Prenatal Molecular Hydrogen Administration Ameliorates Several Findings in Nitrofen-Induced Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.

Abstract

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) involves oxidative stress as a key contributor to pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension. Sprague-Dawley rat dams were given hydrogen-rich water orally from embryonic day 10 through delivery. Offspring were assigned to control, CDH, or CDH plus hydrogen-rich water groups. Blood gas parameters including pH, pO2, and pCO2 were more favorable in the hydrogen-treated CDH group than in untreated CDH animals. Histological analysis revealed improvements in alveolar development and pulmonary artery wall remodeling. Oxidative stress markers, specifically 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine-positive cell scores in pulmonary arteries, were significantly reduced, and surfactant protein A mRNA levels were altered in the hydrogen-treated group. These findings indicate that prenatal hydrogen-rich water intake can improve respiratory outcomes and attenuate lung structural abnormalities in CDH rat models.

Mechanism

Hydrogen-rich water exerts antioxidant effects that reduce oxidative stress markers (8-OHdG) in pulmonary arteries, thereby attenuating vascular remodeling and improving alveolarization, which collectively enhance respiratory function in CDH.