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Circulating messenger for neuroprotection induced by molecular hydrogen.

Authors :: Noda M
Uemura Y
Yoshii Y
Horita T
Takemi S
Sakata I
Sakai T
Source :: Canadian journal of physiology and pharmacology [Can J Physiol Pharmacol] 2019 Oct; Vol. 97 (10), pp. 909-915. Date of Electronic Publication: 2019 May 17.
Publication Year :: 2019
Abstract: Molecular hydrogen (H <subscript>2</subscript> ) showed protection against various kinds of oxidative-stress-related diseases. First, it was reported that the mechanism of therapeutic effects of H <subscript>2</subscript> was antioxidative effect due to inhibition of the most cytotoxic reactive oxygen species, hydroxy radical (•OH). However, after chronic administration of H <subscript>2</subscript> in drinking water, oxidative-stress-induced nerve injury is significantly attenuated even in the absence of H <subscript>2</subscript> . It suggests indirect signaling of H <subscript>2</subscript> and gastrointestinal tract is involved. Indirect effects of H <subscript>2</subscript> could be tested by giving H <subscript>2</subscript> water only before nerve injury, as preconditioning. For example, preconditioning of H <subscript>2</subscript> for certain a period (∼7 days) in Parkinson's disease model mice shows significant neuroprotection. As the mechanism of indirect effect, H <subscript>2</subscript> in drinking water induces ghrelin production and release from the stomach via β1-adrenergic receptor stimulation. Released ghrelin circulates in the body, being transported across the blood-brain barrier, activates its receptor, growth-hormone secretagogue receptor. H <subscript>2</subscript> -induced upregulation of ghrelin mRNA is also shown in ghrelin-producing cell line, SG-1. These observations help with understanding the chronic effects of H <subscript>2</subscript> and raise intriguing preventive and therapeutic options using H <subscript>2</subscript> .