Hydrogen-Rich Saline Regulates Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction, Dysbiosis, and Bacterial Translocation in a Murine Model of Sepsis.

Abstract

Using a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) murine sepsis model, this study examined the effects of orally administered hydrogen-rich saline (7 ppm, 15 mL/kg/day for 7 days) on gut barrier function and microbial homeostasis. The hydrogen-treated group showed a markedly higher 7-day survival rate compared with saline controls (69% vs. 31%, P < 0.05). At 24 hours post-CLP, bacterial translocation detected via mesenteric lymph node and blood cultures was significantly reduced, and intestinal hyperpermeability was attenuated. Expansion of facultative anaerobic Enterobacteriaceae was suppressed, indicating a protective effect on gut microbiota composition. At 6 hours post-CLP, intestinal tissue concentrations of inducible nitric oxide synthase, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde were all reduced in the hydrogen group. These findings indicate that luminal hydrogen-rich saline administration may mitigate dysbiosis, barrier disruption, and bacterial translocation in critical illness.

Mechanism

Hydrogen-rich saline reduces intestinal levels of inflammatory mediators (iNOS, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde, thereby suppressing gut dysbiosis and hyperpermeability, which collectively limit bacterial translocation to lymph nodes and systemic circulation.