protects Lungs During Transplant Surgery in Rats

Summary by Hydrogen Studies Editorial Team · Updated

Authors
Journal
The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
Year
DOI
10.1016/j.jtcvs.2019.09.175
Study Type
Rat
Outcome
Positive
Peer Reviewed
Yes
Country
Japan
Health Condition
Lung Transplant Recipients
Body System
Respiratory System

TL;DR

Using a solution rich in molecular hydrogen can protect rat lungs from damage caused by a lack of blood supply followed by restoration of blood flow during transplantation.

Key Finding

Hydrogen-rich preservation solution significantly improved lung function and reduced tissue damage in transplanted rat lungs by decreasing oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.

Summary

This study tested whether hydrogen-rich solution could protect rat lungs during transplantation. Researchers compared lungs preserved with regular solution to lungs preserved with hydrogen-rich solution (containing more than 1.0 ppm hydrogen) during a 6-hour cold storage period. Lungs treated with hydrogen-rich solution showed better oxygen levels, better breathing function, less swelling, and lower markers of tissue damage and inflammation compared to lungs stored without hydrogen.

Practical Takeaway

This is an early-stage animal study showing that hydrogen-rich solution may help protect organs during transplantation surgery. However, this research was conducted only in rats, and it's unclear whether these results would apply to humans or to hydrogen water consumed by mouth. Much more research would be needed before any clinical applications could be considered.

Abstract (excerpt)

Background: Molecular hydrogen can reduce the oxidative stress of ischemia-reperfusion injury in various organs for transplantation and potentially improve survival rates in recipients. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of a hydrogen-rich preservation solution against…

Read the full abstract via DOI