Protective Effects of Hydrogen-Rich Water Against Cartilage Damage in a Rat Model of Osteoarthritis by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress, Matrix Catabolism, and Apoptosis

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms underlying the potential effects of hydrogen-rich water (HW) on articular cartilage in a rat osteoarthritis (OA) model. Material/Methods: A rat model of OA was established using the modified Hulth method, and rats were forced to exercise for 30 min every day 1 week after surgery for 7 weeks. Mankin's method was used to score the severity of OA. The animals were assigned into the OA group, OA+HW group, and sham operation group. After 8 weeks, the animals in the OA group had a Mankin score >8 points, and HW was administered into the knee joint. After 2 weeks of treatment, articular cartilage was obtained for pathological examination, consisting of hematoxylin and eosin, toluidine blue, and Hoechst staining, as well as quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analyses. This combination of pharmacological and molecular biological analyses was performed to examine the mechanism underlying the protective effect of HW on articular cartilage. Results: The antioxidant effects of HW suppressed oxidative damage, which may have aided the inhibition of ECMdegrading enzymes (MMP3, MMP13, ADAMT4, and ADAMT5), the upregulation of Col II and aggrecan expression, and the downregulation of COX-2, iNOS, and NO expression. The results of HE staining indicated intra-articular treatment of HW attenuated cartilage degradation. However, Hoechst staining in the OA group indicated the nuclei of the fragmented chondrocytes were condensed compared to the sham operation group, and this effect was inhibited by HW. Conclusions: HW showed a protective effect against the progression of OA in an animal model, which may have been mediated by its anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic activities.

New Treatment for the Cognitive and Emotional Deficits Linked with Paclitaxel-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Mice

“…The antidepressant and anxiolytic properties of this gas have also been described [ 21 , 22 ]. Moreover, several studies have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory properties of H 2 ; in animals with osteoarthritis [ 23 ] and its antinociceptive effects in preclinical models of neuropathic pain caused by nerve injury [ 24 , 25 , 26 ]. A recent study further reveals that treatment with hydrogen-rich water (HRW) inhibits the affective disorders accompanying neuropathic pain caused by nerve damage [ 27 ].…”

SCP2 mediates the transport of lipid hydroperoxides to mitochondria in chondrocyte ferroptosis

“…Application of Fer-1 or ScpI2 to intervene in human primary chondrocytes from the early-stage OA could significantly improve cell viability. As such, 5-week modified-Hulth models were employed to simulate early-stage OA (identified by Safranin O/fast green staining) in rats [ 40 ]. Besides discovering that the SCP2 inhibitor ScpI2 reduced ferroptosis markers such as iron, ACSL4 and MDA in rat OA cartilage, ScpI2 also relieved the symptoms of OA which was consistent with the results of cartilage anabolism genes expression in vitro study, suggesting that articular injection of ScpI2 suppressed ferroptosis in chondrocytes thereby alleviating the progression of OA.…”

Hydrogen applications: advances in the field of medical therapy

“… 7 Meanwhile, studies have also found that oral H 2 -rich water or local injection of H 2 sustained-release system into the knee joint can delay the development of knee osteoarthritis. 66 68 …”