Hydrogen gas inhalation demonstrates significant protective effects against pressure ulcer formation in a mouse model through multiple mechanisms including reduction of oxidative stress, suppression of inflammatory responses, and promotion of wound healing factors. The therapeutic benefits appear to be mediated by activation of the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway and inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine production, suggesting molecular hydrogen as a promising novel therapeutic approach for severe pressure ulcer management.
Plain-Language Summary
Researchers tested whether breathing hydrogen gas could help prevent pressure ulcers (severe skin wounds caused by prolonged pressure) in mice. They found that hydrogen gas inhalation reduced wound size, decreased DNA damage and cell death in skin tissue, lowered harmful molecules called free radicals, and reduced inflammation while boosting the skin's natural healing processes.
Abstract
Pressure ulcer formation depends on various factors among which repetitive ischaemia/reperfusion(I/R) injury plays a vital role. Molecular hydrogen (H2 ) was reported to have protective effects on I/R injuries of various internal organs. In this study, we investigated the effects of H2 inhalation on pressure ulcer and the underlying mechanisms. H2 inhalation significantly reduced wound area, 8-oxo-dG level (oxidative DNA damage) and cell apoptosis rates in skin lesions. H2 remarkably decreased ROS accumulation and enhanced antioxidant enzymes activities by up-regulating expression of Nrf2 and its downstream components in wound tissue and/or H2 O2 -treated endothelia. Meanwhile, H2 inhibited the overexpression of MCP-1, E-selectin, P-selectin and ICAM-1 in oxidant-induced endothelia and reduced inflammatory cells infiltration and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6 and IL-8) production in the wound. Furthermore, H2 promoted the expression of pro-healing factors (IL-22, TGF-β, VEGF and IGF1) and inhibited the production of MMP9 in wound tissue in parallel with acceleration of cutaneous collagen synthesis. Taken together, these data indicated that H2 inhalation suppressed the formation of pressure ulcer in a mouse model. Molecular hydrogen has potentials as a novel and alternative therapy for severe pressure ulcer. The therapeutic effects of molecular hydrogen might be related to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, pro-healing actions.
DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13704
