Hydrogen-rich electrolyzed warm water represses wrinkle formation against UVA ray together with type-I collagen production and oxidative-stress diminishment in fibroblasts and cell-injury prevention in keratinocytes

A strategy of novel molecular hydrogen-producing antioxidative auxiliary system improves virus production in cell bioreactor

In the increasing demand for virus vaccines, large-scale production of safe, efficient, and economical viral antigens has become a significant challenge. High-cell-density manufacturing processes are the most commonly used to produce vaccine antigens and protein drugs. However, the cellular stress response in large-scale cell culture may directly affect host cell growth and metabolism, reducing antigen production and increasing production costs. This study provided a novel strategy of the antioxidant auxiliary system (AAS) to supply molecular hydrogen (H2) into the cell culture media via proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis. Integrated with a high-density cell bioreactor, the AAS aims to alleviate cellular stress response and increase viral vaccine production. In the results, the AAS stably maintained H2 concentration in media even in the high-air exposure tiding cell bioreactor. H2 treatment was shown safe to cell culture and effectively alleviated oxidative stress. In two established virus cultures models, bovine epidemic fever virus (BEFV) and porcine circovirus virus type 2 (PCV-2), were employed to verify the efficacy of AAS. The virus yield was increased by 3.7 and 2.5 folds in BEFV and PCV-2 respectively. In conclusion, the AAS-connected bioreactor effectively alleviated cellular oxidative stress and enhanced virus production in high-density cell culture.

Effect and mechanism of hydrogen-rich bath on mice with imiquimod-induced psoriasis

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether hydrogen-rich bath has therapeutic effect on psoriasis and its molecular mechanism. Mice with imiquimod-induced psoriasis were established and divided into groups. The mice were respectively treated with hydrogen-rich water bath and distilled water bath. The changes of skin lesions and PSI scores of mice were compared after their treatments. HE staining was used to observe the pathological feature. The changes of inflammatory indexes and immune factors were analysed by ELISA and immunohistochemical staining. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content was measured by the thiobarbituric assay (TBA) method. By naked eye, the severity of skin lesions in hydrogen-rich water bath group was lower than that in distilled water bath group, and the psoriasis severity index (PSI) was lower (p < 0.01). The results of HE staining showed that the mice with distilled water bath had more abnormal keratosis, thickening of the spinous layer and prolongation of the dermal process, and more Munro abscess than the mice with hydrogen-rich water bath. During the course of disease, the overall levels and peaks of IL-17, IL-23, TNF-α, CD3+ and MDA in mice with hydrogen-rich bath were lower than those in mice with distilled water bath (p < 0.05). In the skin, the mice treated with the hydrogen-rich water bath also had lower peak of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) levels. It is concluded that hydrogen-rich water bath can inhibit psoriasis inflammation and oxidative stress, relieve psoriasis skin lesions and accelerate the end of abnormal skin proliferation state, which shows a therapeutic and improving effect on psoriasis.

Assessment of the effects of hydrogen water on human gingival fibroblast cell culture in patients with chronic periodontitis

Background

Activated inflammatory cells produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) to eliminate pathogens. Under normal conditions, the pathogens are taken care of, and tissues are repaired. However, in periodontal disease, persistent inflammation causes increased ROS release and impaired healing. Therefore, removal of overproduced ROS using antioxidants is necessary. Hydrogen water has an antioxidative effect on cells and impedes oxidative stress-related disorders.

Aim

To study the effect of hydrogen water on cell viability, migration, and its antioxidative potential in fibroblasts obtained from chronic periodontitis patients.

Materials and Methods

The gingival tissue samples were obtained from 26 subjects (13 periodontally healthy individuals and 13 chronic periodontitis patients) and processed. The human gingival fibroblasts were cultured and the assays were commenced once adequate growth was detected. The effect of hydrogen water on cell viability was checked by neutral red assay, while the migration potential was assessed by transwell migration assay. The antioxidative potential of hydrogen water was evaluated by CUPRAC assay.

Statistical Analysis

Intergroup comparison was done using Mann-Whitney U-test. Intragroup comparison was done using Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results

Hydrogen water was nontoxic to the fibroblasts at 24 h and 48 h. The intergroup comparison of the cell viability between hydrogen water-treated periodontally healthy gingival fibroblasts (HF) and fibroblasts from patients with chronic periodontitis (CF) showed a statistically significant (P = 0.00) difference at 24 h and 48 h. Hydrogen water also positively influenced the migratory capacity. Hydrogen water-treated fibroblasts obtained from chronic periodontitis patients showed more migration in comparison to the healthy group (P = 0.00). Hydrogen water showed an antioxidative potential. The maximum potential was seen in relation to the fibroblasts obtained from chronic periodontitis patients at 48 h.

Conclusion

Hydrogen water was nontoxic, increased the migratory capacity, and showed an antioxidative potential on human fibroblasts obtained from periodontally healthy individuals and patients with chronic periodontitis.

Intermittent environmental exposure to hydrogen prevents skin photoaging through reduction of oxidative stress

AIM

Molecular hydrogen is not only expected to be used as an energy-generating resource, but also to have preventive effects on a variety of clinical manifestations related to oxidative stress through scavenging radicals or regulating gene expression. In the current study, we investigated the influence of intermittent environmental exposure to hydrogen gas at a safe concentration (1.3%) on photoaging using an ultraviolet A (UVA)-irradiated murine model.

METHODS

To mimic the expected human daily activity cycle, UVA exposure in the daytime and hydrogen exposure in the night-time, an original design, UVA-transmission, hydrogen-exposure system was established. Mice were bred under experimental conditions of UVA irradiation and normal air for 8 h (outdoor time 09.00-17.00 hours), and UVA non-irradiation and inhalation of hydrogen gas for 16 h (indoor time 17.00-09.00 hours), and the daily cycle was continued for up to 6 weeks. The progression of photoaging, including morphological changes, collagen degradation and UVA-related DNA damage, was evaluated.

RESULTS

Intermittent administration of hydrogen gas by our system prevented UVA-induced epidermal signs, such as hyperplasia, melanogenesis and appearance of senescence cells, and UVA-induced dermal signs, such as collagen degradation. In addition, we detected attenuation of DNA damage in the hydrogen exposure group as indirect evidence that intermittent exposure to hydrogen gas reduced oxidative stress.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings support the notion that long-term, intermittent environmental exposure to hydrogen gas in daily life has a beneficial effect on UVA-induced photoaging. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; ••: ••-••.

Repetitive Bathing and Skin Poultice with Hydrogen-Rich Water Improve Wrinkles and Blotches Together with Modulation of Skin Oiliness and Moisture

Hydrogen-rich warm water (HW) has not been verified yet for skin anti-aging effects. Daily 10 min HW (dissolved hydrogen: 338–682 μg/mL, 41 °C) bathing and skin poultice with HW-impregnated towels for 11–61 days were demonstrated to improve wrinkle degrees (29 skin-loci) from 3.14 ± 0.52 to 1.52 ± 0.74 (p < 0.001) and blotch degrees (23 loci) from 3.48 ± 0.67 to 1.74 ± 0.86 (p < 0.001) in five healthy subjects (49–66 years old), by densito-/planimetrically evaluating with an Image-J software, and ranked into six hierarchies (0, 1–5). Meanwhile, skin oiliness was evaluated to increase for the oil-poor skins, but inversely decrease for excessively oily skins, suggesting the HW’s function as skin-oiliness modulation, with an appreciably negative correlation in prior oiliness contents versus change after HW application (r = −0.345, 23 loci). Skin moisture increased upon HW application, with a negative correlation (r = −0.090, 23 loci) in prior moisture contents versus post-HW-application moisture-changing rates, meaning that HW application compensated moisture for water-deficient skins (27.5–40% moisture), but not for wet skins (>41% moisture). Thus, the HW bath together with HW poultice exerted beneficial effects on skin appearances such as wrinkles, blotches and moisture/oiliness, some of which might ensue from enhanced antioxidant ability in blood, as was previously demonstrated for the HW bath.

Role of Molecular Hydrogen in Ageing and Ageing-Related Diseases

Ageing is a physiological process of progressive decline in the organism function over time. It affects every organ in the body and is a significant risk for chronic diseases. Molecular hydrogen has therapeutic and preventive effects on various organs. It has antioxidative properties as it directly neutralizes hydroxyl radicals and reduces peroxynitrite level. It also activates Nrf2 and HO-1, which regulate many antioxidant enzymes and proteasomes. Through its antioxidative effect, hydrogen maintains genomic stability, mitigates cellular senescence, and takes part in histone modification, telomere maintenance, and proteostasis. In addition, hydrogen may prevent inflammation and regulate the nutrient-sensing mTOR system, autophagy, apoptosis, and mitochondria, which are all factors related to ageing. Hydrogen can also be used for prevention and treatment of various ageing-related diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, diabetes, and cancer. This paper reviews the basic research and recent application of hydrogen in order to support hydrogen use in medicine for ageing prevention and ageing-related disease therapy.

The use of ultrapure molecular hydrogen enriched with atomic hydrogen in apparatuses of artificial lung ventilation in the fight against virus COVID-19

COVID-19 is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV virus. It stands for severe acute respiratory syndrome, which affects the lungs. The process of replication and progression of the COVID-19 virus causes the formation of an excessive amount of reactive oxygen species and inflammation. Many studies have been carried out that have demonstrated that hydrogen has strong anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces hypotension and other symptoms by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Oxygen mixture, enriched with Hydrogen, - helps to reduce the resistance of the respiratory tract and frees up access to the pulmonary alveolus, which improves the penetration of oxygen into the lungs. Since hydrogen is an antioxidant, it helps to reduce the burden on the immune system, helps to maintain the body's health and its ability to quickly recover. When electrolysers are used to produce an oxygen-hydrogen mixture, alkaline mist and other impurities can enter the patient's lungs and cause poisoning and chemical burns. For this reason, the use of atomic hydrogen obtained from metal hydride sources for ventilation of the lungs will be more effective for treating COVID-19 than a molecular hydrogen-oxygen mixture from an electrolyzer. A functional diagram of a metal hydride source of atomic hydrogen to an artificial lung ventilator is shown. It is possible to create a series of hydrogen storage tanks of various capacities.

Hydrogen Gas Inhalation Prevents Erythrocyte Aggregation and Promotes Leukocyte Phagocytosis Together with Increases in Serum Antioxidant Activity

Hydrogen gas inhalation has not yet been elucidated to improve blood behaviors or antioxidant activity in blood. In the present study, the PEM (proton-exchange-membrane)-/platinum-plated electrode-equipped electrolyzer was examined as a hydrogen gas inhaler, which was estimated to supply 3% hydrogen as rapidly as post-operating 10–15 min, together with continuous 30 min retention of 20.8% oxygen being nearly equal to atmospheric oxygen contents. The 40 min inhalation of 3% hydrogen gas and thereafter 60 min rest were shown to enhance the antioxidant ability in human serum, as evaluated by ORAC (oxygen radical absorbing capacity)-based fluorometry, although scarcely enhanced for air dummy inhalation. Unexpectedly, antioxidant ability was 2.50-fold more enhanced for post-inhalational 0–60 min rest than during 40 min inhalation. Oxidative stress-suffering erythrocytes formed a rosary-chain-like aggregation composed of 3–6 cells, together with loss of a single hollow/biconcave-discoid structure in the cell central-part being necessary for erythrocyte passing through capillary vessels, both of which were prevented by 3% hydrogen gas inhalation. Hydrogen gas inhalation increased the intracellular foreign bodies, being distinguished from vacuole/cyst, in leucocytes, suggesting the hydrogen-activated leukocyte phagocytosis-associated events. Thus, 3%-hydrogen gas inhalation is suggested to potentially improve both the erythrocyte rheological/morphologic behaviors and the leucocyte phagocytosis-associated activity, concurrently with the enhanced antioxidant ability in blood.

Symbiotic Algae-Bacteria Dressing for Producing Hydrogen to Accelerate Diabetic Wound Healing

Oxidative stress induced by hyperglycemia or chronic inflammation can limit diabetic wound healing, resulting in diabetic foot ulcers. Hydrogen has the potential to act as an antioxidant and scavenge reactive oxygen species, thereby attenuating inflammation in these chronic wounds. However, most of the reported H₂ delivery systems for wound healing, including hydrogen gas, hydrogen-rich water, and hydrogen-rich saline, are very short-lived for the low solubility of hydrogen gas. Here, we introduce a hydrogen-producing hydrogel made of living Chlorella and bacteria within a cell-impermeable casing that can continuously produce hydrogen for 60 h. This microbe-hydrogel system can selectively reduce highly toxic •OH and ONOO^- species and reduce inflammation. Additional experiments indicated that the microbe-hydrogel dressing could promote cell proliferation and diabetic wound healing by almost 50% at day 3. The symbiotic algae-bacteria hydrogel has excellent biocompatibility and reactive oxygen species scavenging features, indicating it has great promise for clinical use.

The effects of 6-month hydrogen-rich water intake on molecular and phenotypic biomarkers of aging in older adults aged 70 years and over: A randomized controlled pilot trial

In this randomized controlled pilot trial, we investigated the effects of a 6-month intake of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) on several molecular and phenotypic biomarkers of aging in older adults aged 70 years and over. Forty older adults (20 women) were randomly allocated in a parallel-group design to receive 0.5 L per day of HRW (15 ppm of hydrogen) or control drink (0 ppm of hydrogen) during a 6-month intervention period. The biomarkers assessed at baseline and 6-month follow up were molecular markers in the blood (DNA and chromosomes, nutrient sensing, protein, and lipid metabolism, oxidative stress and mitochondria, cell senescence, inflammation), brain metabolism, cognitive functioning, physical function and body composition, resting blood pressure, facial skin features, sleep outcomes, and health-related quality of life. The mean age, weight, and height of study participants were 76.0 ± 5.6 years, 78.2 ± 16.1 kg, height 167.5 ± 11.5 cm, respectively. A significant treatment vs. time interaction was found for telomere length (P = 0.049), with the length increased after HRW intervention (from 0.99 ± 0.15 at baseline to 1.02 ± 0.26 at follow up) and decreased after drinking control water (from 0.92 ± 0.27 to 0.79 ± 0.15). A marker of DNA methylation (Tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 2, TET2) expression at 6-month follow-up increased in both groups, yet the degree of elevation was significantly higher in HRW (from 0.81 ± 0.52 at baseline to 1.62 ± 0.66 at follow up) comparing to the control water (from 1.13 ± 0.82 to 1.76 ± 0.87) (P = 0.040). A strong trend for treatment vs. time interaction was found for a degree of DNA methylation (P = 0.166), with the methylation increased in the HRW group (from 120.6 ± 39.8 ng at baseline to 126.6 ± 33.8 ng at follow up) and decreased after taking control water (from 133.6 ± 52.9 ng to 121.2 ± 38.4 ng). HRW was superior to control water to increase brain choline and NAA levels in the left frontal grey matter, brain creatine at the right parietal white matter, and brain NAA at the right parietal mesial grey matter (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found between interventions for other outcomes (P > 0.05), except for a significantly improved chair stand performance after HRW intervention compared to the control water (P = 0.01). Owing to pleiotropic mechanisms of hydrogen action, this simple biomedical gas could be recognized as a possible anti-aging agent that tackles several hallmarks of aging, including loss of function and telomere length shortening. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04430803).

Protective effects of dissolved molecular hydrogen against hydrogen peroxide-, hydroperoxide-, and glyoxal-induced injuries to human skin keratinocytes

Molecular hydrogen (H₂) is recognized as a gaseous antioxidant, and it is expected to ameliorate various disorders related to oxidative stress and inflammation. However, there are still many unclear points regarding its effectiveness in the skin. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the protective effect of H₂ against ultraviolet (UV) irradiation-related stress injury in human epidermal HaCaT cells. We investigated the effects of H₂ against three types of UV-derived oxidative stress using human skin keratinocytes: hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative stress, tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BuOOH)-induced lipid peroxidation stress, and glyoxal-induced carbonyl stress. Our results showed that H₂ exerted cytoprotective effects against stress induced by H₂O₂, t-BuOOH, and glyoxal. Furthermore, our results also revealed that H₂ suppressed H₂O₂-induced increases in intracellular peroxide and H₂O₂ levels, and suppressed the progression of lipid peroxidation. Taken together, our results demonstrate that H₂ can exert protective effects against oxidative stress-, lipid peroxidation-, and carbonyl stress-induced cellular injuries in human keratinocytes, partly mediated via suppression of intracellular oxidative stress and peroxide generation. Therefore, H₂ is expected to be utilized as an effective and attractive component in cosmetic formulations in the future.

Antitumor Activity of Protons and Molecular Hydrogen: Underlying Mechanisms

Simple Summary

Protons (H⁺) and molecular hydrogen (H₂) in the cell are critical in a wide variety of processes. New cancer treatment uses H₂, a biologically inactive gas. H₂ can rapidly penetrate cell membranes and reach subcellular components to protect nuclear DNA and mitochondria. H₂ reduces oxidative stress, exerts anti-inflammatory effects, and acts as a modulator of apoptosis. Exogenous H₂ is a protective therapy that can be used in cancer. Cyclotrons and synchrotrons are currently used to produce protons. Proton beam radiotherapy (PBT) offers great promise for the treatment of a wide variety of cancers. H₂ and different types of H₂ donors may represent a novel therapeutic strategy in cancer treatment.

Abstract

Understanding the structure and dynamics of the various hydrogen forms has been a subject of numerous studies. Protons (H⁺) and molecular hydrogen (H₂) in the cell are critical in a wide variety of processes. A new cancer treatment uses H₂, a biologically inactive gas. Due to its small molecular weight, H₂ can rapidly penetrate cell membranes and reach subcellular components to protect nuclear DNA and mitochondria. H₂ reduces oxidative stress, exerts anti-inflammatory effects, and acts as a modulator of apoptosis. Exogenous H₂, administered by inhalation, drinking H₂-rich water, or injecting H₂-rich saline solution, is a protective therapy that can be used in multiple diseases, including cancer. In particle therapy, cyclotrons and synchrotrons are the accelerators currently used to produce protons. Proton beam radiotherapy (PBT) offers great promise for the treatment of a wide variety of cancers due to the sharp decrease in the dose of radiation at a defined point. In these conditions, H₂ and different types of H₂ donors may represent a novel therapeutic strategy in cancer treatment.

Hydrochannel-Containing Hydrophobic Polymers by Inverse Emulsion Polymerization for Moisture-Driven Actuators

Two physical properties in polymers, hydrophobic and water-absorptive, are known to be incompatible. However, human skin in nature has a hydrophobic surface and yet absorbs water throughout hydrophilic amino acid sequences in filaggrin, one of the abundant proteins in our outermost skin layer. Although present in nature, a hydrophilic path network in a hydrophobic polymer is difficult to synthesize because of poor wettability and immiscibility between the two types of materials. Herein, we introduce a novel method for the creation of a hydrophobic absorptive polymer (HPHG), which overcomes the inherent incompatibility by increasing hydrophobicity of reaction sites in hydrophilic monomers. The methacrylate structure in hydrophilic monomers successfully contributes to stabilize reverse emulsions, which consist of polyethyleneglycol (PEG) methacrylate and polyethyleneglycol (PEG) dimethacrylate, in a hydrophobic matrix of polymethylhydrosiloxane and divinylpolydimethylsiloxane (PDMS material sources). The HPHG film (with a 11 weight percent water content) shows water repellency having over 100° contact angle with a water droplet and yet is capable of absorbing water by 19.1 weight percent while maintaining decent hydrophobicity on the surface (78° water contact angle). We have successfully demonstrated a moisture-driven actuator by constructing a bilayer of HPHG and PDMS (or a textile), which is delamination-free and transforms into a curvature geometry by a preferential expansion of the HPHG layer. HPHG is applicable for soft robotics and smart actuators where a hydrophobic artificial skin is needed to protect the surface against hydrophilic invasions of undesirable substances such as metal ions, bacteria, or viruses but absorptive for desirable evaporation and mobility by water migration in the polymer matrix.

Effects of hydrogen-rich water prepared by alternating-current-electrolysis on antioxidant activity, DNA oxidative injuries, and diabetes-related markers

Hydrogen-rich water is conventionally prepared by direct current-electrolysis, but has been not or scarcely prepared by alternating current (AC)-electrolysis. The AC preparations from tap water for 20-30 minutes exhibit a dissolved hydrogen concentration of 1.55 mg/L, which was close to the theoretical maximum value of 1.6 mg/L. These preparations also displayed an oxidation-reduction potential of -270 mV (tap water: +576 mV) and pH of 7.7-7.8, being closer to physiological values of body fluids than general types of direct current-electrolytic hydrogen-rich water. We examined whether AC-electrolytic hydrogen-water is retained for hydrogen-abundance after boiling or for antioxidant abilities, and whether the oral administration of this water is clinically effective for diabetes and prevention against systemic DNA-oxidative injuries. 5,5-Dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide spin trapping and electron spin resonance revealed that the hydrogen-rich water generated by AC-electrolysis exhibited hydroxyl-radical-scavenging activities. Laser nanoparticle tracking method revealed that nanoparticle suspensions as abundant as 5.4 × 107/mL were efficiently retained (up to 3.5 × 107/mL) even after boiling for 10 minutes, being thermodynamically contrary to Henry's law. Oral intake of hydrogen-rich water, 1500 mL per day, lasted for 8 weeks in nine people with the diabetes-related serum markers beyond the normal ranges. The subjects exhibited significant tendencies for the decreased fasting blood glucose and fructosamine, and for the increased 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol, concomitantly with significant decreases in urinary 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine contents and its rate of generation. Hydrogen-rich water prepared by AC-electrolysis may be effective in improving diverse diabetes-related markers and systemic DNA oxidative injuries through the formation of abundant heat-resistant nanobubbles and the increased hydrogen concentrations. The study protocol was officially approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Japanese Center for Anti-Aging Medical Sciences (approval No. 01S02) on September 15, 2009.

Effects of hydrogen-rich water bath on visceral fat and skin blotch, with boiling-resistant hydrogen bubbles

Hydrogen-dissolved water has been shown to improve diverse oxidation stress-related diseases, which drove us to examine effects of hydrogen-rich water on oxidation stress-related skin troubles and lipid-metabolism markers. The purpose of this study is whether the dissolved hydrogen in hydrogen-rich water was kept even after boiling, and whether hydrogen-bath utilization improves cosmetic effects such as skin-blotch repression and the visceral-fat-based slimming effects. The subjects were two men and two women, aged 48, 43, 42, and 41 years (n = 4). They took warm (41°C) water bath of dissolved hydrogen 300–310 μg/L (< 10 μg/L for normal water) for 10-minute once daily for 1–6 months, followed by examination of skin blotch, visceral fat, and cholesterol and glucose metabolisms. The dissolved hydrogen concentration was measured after 15-minute boiling and the subsequent cooling naturally. The wide-ranging, dense, and irregularly shaped skin blotches became markedly smaller and thinner, assumedly through reductive bleaching of melanin and lipofuscin and promotion of dermal cell renewal by the hydrogen-rich warm water. Ultrasonic resonance-based analysis on the abdominal cross-section revealed that the visceral fat area decreased from 47 to 36 cm², and the abdominal circumference decreased from 91 to 82 cm, in the two female subjects bathing in hydrogen-water. After 6-month hydrogen-water bathing, the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was decreased by 16.2% and the fasting blood glucose level increased by 13.6% in the blood of a female subject. Before boiling, the dissolved hydrogen and an oxidation-reduced potential were 300 μg/L and –115 mV, respectively. Dissolved hydrogen was retained at 300–175 μg/L and 200 μg/L, even 1–6 hours and 24 hours, respectively, after boiling. Therefore, a hydrogen-rich water-bath apparatus can electrolytically generate abundant boiling-resistant hydrogen bubbles, improving visceral fat and blotches on the skin. The study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Japanese Center for Anti-Aging Medical Sciences and that was officially authenticated by the Hiroshima Prefecture Government of Japan (approval number 15C1) in 2016.

Molecular hydrogen attenuates methamphetamine-induced behavioral sensitization and activation of ERK-ΔFosB signaling in the mouse nucleus accumbens

Methamphetamine (METH) is one of the most prevalently used illegal psychostimulants in many countries. Continuous exposure to METH leads to behavioral sensitization in animals, which can be used as a behavioral model with many mechanisms in common with relapse in humans. Molecular hydrogen has recently gained attention for its potential as a novel healthcare product with preventive and therapeutic applicability to a wide range of pathological conditions. However, it remains unclear whether and, if so, how hydrogen regulates METH-induced behavioral abnormalities. In the present study, we investigated the roles of molecular hydrogen on the acquisition and transfer of METH-induced behavioral sensitization and the accompanying changes in ERK phosphorylation and ΔFosB activation in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of mice. To this end, male C57BL/6 mice received METH (0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg, i.p.) injections for 7 days followed by a METH challenge (0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg, i.p.) after a 7-day transfer period. Molecular hydrogen, delivered through a hydrogen-rich saline (HRS) injection (10 mL/kg, i.p., 3-h interval), was administered during the acquisition and transfer periods. We found that HRS administration was able to inhibit the acquisition and transfer of 0.1 and 0.5 mg/kg METH-induced behavioral sensitization to a certain extent, thereby attenuating the expression of behavioral sensitization. The HRS injections alone did not induce any obvious changes in locomotor activity in mice. Intriguingly, the increases in pERK and ΔFosB in the NAc, which accompanied the METH-induced behavioral sensitization, were also attenuated by the HRS treatments. Due to the anti-oxidative function of molecular hydrogen, the HRS injections reduced METH-induced reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde generation in the NAc. These results suggest that molecular hydrogen serves as an anti-oxidative agent with potentially therapeutic applicability to the treatment of METH addicts.

Influence of mineral waters on in vitro proliferation, antioxidant response and cytokine production in a human lung fibroblasts cell line

Spa mineral waters are used for the treatment of chronic diseases' symptoms. Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-ageing and tissue repair effects have been attributed to them. This work seeks to improve knowledge about the effect of spa mineral waters on human cells. For this, human lung fibroblasts were treated with mineral waters from Ledesma, Paracuellos and Archena spas, three Spanish health resorts with different water chemical composition. A significant increase of cell proliferation together with an enhanced antioxidant capacity (reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, glutathione levels and superoxide dismutase activity) in mineral water-treated fibroblasts compared to control fibroblasts was observed. Moreover, cytokine profiling revealed an increase in the release of MIF, IL-6, CL-1, CCL-5 and ICAM-1, which are described as mediators in proliferation, wound healing and cell migration processes. In conclusion, our results could be in line with the effects attributed to spa mineral waters in wound healing strategies and oxidative damage protection.

Hydrogen gas: from clinical medicine to an emerging ergogenic molecule for sports athletes 1

H₂ has been clinically demonstrated to provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which makes it an attractive agent in exercise medicine. Although exercise provides a multiplicity of benefits including decreased risk of disease, it can also have detrimental effects. For example, chronic high-intensity exercise in elite athletes, or sporadic bouts of exercise (i.e., noxious exercise) in untrained individuals, result in similar pathological factors such as inflammation, oxidation, and cellular damage that arise from and result in disease. Paradoxically, exercise-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species largely mediate the benefits of exercise. Ingestion of conventional antioxidants and anti-inflammatories often impairs exercise-induced training adaptations. Disease and noxious forms of exercise promote redox dysregulation and chronic inflammation, changes that are mitigated by H₂ administration. Beneficial exercise and H₂ administration promote cytoprotective hormesis, mitochondrial biogenesis, ATP production, increased NAD⁺/NADH ratio, cytoprotective phase II enzymes, heat-shock proteins, sirtuins, etc. We review the biomedical effects of exercise and those of H₂, and we propose that hydrogen may act as an exercise mimetic and redox adaptogen, potentiate the benefits from beneficial exercise, and reduce the harm from noxious exercise. However, more research is warranted to elucidate the potential ergogenic and therapeutic effects of H₂ in exercise medicine.

The healing effect of hydrogen-rich water on acute radiation-induced skin injury in rats

This study aimed to determine the healing effect of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) on radiotherapy-induced skin injury. Rats were irradiated with a 6 MeV electron beam from a Varian linear accelerator. After skin wound formation, rats were individually administrated with distilled water, HRW (1.0 ppm) or HRW (2.0 ppm). We measured the healing time and observed the healing rate of the wounded surface. After irradiation, the malondialdehyde (MDA) content and the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the wounded tissues were evaluated, as determined using an MDA and SOD assay kit. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Models of skin damage were successfully established using a 44 Gy electronic beam. The healing time was shortened in the two HRW-treated groups (P < 0.05). Furthermore, interventions of HRW resulted in a marked reduction in the MDA (P < 0.05) and IL-6 levels (P < 0.01). Additionally, the SOD activity in the two HRW-treated groups was higher than that in the distilled water group at the end of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd weeks (P < 0.001). The EGF level was also significantly increased at the end of the 1st and 2nd weeks (P < 0.05). Compared with the HRW (1.0 ppm) group, the healing rate was higher and the healing time was reduced in the HRW (2.0 ppm) group. A significant decrease was observed in the IL-6 level at the end of the 1st, 3rd and 4th weeks (P < 0.05) and in the EGF content at the end of the 1 week after the HRW administration (P < 0.01). Collectively, our data indicate that HRW accelerates wound healing of radiation-induced skin lesions through anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, suggesting that HRW has a healing effect on acute radiation-mediated skin injury, and that this is dependent on the concentration of the hydrogen.

Emerging mechanisms and novel applications of hydrogen gas therapy

Clinical and pre-clinical studies have reported a broad range of applications for hydrogen gas therapy. Classically, conventional antioxidant therapy is limited because it neutralizes both the detrimental and protective effects of reactive oxygen species. As a weak reducing agent, hydrogen gas avoids this paradox by reacting with strong oxidants while leaving other beneficial oxidants reactive. This review gathers a promising list of hydrogen gas applications that merit further mechanistic investigation and additional therapeutic trials. Reports support the ability of hydrogen gas to downregulate the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and pro-apoptotic factors. Mechanistically, hydrogen gas has been shown to downregulate miR-9 and miR-21, while upregulating miR-199 to reduce inflammatory injury. In angiogenic pathways, hydrogen's inhibition of cyclic guanosine monophosphate-degrading phosphodiesterase led to higher levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate, activation of protein kinase, and angiogenesis; next, as hydrogen gas increased the levels of intracellular calcium, stimulated vascular endothelial growth factor increased nitric oxide production. In conjunction, hydrogen gas opened adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel channels, which activate downstream mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. Growing molecular mechanisms have discovered a plethora of downstream targets for hydrogen gas therapy that include autophagy (via the adenosine 5’-monophosphate-activated protein kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway), histone modification, mitochondrial unfolded protein response, acute oxidative stress after exercise, and oxidative stress secondary to aging. In conclusion, evolving research has discovered novel molecular connections that will continue to widen applications for hydrogen therapy.

Molecular hydrogen: a preventive and therapeutic medical gas for various diseases

Since the 2007 discovery that molecular hydrogen (H2) has selective antioxidant properties, multiple studies have shown that H2 has beneficial effects in diverse animal models and human disease. This review discusses H2 biological effects and potential mechanisms of action in various diseases, including metabolic syndrome, organ injury, and cancer; describes effective H2 delivery approaches; and summarizes recent progress toward H2 applications in human medicine. We also discuss remaining questions in H2 therapy, and conclude with an appeal for a greater role for H2 in the prevention and treatment of human ailments that are currently major global health burdens. This review makes a case for supporting hydrogen medicine in human disease prevention and therapy.

Influence of hydrogen-occluding-silica on migration and apoptosis in human esophageal cells in vitro

In the last decade, many studies have shown that hydrogen gas or hydrogen water can reduce the levels of reactive oxygen species in the living body. Molecular hydrogen has antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects and a preventive effect on oxidative stress-induced cell death. In the present study, we investigated solidified hydrogen-occluding-silica (H₂-silica) that can release molecular hydrogen into cell culture medium because the use of hydrogen gas has strict handling limitations in hospital and medical facilities and laboratories, owing to its physicochemical characteristics. Human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (KYSE-70) cells and normal human esophageal epithelial cells (HEEpiCs) were used to investigate the effects of H₂-silica on cell viability and proliferation. Cell migration was examined with wound healing and culture-insert migration assays. The intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species were evaluated with a nitroblue tetrazolium assay. To assess the apoptotic status of the cells, the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and cleaved caspase-3 were analyzed by western blot. The results showed that KYSE-70 cells and HEEpiCs were generally inhibited by H₂-silica administration, and there was a significant proliferation-inhibitory effect in an H₂-silica concentration-dependent manner compared with the control group (P < 0.05) in KYSE-70. Apoptosis-inducing effect on KYSE-70 cells was observed in 10, 300, 600, and 1,200 ppm H₂-silica, and only 1,200 ppm H₂-silica caused a 2.4-fold increase in apoptosis in HEEpiCs compared with the control group as the index of Bax/Bcl-2. H₂ silica inhibited cell migration in KYSE-70 cells, and high concentrations had a cytotoxic effect on normal cells. These findings should provide insights into the mechanism of inhibition of H₂-silica on human cancer cells in vitro.

Hydrogen generation by reaction of Si nanopowder with neutral water

Si and its oxide are nonpoisonous materials, and thus, it can be taken for medical effects. We have developed a method of generation of hydrogen by use of reactions of Si nanopowder with water in the neutral pH region. Si nanopowder is fabricated by the simple bead milling method. Si nanopowder reacts with water to generate hydrogen even in cases where pH is set at the neutral region between 7.0 and 8.6. The hydrogen generation rate strongly depends on pH and in the case of pH 8.0, ∼55 ml/g hydrogen which corresponds to that contained in approximately 3 L saturated hydrogen-rich water is generated in 1 h. The reaction rate for hydrogen generation greatly increases with pH, indicating that the reacting species is hydroxide ions. The change of pH after the hydrogen generation reaction is negligibly low compared with that estimated assuming that hydroxide ions are consumed by the reaction. From these results, we conclude the following reaction mechanism: Si nanopowder reacts with hydroxide ions in the rate-determining reaction to form hydrogen molecules, SiO₂, and electrons in the conduction band. Then, generated electrons are accepted by water molecules, resulting in production of hydrogen molecules and hydroxide ions. The hydrogen generation rate strongly depends on the crystallite size of Si nanopowder, but not on the size of aggregates of Si nanopowder. The present study shows a possibility to use Si nanopowder for hydrogen generation in the body in order to eliminate hydroxyl radicals which cause various diseases.

The hydrogen-storing microporous silica 'Microcluster' reduces acetaldehyde contained in a distilled spirit

Acetaldehyde is a detrimental substance produced in alcoholic liquor aging. We assessed an ability of hydrogen-storing microporous silica 'Microcluster' (MC+) to reduce acetaldehyde, as compared with autoclave-dehydrogenated MC+ (MC-). Acetaldehyde was quantified spectrophotometrically by an enzymatic method. Authentic acetaldehyde was treated by MC+ for 20min, and decreased from 43.4ppm to 10.9ppm, but maintained at 49.3ppm by MC-. On the other hand, acetaldehyde contained in a distilled spirit was decreased from 29.5ppm to 3.1ppm at 20min by MC+, but not decreased by MC-. Addition of MC+ or MC- to distilled water without acetaldehyde showed no seeming effect on the quantification used. Accordingly acetaldehyde in a distilled spirit is reduced to ethanol by hydrogen contained in MC+, but not by the silica moiety of MC+. Hydrogen gas of 1.2mL was released for 20min from MC+ of 0.59g in water, resulting in dissolved hydrogen of 1.09ppm and an oxidation- reduction potential of -687.0mV indicative of a marked reducing ability. Thus, MC+ has an ability to reduce acetaldehyde in a distilled spirit due to dissolved hydrogen released from MC+.

Beneficial biological effects and the underlying mechanisms of molecular hydrogen - comprehensive review of 321 original articles

Therapeutic effects of molecular hydrogen for a wide range of disease models and human diseases have been investigated since 2007. A total of 321 original articles have been published from 2007 to June 2015. Most studies have been conducted in Japan, China, and the USA. About three-quarters of the articles show the effects in mice and rats. The number of clinical trials is increasing every year. In most diseases, the effect of hydrogen has been reported with hydrogen water or hydrogen gas, which was followed by confirmation of the effect with hydrogen-rich saline. Hydrogen water is mostly given ad libitum. Hydrogen gas of less than 4 % is given by inhalation. The effects have been reported in essentially all organs covering 31 disease categories that can be subdivided into 166 disease models, human diseases, treatment-associated pathologies, and pathophysiological conditions of plants with a predominance of oxidative stress-mediated diseases and inflammatory diseases. Specific extinctions of hydroxyl radical and peroxynitrite were initially presented, but the radical-scavenging effect of hydrogen cannot be held solely accountable for its drastic effects. We and others have shown that the effects can be mediated by modulating activities and expressions of various molecules such as Lyn, ERK, p38, JNK, ASK1, Akt, GTP-Rac1, iNOS, Nox1, NF-κB p65, IκBα, STAT3, NFATc1, c-Fos, and ghrelin. Master regulator(s) that drive these modifications, however, remain to be elucidated and are currently being extensively investigated.

Electrochemically reduced water protects neural cells from oxidative damage

Aging-related neurodegenerative disorders are closely associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stresses and their incidence tends to increase with aging. Brain is the most vulnerable to reactive species generated by a higher rate of oxygen consumption and glucose utilization compared to other organs. Electrochemically reduced water (ERW) was demonstrated to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) in several cell types. In the present study, the protective effect of ERW against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and nitric oxide (NO) was investigated in several rodent neuronal cell lines and primary cells. ERW was found to significantly suppress H₂O₂ (50–200 μM) induced PC12 and SFME cell deaths. ERW scavenged intracellular ROS and exhibited a protective effect against neuronal network damage caused by 200 μM H₂O₂ in N1E-115 cells. ERW significantly suppressed NO-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells despite the fact that it did not have the ability to scavenge intracellular NO. ERW significantly suppressed both glutamate induced Ca²⁺ influx and the resulting cytotoxicity in primary cells. These results collectively demonstrated for the first time that ERW protects several types of neuronal cells by scavenging ROS because of the presence of hydrogen and platinum nanoparticles dissolved in ERW.

Chronic exposure to Rhodobacter sphaeroides extract Lycogen™ prevents UVA-induced malondialdehyde accumulation and procollagen I down-regulation in human dermal fibroblasts

UVA contributes to the pathogenesis of skin aging by downregulation of procollagen I content and induction of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-associated responses. Application of antioxidants such as lycopene has been demonstrated as a convenient way to achieve protection against skin aging. Lycogen™, derived from the extracts of Rhodobacter sphaeroides, exerts several biological effects similar to that of lycopene whereas most of its anti-aging efficacy remains uncertain. In this study, we attempted to examine whether Lycogen™ could suppress malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation and restore downregulated procollagen I expression induced by UVA exposure. In human dermal fibroblasts Hs68 cells, UVA repressed cell viability and decreased procollagen I protein content accompanied with the induction of MMP-1 and MDA accumulation. Remarkably, incubation with 50 μM Lycogen™ for 24 h ameliorated UVA-induced cell death and restored UVA-induced downregulation of procollagen in a dose-related manner. Lycogen™ treatment also prevented the UVA-induced MMP-1 upregulation and intracellular MDA generation in Hs68 cells. Activation of NFκB levels, one of the downstream events induced by UVA irradiation and MMP-1 induction, were also prevented by Lycogen™ administration. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that Lycogen™ may be an alternative agent that prevents UVA-induced skin aging and could be used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.

Hydrogen water intake via tube-feeding for patients with pressure ulcer and its reconstructive effects on normal human skin cells in vitro

Background

Pressure ulcer (PU) is common in immobile elderly patients, and there are some research works to investigate a preventive and curative method, but not to find sufficient effectiveness. The aim of this study is to clarify the clinical effectiveness on wound healing in patients with PU by hydrogen-dissolved water (HW) intake via tube-feeding (TF). Furthermore, normal human dermal fibroblasts OUMS-36 and normal human epidermis-derived cell line HaCaT keratinocytes were examined in vitro to explore the mechanisms relating to whether hydrogen plays a role in wound-healing at the cellular level.

Methods

Twenty-two severely hospitalized elderly Japanese patients with PU were recruited in the present study, and their ages ranged from 71.0 to 101.0 (86.7 ± 8.2) years old, 12 male and 10 female patients, all suffering from eating disorder and bedridden syndrome as the secondary results of various underlying diseases. All patients received routine care treatments for PU in combination with HW intake via TF for 600 mL per day, in place of partial moisture replenishment. On the other hand, HW was prepared with a hydrogen-bubbling apparatus which produces HW with 0.8-1.3 ppm of dissolved hydrogen concentration (DH) and −602 mV to −583 mV of oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), in contrast to reversed osmotic ultra-pure water (RW), as the reference, with DH of < 0.018 ppm and ORP of +184 mV for use in the in vitro experimental research. In in vitro experiments, OUMS-36 fibroblasts and HaCaT keratinocytes were respectively cultured in medium prepared with HW and/or RW. Immunostain was used for detecting type-I collagen reconstruction in OUMS-36 cells. And intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were quantified by NBT assay, and cell viability of HaCaT cells was examined by WST-1 assay, respectively.

Results

Twenty-two patients were retrospectively divided into an effective group (EG, n = 12) and a less effective group (LG, n = 10) according to the outcomes of endpoint evaluation and the healing criteria. PU hospitalized days in EG were significantly shorter than in LG (113.3 days vs. 155.4 days, p < 0.05), and the shortening rate was approximately 28.1%. Either in EG or in LG, the reducing changes (EG: 91.4%; LG: 48.6%) of wound size represented statistically significant difference versus before HW intake (p < 0.05, p < 0.001). The in vitro data demonstrate that intracellular ROS as quantified by NBT assay was diminished by HW, but not by RW, in ultraviolet-A (UVA)-irradiated HaCaT cells. Nuclear condensation and fragmentation had occurred for UVA-irradiated HaCaT cells in RW, but scarcely occurred in HW as demonstrated by Hoechst 33342 staining. Besides, under UVA-irradiation, either the mitochondrial reducing ability of HaCaT cells or the type-I collagen construction in OUMS-36 cells deteriorated in RW-prepared culture medium, but was retained in HW-prepared culture medium as shown by WST-1 assay or immunostain, respectively.

Conclusions

HW intake via TF was demonstrated, for severely hospitalized elderly patients with PU, to execute wound size reduction and early recovery, which potently ensue from either type-I collagen construction in dermal fibroblasts or the promoted mitochondrial reducing ability and ROS repression in epidermal keratinocytes as shown by immunostain or NBT and WST-1 assays, respectively.