# Molecular Hydrogen Effectively Heals Alkali-Injured Cornea via Suppression of Oxidative Stress.
> アルカリ傷害角膜における分子状水素の酸化ストレス抑制を介した修復効果


## Abstract

This animal study investigated the effect of molecular hydrogen dissolved in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) applied topically to rabbit corneas damaged by 0.25 M NaOH. Hydrogen solution was administered immediately after injury and continued for five days. Corneal transparency, which was lost following alkali exposure, was restored within ten days in the H2-treated group, and corneal hydration—measured by ultrasonic pachymetry—returned to physiological levels. In contrast, PBS-treated injured corneas showed persistent opacity and elevated hydration. At day 20 post-injury, H2-treated corneas exhibited markedly reduced expression of proinflammatory cytokines, nitrotyrosine residues (a marker of peroxynitrite), and malondialdehyde compared with PBS controls, where these markers remained elevated. The findings indicate that H2 solution promotes corneal recovery after alkali injury primarily through suppression of oxidative and nitrosative stress.

### Mechanism

H2 solution reduces peroxynitrite formation and lipid peroxidation (MDA), while suppressing proinflammatory cytokine expression, thereby facilitating corneal tissue recovery following alkali-induced damage.

## Bibliographic

- **Authors**: Cejka C, Kossl J, Hermankova B, Holan V, Cejkova J
- **Journal**: Oxid Med Cell Longev
- **Year**: 2017
- **PMID**: [28400915](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28400915/)
- **DOI**: [10.1155/2017/8906027](https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/8906027)
- **PMC**: [PMC5376456](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5376456/)
- **Study type**: animal study
- **Delivery route**: topical application
- **Effect reported**: positive

## Delivery context

Topical applications have localized-effect reports, but systemic hydrogen intake is most efficient via inhalation. Inhalation carries explosion risk (empirical LFL of 10%; high-concentration devices are not recommended).

## Safety notes

Topical applications have localized-effect reports, but systemic hydrogen intake is most efficient via inhalation. Inhalation carries explosion risk (empirical LFL of 10%; high-concentration 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)

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> **Cite as**: H2 Papers — PMID 28400915. https://h2-papers.org/en/papers/28400915
> **Source**: PubMed PMID [28400915](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28400915/)