# [Effects of hydrogen rich water on the expression of Nrf 2 and the oxidative stress in rats with traumatic brain injury].
> 外傷性脳損傷ラットにおける水素水投与がNrf2発現および酸化ストレスに及ぼす影響


## Abstract

Using a modified weight-drop traumatic brain injury (TBI) model in male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=90, three groups of 30), this study examined the effects of intraperitoneal hydrogen-rich water (5 mL/kg daily for 5 days) on neurological function, oxidative stress, and Nrf2 expression. Neurological severity scores in the hydrogen-rich water group were significantly lower than in the TBI group from 12 hours onward. Antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT and GSH-Px) were substantially restored, and malondialdehyde levels were reduced, with the most pronounced differences at 24 hours. Western blot analysis revealed that Nrf2 nuclear protein expression peaked at 24 hours and was significantly higher in the hydrogen-rich water group than in the TBI group (gray value: 1.110±0.372 vs. 0.703±0.262). No significant differences in Nrf2 mRNA levels were detected across groups. Histological examination confirmed reduced pathological damage in hydrogen-rich water-treated animals. These findings suggest that upregulation of Nrf2 and its downstream antioxidant enzymes may underlie the observed reduction in oxidative injury.

### Mechanism

Hydrogen-rich water appears to enhance nuclear translocation of Nrf2 protein, thereby upregulating downstream antioxidant enzymes such as CAT and GSH-Px, which in turn suppresses lipid peroxidation as reflected by reduced MDA levels in injured brain tissue.

## Bibliographic

- **Authors**: Yuan J, Wang D, Liu Y, Chen X, Zhang H
- **Journal**: Zhonghua Wei Zhong Bing Ji Jiu Yi Xue
- **Year**: 2015
- **PMID**: [27132459](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27132459/)
- **Study type**: animal study
- **Delivery route**: injection / infusion
- **Effect reported**: positive

## Delivery context

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).

## Safety notes

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:
- [Inhalation concentration and LFL / UFL](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/inhalation-concentration)
- [Consumer Affairs Agency accident cases](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/accident-cases)
- [Inhalation safety threshold lineage](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/lineage)

---

> **Cite as**: H2 Papers — PMID 27132459. https://h2-papers.org/en/papers/27132459
> **Source**: PubMed PMID [27132459](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27132459/)