Liver fibrosis is the universal consequence of chronic liver diseases. Sustained hepatocyte injury initiates an inflammatory response, thereby activating hepatic stellate cells, the principal fibrogenic cells in the liver. Reactive oxygen species are involved in liver injury and are a promising target for treating liver fibrosis.
Hydrogen water relieved liver injury, mostly because of the abilities to activate the body’s antioxidant capabilities and to down regulate extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase activation. Oral intake of hydrogen water medium selectively suppressed the generation of hydroxyl radicals in hepatocytes.
Molecular hydrogen reacts with the hydroxyl radical, a highly cytotoxic species produced in inflamed tissues. Hydrogen enriched saline treatment significantly attenuated the severity of liver injury induced by ischemia-reperfusion. These results suggest that, hydrogen enriched saline treatment is protective against liver ischemia-reperfusion injury. This effect may be mediated by both the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of the solution.”