[Effect of hydrogen-rich water on the CD34 expression in lesion boundary brain tissue of rats with traumatic brain injury].

Abstract

Using a rat model of traumatic brain injury (TBI) induced by a modified free-fall impact method, this study examined how intraperitoneally administered hydrogen-rich water (5 mL/kg daily) influenced CD34 expression and capillary formation in perilesional brain tissue. Fifty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to sham, TBI, or TBI plus hydrogen-rich water groups, with assessments at 1, 3, and 7 days post-injury. Neurological severity scores were significantly reduced in the hydrogen-rich water group at days 3 and 7 compared with TBI controls. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a significantly greater number of newly formed capillaries at days 3 and 7 in the hydrogen-rich water group. Western blot analysis showed a marked elevation of CD34 protein at day 7 in the hydrogen-rich water group relative to TBI controls (gray value: 1.36±0.36 vs. 0.74±0.08, P<0.05). Histological examination indicated reduced edema and necrosis in hydrogen-rich water-treated animals. These findings suggest that hydrogen-rich water facilitates CD34-positive cell recruitment to injured tissue, promotes angiogenesis, and supports neurological functional recovery after TBI.

Mechanism

Hydrogen-rich water appears to enhance the recruitment of CD34-positive progenitor cells to perilesional brain tissue, thereby augmenting neovascularization and supporting neurological recovery following traumatic brain injury.