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Hydrogen Gas Inhalation Treatment for Coronary Artery Lesions in a Kawasaki Disease Mouse Model
Wen-Ling Shih1,2, Tsung-Ming Yeh1,2, Kuang-Den Chen3,4
1Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Neipu 912301, Taiwan.
Insights
Hydrogen gas inhalation effectively treated coronary artery dilatation in a mouse model of Kawasaki disease (KD). This study shows hydrogen gas reduces inflammation and reactive oxygen species, offering a potential new therapy for KD patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Pediatric Inflammatory Diseases
- Oxidative Stress Biology
Background:
- Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute vasculitis affecting young children, potentially causing coronary artery lesions (CALs).
- Elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) are implicated in KD pathogenesis, particularly in CAL development.
- Hydrogen gas possesses antioxidant properties that can modulate ROS and inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of hydrogen gas inhalation for coronary artery abnormalities in a murine model of Kawasaki disease.
- To evaluate the effect of hydrogen gas on inflammation and oxidative stress markers in KD.
Main Methods:
- A mouse model of KD was established using Lactobacillus casei cell wall extract (LCWE)-induced vasculitis.
- Mice were treated with hydrogen gas inhalation post-LCWE administration.
- Coronary artery diameters (Z scores) and serum IL-6 levels were measured.
Main Results:
- LCWE treatment led to significant left coronary artery (LCA) dilatation and elevated serum IL-6 levels.
- Hydrogen gas inhalation significantly reduced LCA diameters and Z scores.
- Hydrogen gas therapy markedly decreased serum IL-6 expression in treated mice.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence of hydrogen gas inhalation's efficacy in ameliorating coronary artery dilatation in a KD mouse model.
- Hydrogen gas therapy demonstrates potential as a novel treatment strategy for Kawasaki disease by mitigating vasculitis and associated complications.
Background:
Kawasaki disease (KD) is a syndrome primarily affecting young children, typically under the age of five, and is characterized by the development of acute vasculitis. Through extensive research conducted on both murine and human subjects, it has been demonstrated that heightened levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a pivotal role in the development of KD, especial coronary artery lesions (CALs). Hydrogen gas exhibits potent antioxidant properties that effectively regulate ROS production and the inflammatory response.
Methods:
We used Lactobacillus casei cell wall extract (LCWE)-induced vasculitis in mice as an animal model of KD and treated the mice with hydrogen gas inhalation.
Results:
We observed significant dilatation and higher Z scores in the left coronary artery (LCA) in D21 and D28 in mice after LCWE treatment compared to the control group (p < 0.001) and a significant resolution of LCA diameters (p < 0.01) and Z scores (p < 0.01) after treatment with inhaled hydrogen gas. We further demonstrated that serum IL-6 expression was higher in mice after LCWE treatment (p < 0.01) and IL-6 significantly decreased after inhaled hydrogen gas therapy (p < 0.001).
Conclusion:
According to our literature review, this is the first report where hydrogen gas inhalation has been demonstrated to be effective for the treatment of coronary artery dilatation in a KD murine model.
