Authors: Asada R., Saitoh Y., Miwa N.
Source: Medical Gas Research, Volume 9, Issue 2 (2019)

Background

Hydrogen-dissolved water has been shown to improve various conditions associated with oxidative stress. This prompted an investigation into its potential effects on oxidative stress-related skin conditions and lipid metabolism markers.

Objective

The study aimed to determine whether dissolved hydrogen remains in hydrogen-rich water (HRW) after boiling and whether bathing in HRW improves cosmetic outcomes, such as skin blotch reduction and visceral fat-related slimming effects.

Methods

Four subjects (two men and two women aged 41–48 years) participated in the study. Each subject underwent a daily 10-minute warm bath (41 °C) using HRW containing 300–310 μg/L of dissolved hydrogen (compared to <10 μg/L in standard water), over a period ranging from 1 to 6 months. Skin blotches, visceral fat, cholesterol, and glucose metabolism were examined pre- and post-intervention.

Dissolved hydrogen concentrations were measured after boiling the water for 15 minutes and allowing it to cool naturally. Skin changes were assessed visually, and abdominal fat was analysed using ultrasound imaging.

Results

Prominent, dense, irregularly shaped skin blotches showed noticeable reduction in size and intensity, likely due to hydrogen-induced reduction of melanin and lipofuscin, as well as stimulation of skin cell turnover via warm hydrogen bathing.

In two female subjects, visceral fat area decreased from 47 cm² to 36 cm², and waist circumference was reduced from 91 cm to 82 cm. After six months of HRW bathing, one woman experienced a 16.2% reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and a 13.6% increase in fasting blood glucose levels.

Initial measurements of hydrogen concentration and redox potential were 300 μg/L and –115 mV, respectively. Hydrogen content remained stable at 300–175 μg/L even 1–6 hours and up to 24 hours post-boiling, confirming the presence of boiling-resistant hydrogen microbubbles.

Conclusion

Hydrogen-rich water bath devices can generate stable hydrogen bubbles that resist boiling and may be effective for reducing visceral fat and improving hyperpigmented skin blotches. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Japanese Centre for Anti-Ageing Medical Sciences and officially verified by the Hiroshima Prefectural Government in 2016 (Approval No. 15C1).

Citation

Asada R, Saitoh Y, Miwa N. Effects of hydrogen-rich water bath on visceral fat and skin blotch, with boiling-resistant hydrogen bubbles. Medical Gas Research. 2019;9(2):68–73. https://doi.org/10.4103/2045-9912.260647

Authors: Retnaningtyas E., Susatia B., Arifah SN., Lestari SR.
Source: Veterinary World, Volume 15, Issue 1 (2022), pp. 182–187

Background

Water plays a critical role in the human body. Disruption in fluid balance may lead to metabolic disorders, including the development of diseases such as diabetes mellitus (DM). Hydrogen-rich water (HW) has been recognised as a novel antioxidant with potential therapeutic benefits.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the effect of HW on insulin levels, insulin receptor (IR) expression, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

Methods

Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups:

• Normal (N)

• DM (diabetic control)

• DM + Metformin (DM+Met, 45 mg/kg body weight)

• DM + Metformin + HW

• DM + HW

Diabetes was induced via 30 days of high-fat diet feeding followed by multiple low-dose intraperitoneal injections of STZ (35 mg/kg body weight). Fresh HW was administered orally ad libitum for 14 consecutive days. Serum and hepatic levels of SOD, IR expression, and insulin levels were measured in each group.

Results

Treatment with HW significantly increased insulin levels and insulin receptor expression in diabetic rats. Moreover, HW administration also enhanced SOD activity in both serum and liver tissue. Notably, there were no statistically significant differences between the effects of HW and metformin therapy.

Conclusion

Hydrogen-rich water exhibits antioxidant activity in STZ-induced diabetic rats, and effectively improves insulin levels, insulin receptor expression, and SOD activity. These findings support its potential role as an adjunct therapy in diabetes management.

Citation

Retnaningtyas E, Susatia B, Arifah SN, Lestari SR. The improvement of insulin level after hydrogen-rich water therapy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Veterinary World. 2022;15(1):182–187. https://doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2022.182-187

Authors: Hirohisa Ono, Yoji Nishijima, Naoto Adachi, Masaki Sakamoto, Yohei Kudo, Jun Nakazawa, Kumi Kaneko, Atsunori Nakao
Source: Medical Gas Research, Volume 2, Article 14 (2012)

Background

Four patients presenting with acute erythematous skin conditions accompanied by fever and/or pain were treated with intravenously administered hydrogen-rich fluid (H₂). Additionally, data from two healthy volunteers were collected to evaluate H₂ delivery into the skin and assess the feasibility of this treatment for acute inflammatory skin conditions.

Methods

Each of the four patients received 500 mL of hydrogen-rich fluid intravenously over 30 minutes for more than three consecutive days (except for one patient who received a single dose). In two healthy volunteers, one received intravenous H₂ and the other received inhaled H₂. Serial blood samples and air samples from a gas-impermeable plastic bag enclosing the leg were collected before, during, and after administration. These samples were immediately analysed for H₂ concentration using gas chromatography. Multiple physiological parameters and blood chemistry data were also recorded.

Results

All four patients showed significant improvement in erythema and associated symptoms following H₂ treatment, with no recurrence observed. Administration of hydrogen-rich fluid caused no detectable alterations in physiological parameters or deterioration in blood chemistry. In the volunteer study, blood H₂ concentrations rose rapidly during inhalation and decreased slowly thereafter, particularly in venous blood. The concentration of H₂ in air samples taken from the skin surface decreased more gradually, even after cessation of inhalation.

Conclusion

Hydrogen-rich fluid therapy led to improvements in acute erythematous skin conditions without compromising patient safety. The volunteer studies suggested an initial peak in systemic hydrogen availability, followed by a sustained release from a slow-desaturating reservoir in the skin. These findings support the feasibility and potential benefit of H₂-based therapy for inflammatory skin diseases.

Citation

Ono H, Nishijima Y, Adachi N, Sakamoto M, Kudo Y, Nakazawa J, Kaneko K, Nakao A. Hydrogen (H₂) treatment for acute erythematous skin diseases: A report of 4 patients with safety data and a non-controlled feasibility study with H₂ concentration measurement on two volunteers. Med Gas Res. 2012;2(1):14. https://doi.org/10.1186/2045-9912-2-14

Authors: Zhang XY, Yu P, Hong N, Liu F, Shan YX, Wu YY, An BY, Sang H, Kong QT
Source: Experimental Dermatology, Volume 32, Issue 10 (2023)

Objective

This study aimed to determine whether hydrogen-rich baths have a therapeutic effect on psoriasis and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms involved.

Methods

Mice with imiquimod-induced psoriasis were selected and divided into experimental groups. The mice were treated either with hydrogen-rich water baths or distilled water baths. Changes in skin lesions and Psoriasis Severity Index (PSI) scores were compared following treatment. Histopathological changes were evaluated using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Inflammatory markers and immune factors were analysed using ELISA and immunohistochemical staining. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured using the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) assay.

Results

Macroscopically, the severity of skin lesions was lower in the hydrogen-rich bath group compared to the distilled water group, with significantly reduced PSI scores (p < 0.01). H&E staining revealed more abnormal keratosis, thickening of the stratum spinosum, elongation of dermal papillae, and greater presence of Munro abscesses in the distilled water group than in the hydrogen-rich water group.

During disease progression, the hydrogen-rich bath group showed lower peak and total levels of IL-17, IL-23, TNF-α, CD3(+), and MDA compared to controls (p < 0.05). Skin samples from the hydrogen-rich bath group also exhibited reduced expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), indicating lower cellular proliferation activity.

Conclusion

Hydrogen-rich water baths may inhibit psoriatic inflammation and oxidative stress, alleviate cutaneous lesions, and accelerate the resolution of abnormal skin cell proliferation. These findings suggest a therapeutic and ameliorative effect of hydrogen bathing in psoriasis management.

Citation

Zhang X, Yu P, Hong N, et al. Effect and mechanism of hydrogen-rich bath on mice with imiquimod-induced psoriasis. Exp Dermatol. 2023;32:1674–1681. https://doi.org/10.1111/exd.14872

Authors: Qi DD, Ding MY, Wang T, Hayat MA, Liu T, Zhang JT
Source: Veterinary Sciences, Volume 8, Issue 11 (2021)

Objective

This study investigated the effects of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) consumption on the healing of cutaneous wounds in dogs.

Methods

Eight circular wounds were analysed on each dog. The experimental group received HRW three times daily, while the control group was given distilled water (DW). Wound tissues were examined histopathologically. Fibroblast activity, inflammatory cell infiltration, the average number of new blood vessels, and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in skin wound homogenates were measured using appropriate assay kits.

The expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO-1, VEGF, and PDGF were evaluated using quantitative real-time fluorescence PCR (qRT-PCR).

Results

Wounds in the HRW group showed faster wound healing rates and shorter average healing times compared to those in the DW group. Histopathological analysis indicated that the mean epidermal thickness was significantly lower in the HRW group, while the mean number of blood vessels was higher.

MDA levels were elevated in the DW group compared to the HRW group, whereas SOD levels were higher in the HRW group. qRT-PCR results revealed significant differences in gene expression between the two groups for all assessed genes.

Conclusion

Oral administration of HRW promoted cutaneous wound healing in dogs by accelerating wound epithelialisation, reducing inflammatory responses, stimulating the expression of wound-healing-related cytokines, and shortening the overall healing time.

Citation

Qi D-D, Ding M-Y, Wang T, Hayat MA, Liu T, Zhang J-T. The Therapeutic Effects of Oral Intake of Hydrogen-Rich Water on Cutaneous Wound Healing in Dogs. Veterinary Sciences. 2021;8(11):264. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8110264

Authors: Zhou P., Lin B., Wang P., Pan T., Wang S., Chen WS., Cheng SW., Liu S.
Source: Journal of Radiation Research, Volume 60, Issue 1 (2019)

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the healing effect of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) on radiation-induced skin injuries.

Methods

Rats were exposed to 6 MeV electron beams from a Varian linear accelerator to induce skin injury. Following exposure, rats were individually administered either distilled water, HRW at a concentration of 1.0 ppm, or HRW at 2.0 ppm. Healing duration and wound closure rates were monitored.

Malondialdehyde (MDA) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in injured tissues were assessed using commercial MDA and SOD assay kits. Levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A skin damage model was successfully established using a 44 Gy electron beam dose.

Results

Both HRW-treated groups showed a significantly shortened healing time (P < 0.05). HRW intervention markedly reduced MDA (P < 0.05) and IL-6 levels (P < 0.01). SOD activity in the HRW groups was significantly higher than in the distilled water group at the end of Weeks 1, 2, and 3 (P < 0.001), while EGF levels were also significantly elevated in Weeks 1 and 2 (P < 0.05). Compared to the 1.0 ppm HRW group, the 2.0 ppm HRW group exhibited a faster healing rate and shorter healing duration.

A significant reduction in IL-6 was observed at the end of Weeks 1, 3, and 4 (P < 0.05), along with a decrease in EGF levels by the end of Week 1 after HRW administration (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

These findings indicate that hydrogen-rich water accelerates wound healing in radiation-induced skin injury through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The therapeutic effect is dose-dependent, with higher hydrogen concentrations providing greater efficacy.

Citation

Zhou P, Lin B, Wang P, Pan T, Wang S, Chen WS, Cheng SW, Liu S. The healing effect of hydrogen-rich water on acute radiation-induced skin injury in rats. J Radiat Res. 2019;60(1):17–22. https://doi.org/10.1093/jrr/rry074

Authors: Zhao L., Wang YB., Qin SR., Ma XM., Sun XJ., Wang ML., Zhong RG
Source: Journal of Zhejiang University-Science B, Volume 14, Issue 5 (2013)

Background

Ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury to the skin is a multifactorial process frequently encountered in plastic and reconstructive surgery. The underlying mechanisms include hypoxia, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Molecular hydrogen has previously been shown to alleviate cerebral I/R injury by acting as a selective scavenger of free radicals.

Objective

To evaluate the protective effect of hydrogen-rich saline (HRS) on I/R-induced injury in skin flaps in rats.

Methods

Abdominal skin flaps were elevated in rats and subjected to 3 hours of induced ischaemia. Ten minutes before reperfusion, either HRS or normal saline was administered intraperitoneally. On postoperative day five, flap survival, blood perfusion, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and cytokine levels were assessed. Histological analysis was conducted to evaluate the infiltration of inflammatory cells.

Results

Flap survival and blood perfusion were significantly improved in the HRS-treated group compared to controls. Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation, were notably reduced. A multiplex cytokine assay revealed that HRS attenuated the elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors — with the exception of RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted). Furthermore, HRS treatment significantly decreased inflammatory cell infiltration associated with I/R injury.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that HRS mitigates I/R-induced tissue damage by reducing inflammation, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic intervention to improve skin flap survival in reconstructive procedures.

Citation

Zhao L, Wang YB, Qin SR, Ma XM, Sun XJ, Wang ML, Zhong RG. Protective effect of hydrogen-rich saline on ischaemia/reperfusion injury in rat skin flap. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B. 2013;14(5):382–391. https://doi.org/10.1631/jzus.B1200317