Hydrogen-Rich Saline Reduces Intestinal Damage from Ischemia-Reperfusion in Rats
The Effects of Hydrogen-Rich Saline on the Contractile and Structural Changes of Intestine Induced by Ischemia-Reperfusion in Rats
Research hubs: Oxidative Stress
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (rat)
- Authors
- Han Chen, Yan Ping Sun, Ping Fang Hu, Wen Wu Liu, Hong Gang Xiang, Yang Li, Rong Lin Yan, Ning Su, Can Ping Ruan, Xue Jun Sun, Qiang Wang
- Journal
- Journal of Surgical Research
- Year
- 2011
- PMID
- 19932899
- Study Type
- Rat
- Delivery
- Saline (Dissolved)
- Dose
- 6 mL/kg hydrogen-rich saline via tail vein 30 min prior to reperfusion
- H₂ concentration
- >0.6 mM
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 68 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Hydrogen-rich saline helps protect the intestines from damage and dysfunction caused by temporary loss and restoration of blood flow.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-rich saline significantly reduced intestinal damage from ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats by decreasing oxidative stress, reducing cell death, and promoting intestinal cell growth and muscle function.
Summary
Researchers studied whether hydrogen-rich saline (a salt solution containing dissolved hydrogen) could protect rat intestines from damage caused by temporarily cutting off blood flow and then restoring it. They found that hydrogen-rich saline reduced intestinal damage, decreased cell death, promoted the growth of new intestinal cells, and restored the intestine's ability to contract normally compared to rats that received regular saline.
Practical Takeaway
This is an early-stage rat study suggesting hydrogen may have protective effects against intestinal damage from lack of blood flow. However, these results cannot yet be applied to humans—much more research, including human trials, would be needed to determine if hydrogen water or hydrogen-rich saline could help people with similar conditions.
Abstract (excerpt)
Background: Hydrogen has been considered as a novel antioxidant that prevents injuries resulted from ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in various tissues. The study was designed to determine the effect of hydrogen-rich saline on the smooth muscle contractile response to KCl, and on epithelial…