The present study investigated the hepatoprotective effects and mechanisms of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) in acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury in mice. Male mice were randomly divided into the following four groups: normal saline (NS) control group, mice received equivalent volumes of NS intraperitoneally (ip); HRW control group, mice were given HRW (same volume as the NS group); APAP + NS group, …
Saturated hydrogen saline attenuates endotoxin-induced acute liver dysfunction in rats
To determine the effect of saturated hydrogen saline on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute liver dysfunction, rats were divided into control, LPS, and LPS plus saturated hydrogen saline (LPS+H(2)) groups. Treatment with saturated hydrogen saline prolonged the median survival time and reduced liver dysfunction. Moreover, saturated hydrogen saline significantly reduced pathological alterations in liver tissues, the number of ballooned hepatocytes, serum tumor …
Effects of oral intake of hydrogen water on liver fibrogenesis in mice
Liver fibrosis is the universal consequence of chronic liver diseases. Sustained hepatocyte injury initiates an inflammatory response, thereby activating hepatic stellate cells, the principal fibrogenic cells in the liver. Reactive oxygen species are involved in liver injury and are a promising target for treating liver fibrosis. Hydrogen water is reported to have potential as a therapeutic tool for reactive oxygen …
Hepatic oxidoreduction-related genes are upregulated by administration of hydrogen water
The effects of the administration of molecular hydrogen-saturated drinking water (hydrogen water) on hepatic gene expression were investigated in rats. Using DNA microarrays, 548 upregulated and 695 downregulated genes were detected in the liver after 4 weeks of administration of hydrogen water. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that genes for oxidoreduction-related proteins, including hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA reductase, were significantly enriched in the …
Hydrogen-rich water prevents progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in mice
Oxidative stress is a strong contributor to the progression from simple fatty liver to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Molecular hydrogen is an effective antioxidant that reduces cytotoxic reactive oxygen species. In this study, we investigated the effects of hydrogen-rich water and the drug pioglitazone on the progression of NASH in mouse models. A methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet mouse model was prepared. Mice …
The protective role of hydrogen-rich saline in experimental liver injury in mice
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are considered to play a prominent causative role in the development of various hepatic disorders. Antioxidants have been effectively demonstrated to protect against hepatic damage. Hydrogen (H(2)), a new antioxidant, was reported to selectively reduce the strongest oxidants, such as hydroxyl radicals (·OH) and peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)), without disturbing metabolic oxidation-reduction reactions or disrupting ROS involved in …
Hydrogen-rich saline protects against liver injury in rats with obstructive jaundice
Hydrogen selectively reduces levels of hydroxyl radicals and alleviates acute oxidative stress in many models. Hydrogen-rich saline provides a high concentration of hydrogen that can be easily and safely applied. In this study, we investigated the effects of hydrogen-rich saline on the prevention of liver injury induced by obstructive jaundice in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=56) were divided randomly into …
Hydrogen from intestinal bacteria is protective for Concanavalin A-induced hepatitis
It is well known that some intestinal bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, can produce a remarkable amount of molecular hydrogen (H(2)). Although the antioxidant effects of H(2) are well documented, the present study examined whether H(2) released from intestinally colonized bacteria could affect Concanavalin A (ConA)-induced mouse hepatitis. Systemic antibiotics significantly decreased the level of H(2) in both liver and …
Inhalation of hydrogen gas suppresses hepatic injury caused by ischemia/reperfusion
We have recently showed that molecular hydrogen has great potential for selectively reducing cytotoxic reactive oxygen species, such as hydroxyl radicals, and that inhalation of hydrogen gas decreases cerebral infarction volume by reducing oxidative stress [I. Ohsawa, M. Ishikawa, K. Takahashi, M. Watanabe, K. Nishimaki, K. Yamagata, K.-I. Katsura, Y. Katayama, S. Asoh, S. Ohta, Hydrogen acts as a therapeutic …