# Hydrogen-rich water alleviates chilling injury-induced lignification of kiwifruit by inhibiting peroxidase activity and improving antioxidant system.
> 水素水処理がキウイフルーツの低温障害による木質化を抑制する機序：ペルオキシダーゼ活性と抗酸化系への影響


## Abstract

Kiwifruit is susceptible to chilling injury (CI) during cold storage, often manifesting as lignification, yet the physicochemical mechanisms involved are not well characterized. This study compared quality attributes, lignin biosynthesis markers, antioxidant capacity, and sugar profiles between hydrogen-rich water (HRW)-treated and control kiwifruit stored at 0°C for 90 days. HRW treatment reduced lignification levels, accompanied by suppressed peroxidase activity and elevated polyphenol oxidase activity. Membrane peroxidation was attenuated, as evidenced by decreased H₂O₂ and malondialdehyde concentrations. Concurrently, the antioxidant defense system was strengthened, with increases in fructose and glucose levels. These findings indicate that HRW enhances chilling tolerance in kiwifruit by modulating peroxidase activity and reinforcing antioxidant mechanisms to limit membrane oxidative damage.

### Mechanism

HRW suppresses peroxidase activity and reduces H₂O₂ and malondialdehyde levels, thereby limiting membrane lipid peroxidation. Simultaneously, it enhances the antioxidant defense system and elevates fructose and glucose concentrations, collectively inhibiting lignin biosynthesis in chilling-stressed kiwifruit.

## Bibliographic

- **Authors**: Liu SJ, Zha Z, Chen SL, Tang R, Zhao Y, Lin Q, et al.
- **Journal**: J Sci Food Agric
- **Year**: 2023 (2023-03-30)
- **PMID**: [36229969](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36229969/)
- **DOI**: [10.1002/jsfa.12272](https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.12272)
- **Study type**: other
- **Delivery route**: hydrogen-rich water
- **Effect reported**: positive

## Delivery context

Hydrogen-rich water is a low-risk delivery route, but the achievable systemic hydrogen dose is bounded. For clinical applications, inhalation is the most efficient route; inhalation, however, carries explosion risk, and concentration matters (empirical LFL of 10% applies to inhalation environments; high-concentration devices are documented in the Consumer Affairs Agency accident database and are not recommended).

## Safety notes

Hydrogen-rich water is a low-risk delivery route, but the achievable systemic hydrogen dose is bounded. For clinical applications, inhalation is the most efficient route; inhalation, however, carries explosion risk, and concentration matters (empirical LFL of 10% applies to inhalation environments; high-concentration devices are documented in the Consumer Affairs Agency accident database and 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)

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> **Cite as**: H2 Papers — PMID 36229969. https://h2-papers.org/en/papers/36229969
> **Source**: PubMed PMID [36229969](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36229969/)