骨関節炎ラットモデルにおける水素水の軟骨保護効果：酸化ストレス・基質分解・アポトーシス抑制を介したメカニズム解析
Using a rat osteoarthritis (OA) model established by the modified Hulth method combined with forced daily exercise, this study examined the effects of intra-articular hydrogen-rich water (HW) administration on articular cartilage. Animals with Mankin scores exceeding 8 points at 8 weeks post-surgery received HW for 2 weeks. Histological staining (hematoxylin-eosin, toluidine blue, Hoechst) together with quantitative PCR and Western blot analyses revealed that HW reduced expression of ECM-degrading enzymes MMP3, MMP13, ADAMTS4, and ADAMTS5, while upregulating Col II and aggrecan. Inflammatory mediators COX-2, iNOS, and NO were also downregulated. Hoechst staining demonstrated that chondrocyte nuclear condensation and fragmentation observed in the OA group were markedly reduced by HW. These findings indicate that HW exerts cartilage-protective effects in OA through antioxidant and anti-apoptotic mechanisms.
Hydrogen-rich water reduces oxidative stress, thereby suppressing ECM-degrading enzymes (MMP3, MMP13, ADAMTS4, ADAMTS5), preserving Col II and aggrecan expression, downregulating COX-2, iNOS, and NO, and inhibiting chondrocyte apoptosis.
Intravenous hydrogen-saline infusion is a clinic-only route and is not viable for everyday self-administration. For routine hydrogen intake, inhalation is the most practical route, but inhalation carries explosion risk and concentration matters (empirical LFL of 10%; high-concentration 66% / 100% devices are not recommended).
See also:
https://h2-papers.org/en/papers/31927559