Hydrogen treatment reduces tendon adhesion and inflammatory response

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine
• Oxidative Stress Research

Background:

• Tendon repair surgeries can lead to post-operative adhesions, causing pain and limited mobility.
• Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the inflammatory response and tissue damage following tendon injury.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of hydrogen water in reducing tendon adhesion and inflammation in a rat model.
• To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effects of hydrogen water, particularly its impact on oxidative stress markers and the Nrf2 pathway.

Main Methods:

• A rat model of tendon repair was established, with animals divided into normal saline and hydrogen water groups.
• Serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) were measured pre- and post-operatively.
• In vitro studies on skin fibroblasts assessed the effects of hydrogen, hydrogen peroxide, and hydrogen water on oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzyme expression (Nrf2, CATA, γ-GCS) via Western blot and ELISA.

Main Results:

• Postoperative rats showed reduced SOD and GSH, and increased MDA, indicating oxidative stress.
• The hydrogen water group exhibited significantly higher SOD and GSH levels and lower MDA compared to the normal saline group.
• In vitro, hydrogen-rich medium decreased MDA and 8-OHdG while increasing SOD and GSH.
• Hydrogen-rich medium restored Nrf2, CATA, and γ-GCS expression suppressed by hydrogen peroxide.

Conclusions:

• Hydrogen water demonstrates a therapeutic potential in reducing tendon adhesion and mitigating excessive inflammatory responses post-tendon repair.
• The findings suggest that the beneficial effects of hydrogen water are mediated through the activation of the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway, combating oxidative stress.