Hydrogen Therapy Protects Skin Cells from Diabetes-Related Damage
- Authors
- Pan Yu, Nan Hong, Qiong Wu, Zhipeng Zhao
- Journal
- Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders Drug Targets
- Year
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.2174/0118715303369584241231141001
- Study Type
- Cell Culture
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Diabetes
- Body System
- Integumentary
TL;DR
Hydrogen gas treatment helps protect skin cells from damage and death caused by high sugar levels, which could aid in healing diabetic wounds.
Key Finding
Hydrogen treatment significantly reduced oxidative stress markers and inflammatory molecules while enhancing the cells' natural antioxidant defenses in high-glucose conditions.
Summary
Researchers tested whether hydrogen gas could protect skin cells from damage caused by high glucose levels (a condition related to diabetes). Using cells grown in a laboratory, they found that hydrogen treatment reduced harmful molecules called free radicals, decreased inflammatory markers, and prevented cell death. The hydrogen appeared to work by blocking a specific cellular pathway involved in inflammation and oxidative stress (damage from unstable molecules).
Practical Takeaway
This laboratory study suggests hydrogen may have potential to help protect skin cells from diabetes-related damage, but it was conducted only in cells grown in dishes, not in living organisms or people. Much more research, including animal and human studies, would be needed before drawing any conclusions about hydrogen water's effectiveness for diabetic wound healing.
Abstract
Background: Diabetic wounds are major clinical challenges, often complicated by oxidative stress and free radical generation. Hydrogen (H2), a selective antioxidant, offers potential as a therapeutic agent for chronic diabetic wounds. However, its precise mechanisms remain underexplored. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of H2 on high glucose-induced oxidative damage and apoptosis in human skin cells. Methods: HaCaT keratinocytes and HSF fibroblasts were treated with high glucose or AGEs. Cell viability, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines, and apoptosis were analyzed. AGEs/RAGE/NF-κB signaling was evaluated via Western blot. Results: H2 treatment significantly reduced ROS, MDA, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels, while enhancing SOD and GSH activity. It also inhibited AGEs/RAGE/NF-κB signaling and apoptosis. Conclusion: Hydrogen therapy protects against oxidative stress and inflammation induced by high glucose or AGEs, offering potential as an adjunctive treatment for diabetic wound healing.