Hydrogen Gas Protects Against Severe Pancreas Inflammation in Rats
- Authors
- Hao-xin Zhou, Bing Han, Li-Min Hou, Ting-Ting An, Guang Jia, Zhuo-Xin Cheng, Yong Ma, Yi-Nan Zhou, Rui Kong, Shuang-Jia Wang, Yong-Wei Wang, Xue-Jun Sun, Shang-Ha Pan, Bei Sun
- Journal
- PLoS One
- Year
- 2016
- DOI
- 10.1371/journal.pone.0154483
- Study Type
- Rat
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Acute Pancreatitis
- Body System
- Digestive System
TL;DR
Breathing in hydrogen gas can reduce inflammation and damage in the pancreas during acute pancreatitis.
Key Finding
Hydrogen gas reduced inflammation and oxidative stress markers in both laboratory pancreatic cells and in rats with acute pancreatitis, and was associated with less pancreatic tissue damage.
Summary
Acute pancreatitis is a serious inflammatory disease where the pancreas becomes damaged and inflamed, often leading to widespread inflammation throughout the body. This study tested whether hydrogen gas could protect against pancreatic damage by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress (cellular damage from harmful molecules). Researchers tested hydrogen gas in both laboratory cell cultures and in rats with induced pancreatitis, and found that hydrogen gas reduced markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and pancreatic tissue damage in both settings.
Practical Takeaway
This early-stage animal study suggests hydrogen gas may have protective effects against acute pancreatitis, but the findings are limited to laboratory and rat models and have not been tested in humans. Much more research would be needed before any conclusions could be drawn about hydrogen's potential use in treating pancreatitis in people.
Abstract (excerpt)
Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease mediated by damage to acinar cells and pancreatic inflammation. In patients with AP, subsequent systemic inflammatory responses and multiple organs dysfunction commonly occur. Interactions between cytokines and oxidative stress greatly contribute…