Hydrogen-Rich Saline Protects Blood Vessels in Shock, Improves Survival
- Authors
- Aya Kimura, Koichi Suehiro, Tokuhiro Yamada, Yasuda Shinta, Takashi Juri, Yohei Fujimoto, Shinichi Hirano, Takashi Mori
- Journal
- Biomedicines
- Year
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.3390/biomedicines13040833
- Study Type
- Rat
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- Japan
- Health Condition
- Hemorrhagic Shock
- Body System
- Cardiovascular
TL;DR
Breathing in hydrogen or injecting hydrogen-rich saline helps protect the body's blood vessel lining and improves survival after severe blood loss.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-rich saline significantly improved survival rates in rats with hemorrhagic shock and suppressed the breakdown of the endothelial glycocalyx (a protective layer in blood vessels) compared to conventional fluid resuscitation.
Summary
This study tested whether hydrogen-rich saline (salt water containing dissolved hydrogen) could protect rats from severe bleeding. Researchers induced hemorrhagic shock in rats and then gave them different fluids to restore blood pressure. Hydrogen-rich saline was more effective than standard salt water or colloid solutions at preserving the endothelial glycocalyx—a protective gel-like layer inside blood vessels—and improved survival rates.
Practical Takeaway
This is an early-stage animal study suggesting hydrogen-rich saline may help protect blood vessels during severe bleeding by preserving a critical protective layer. However, this was tested only in rats under controlled laboratory conditions, and human studies would be needed to determine if these effects translate to people with hemorrhagic shock.
Abstract
Background/Objective: The endothelial glycocalyx is a gel-like layer on the vascular endothelial surface that is crucial for maintaining vascular homeostasis. Massive bleeding leads to the shedding of the glycocalyx, which can lead to vascular leakage during fluid administration. Recently, the beneficial effect of hydrogen inhalation in the treatment of hemorrhagic shock has been reported. However, the efficacy of hydrogen-rich saline in protecting the glycocalyx remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of hydrogen-rich saline on glycocalyx degeneration. Methods: Rats under general anesthesia were divided into five groups: the sham, hemorrhagic shock, normal saline, colloid solution, and hydrogen-rich saline groups (n = 6 for each group). Blood was withdrawn, and blood pressure was maintained at 30-35 mmHg for 60 min. After inducing hemorrhagic shock in this way, each infusion product was administered intravenously to maintain blood pressure at 80 mmHg for 60 min. Glycocalyx thickness was assessed using the GlycoCheck system. Results: The use of hydrogen-rich saline significantly improved the survival rate (p < 0.05), and glycocalyx degeneration was significantly suppressed (p < 0.001), indicating the protective effect of hydrogen on the glycocalyx. Conclusion: Intravenous administration of hydrogen-rich saline in hemorrhagic shock attenuates glycocalyx degeneration compared to conventional fluid resuscitation, which can improve survival rates.