With the rapid development and high therapeutic efficiency and biosafety of gas-involving theranostics, hydrogen medicine has been particularly outstanding because hydrogen gas (H2), a microbial-derived gas, has potent anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory activities in many disease models. Studies have suggested that H2-enriched saline/water alleviates colitis in murine models; however, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. Despite evidence demonstrating the importance of the microbial hydrogen economy, which reflects the balance between H2-producing (hydrogenogenic) and H2-utilizing (hydrogenotrophic) microbes in maintaining colonic mucosal ecosystems, minimal efforts have been exerted to manipulate relevant H2-microbe interactions for colonic health. Consistent with previous studies, we found that administration of hydrogen-rich saline (HS) ameliorated dextran sulfate sodium-induced acute colitis in a mouse model. Furthermore, we demonstrated that HS administration can increase the abundance of intestinal-specific short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria and SCFA production, thereby activating the intracellular butyrate sensor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ signaling and decreasing the epithelial expression of Nos2, consequently promoting the recovery of the colonic anaerobic environment. Our results also indicated that HS administration ameliorated disrupted intestinal barrier functions by modulating specific mucosa-associated mucolytic bacteria, leading to substantial inhibition of opportunistic pathogenic Escherichia coli expansion as well as a significant increase in the expression of interepithelial tight junction proteins and a decrease in intestinal barrier permeability in mice with colitis. Exogenous H2 reprograms colonocyte metabolism by regulating the H2-gut microbiota-SCFAs axis and strengthens the intestinal barrier by modulating specific mucosa-associated mucolytic bacteria, wherein improved microbial hydrogen economy alleviates colitis.
Aim To investigate the effects of hydrogen-rich saline (HRS) on intestinal epithelial tight junction (TJ) barrier in rats with intestinal ischemia–reperfusion injury (IIRI). Materials and methods Thirty-two healthy male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats ...
Objective: Sepsis-associated intestinal injury has a higher morbidity and mortality in patients with sepsis, but there is still no effective treatment. Our research team has proven that inhaling 2% hydrogen gas (H2) can effectively improve sepsis and ...
Studies have shown that metabolic diseases, such as obesity, are significantly associated with intestinal flora imbalance. The amplification of opportunistic pathogens induced by the glyoxylic acid cycle contributes to intestinal flora imbalance. ...
Aim: To investigate the therapeutic effect of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and to explore the potential mechanisms involved. Methods: Male mice were randomly divided into the following four groups: control group, in ...
Background: Molecular hydrogen (H2) is a potent antioxidant and able to protect organs from oxidative stress injuries. Orally administered lactulose, a potent H2 inducer, is digested by colon microflora and significantly increases H2 production, ...
Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is associated with enhanced production of reactive oxygen species and altered angiogenesis. Molecular hydrogen has been documented as a novel antioxidant to treat various reactive oxygen species-related diseases. ...