Molecular Hydrogen Promotes Adipose-derived Stem Cell Myogenic Differentiation via Regulation of Mitochondria

Acute skeletal muscle injuries are common physical or sports traumas. Cellular therapy has excellent potential for regeneration after skeletal muscle injury. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are a more accessible type of stem cell. However, it has a low survival rate and differentiation efficiency in the oxidative stress-rich microenvironment after transplantation. Although molecular hydrogen (H₂) possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant biological properties, its utility in mitochondrial and stem cell research has not been adequately explored.

This study aimed to reveal the role of H₂ on adipose-derived stem cells' myogenic differentiation.

The protective effects of H₂ in ADSCs were evaluated by MTT assay, live-dead cell staining, western blot analysis, immunofluorescence staining, confocal imaging, and transmission electron microscopy.

An appropriate volume fraction of H₂ significantly decreased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, increased the number of mitochondria, and promoted mitophagy, thus enhancing the survival and myogenic differentiation of ADSCs.

This study reveals the application potential of H₂ in skeletal muscle diseases or other pathologies related to mitochondrial dysfunction.