Molecular hydrogen inhalation therapy demonstrates significant potential in mitigating early-stage chronic heart failure progression through improved microvascular perfusion, reduced oxidative stress, and normalized myocardial metabolism. Multiple H2 inhalation sessions produced superior therapeutic effects compared to single administration, with histological evidence supporting preservation of myocardial tissue integrity and reduction of cardiac edema. These findings suggest H2 therapy may serve as a novel therapeutic intervention for delaying CHF development by restoring hemodynamic regulation and protecting cardiac tissue from ischemic injury.
Plain-Language Summary
Researchers tested whether inhaling molecular hydrogen (H2, a colorless gas) could help protect rat hearts from damage during early heart failure. They exposed rats to a chemical that damages the heart, then had some rats breathe hydrogen gas for 40 minutes either once or daily for 5 days. The hydrogen improved blood flow in tiny blood vessels, reduced harmful chemical damage (oxidative stress) in heart tissue, and prevented swelling in the heart muscle—with better results from multiple treatments than a single one.
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a key factor in the development of chronic heart failure (CHF). Molecular hydrogen (H2) exhibits antioxidant properties, yet the mechanisms by which it alleviates hemodynamic disturbances and ischemic myocardial injury in CHF are not fully understood. This study examined the effects of a single (40-min) and multiple (40-min daily for 5 days) inhalations of H2 in a rat model of CHF induced by catecholamine administration. Microcirculatory function was evaluated using laser Doppler flowmetry and laser fluorescence spectroscopy. Lipid peroxidation levels in plasma and myocardium were measured, and histological analysis of myocardial tissue was performed. The findings demonstrated that H2 inhalation improved microvascular perfusion (p < 0.05) by activating local regulation and restoring central control mechanisms. This contrasts with the decreased perfusion and disrupted adaptive regulation observed in CHF. Notably, oxidative stress and metabolic abnormalities induced in the model were significantly mitigated by H2, with the most substantial effects observed after multiple administrations (p < 0.05). Histological assessments revealed that repeated H2 inhalation reduces myocardial edema and preserves tissue morphology during cardiac remodeling. In conclusion, hydrogen therapy shows potential for delaying CHF progression at early stages by normalizing microcirculation and tissue metabolism.
