Hydrogen Therapy Protects Skin Cells from Diabetes-Related Damage
Protective Effects of Hydrogen Treatment Against High Glucose-Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis via Inhibition of the AGEs/RAGE/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Skin Cells
Research hubs: Oxidative Stress · Skin & Dermatology System · Endocrine System
This research was done on cells or tissue in a lab, not in people or animals.
- Evidence type
- Laboratory study (cells or tissue)
- Authors
- Pan Yu, Nan Hong, Qiong Wu, Zhipeng Zhao
- Journal
- Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets
- Year
- 2025
- PMID
- 39791170
- Study Type
- Cell Culture
- Delivery
- Medium (Dissolved)
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 4 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
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 (excerpt)
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…