Ultrasound-Guided Hydrogen Therapy Prevents Memory Loss After Surgery
- Authors
- Ruonan Zhan, Yan Fang, Chuyun Lou, Nan Chen, Xuan Mo, Bo Jiao, Mengke Liu, Yangxi Zhao, Weichen Xu, Huixiong Xu, Haohao Yin, Yi Zhang
- Journal
- Advanced Science
- Year
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.1002/advs.202414397
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction
- Body System
- Nervous System
TL;DR
Scientists have developed a new treatment using ultrasound and hydrogen-gene therapy to reduce brain inflammation and prevent memory problems after surgery.
Key Finding
Ultrasound-assisted hydrogen-gene therapy significantly reduced brain inflammation and improved memory and object recognition in animal models of post-surgery cognitive impairment.
Summary
Researchers developed a new treatment that uses ultrasound to deliver hydrogen and genetic material directly to the brain to prevent cognitive problems that sometimes occur after surgery. In mouse and rat studies, this treatment reduced brain inflammation and improved memory and recognition abilities after surgery by eliminating harmful molecules and reducing a protein associated with cognitive decline.
Practical Takeaway
This is early-stage research conducted only in mice and rats, so it cannot yet be applied to humans. While the results suggest hydrogen may help protect cognitive function after surgery by reducing brain inflammation, much more research—including human trials—would be needed before this approach could be considered for clinical use.
Abstract (excerpt)
Abstract Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) frequently occurs after surgery, resulting in extended hospitalizations, higher healthcare expenses, and potential long‐term cognitive impairment. Despite its significant impact, effective preventive and therapeutic strategies for POCD are still…