Hydrogen Therapy Reduces Harmful Stress in Dialysis Patients
- Authors
- Hiroyuki Terawaki, Yoshimitsu Hayashi, Wan-Jun Zhu, Yukie Matsuyama, Tomoyoshi Terada, Shigeru Kabayama, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Seiichi Era, Bunpei Sato, Masaaki Nakayama
- Journal
- Medical Gas Research
- Year
- 2013
- DOI
- 10.1186/2045-9912-3-14
- Study Type
- Human
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- Japan
- Health Condition
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Body System
- Renal
TL;DR
Adding molecular hydrogen to the dialysis fluid of patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis can reduce oxidative stress, which may help protect the peritoneal membrane.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-enriched dialysis fluid increased the proportion of protective albumin (a blood protein) in both the peritoneal cavity and bloodstream compared to standard dialysis fluid, indicating reduced oxidative stress.
Summary
This small study tested whether adding hydrogen gas to dialysis fluid could reduce oxidative stress (cellular damage caused by harmful molecules) in 6 patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis, a kidney treatment method. When patients used hydrogen-enriched dialysis fluid instead of standard fluid, markers of oxidative stress in both the peritoneal cavity (where dialysis occurs) and the bloodstream improved, suggesting hydrogen may help protect against damage in dialysis patients.
Practical Takeaway
This early human study suggests hydrogen delivered through dialysis fluid may help reduce oxidative stress in peritoneal dialysis patients, though the very small sample size (6 patients) and lack of information about study duration limit what can be concluded. Larger, longer studies would be needed to determine if this approach provides meaningful clinical benefits for dialysis patients.
Abstract (excerpt)
Background: Oxidative stress (OS) related to glucose degradation products such as methylglyoxal is reportedly associated with peritoneal deterioration in patients treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD). However, the use of general antioxidant agents is limited due to their harmful effects. This…