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Inflammation is a natural process that occurs in the body when it is fighting off an infection or injury. However, chronic inflammation can lead to a host of health problems, including rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. In recent years, the use of molecular hydrogen has gained attention as a potential therapy for reducing inflammation and its associated health risks.
A recent study, published in the journal Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, explored the effects of molecular hydrogen on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in macrophages. Macrophages are a type of white blood cell that play a key role in the immune response and are involved in the development of inflammation.
The study found that treatment with molecular hydrogen reduced LPS-induced NO production, which was associated with a decreased induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Additionally, hydrogen treatment inhibited the phosphorylation of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) and its downstream signaling molecules, such as p38 MAP kinase and JNK. The study also found that hydrogen treatment did not affect the activation of NADPH oxidase and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS).
The study suggests that hydrogen may act as a signal modulator in macrophages, inhibiting LPS-induced NO production through modulation of signal transduction. Furthermore, the study found that oral intake of hydrogen-rich water alleviated anti-type II collagen antibody-induced arthritis in mice, providing further evidence for the potential of hydrogen as a therapy for inflammation.
In conclusion, this study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the potential of molecular hydrogen as a therapy for reducing inflammation and its associated health risks. While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind hydrogen’s effects, the results of this study suggest that hydrogen may serve as a promising therapy for managing inflammatory diseases.
Itoh, T., et al., Molecular hydrogen inhibits lipopolysaccharide/interferon gamma-induced nitric oxide production through modulation of signal transduction in macrophages. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 2011. 411(1): p. 143-9.
