Hydrogen in Regenerative Medicine? A revolutionary strategy to combat the ageing process

The ageing of the body involves several modifications at many levels. During the ageing process, cells usually show DNA damage, metabolic dysfunction of mitochondria and lysosomes, blockage of the cell cycle, and changes in the secretome. These changes lead to the loss of regenerative abilities and the maintenance of inflammation. Recent research has found that local hydrogen delivery (H2) can reverse this process, contributing to the remodelling of the aging microenvironment and supporting the effective repair of bone defects in older people.

The experiments were carried out in an elderly mouse model (24 months) corresponding to a 70-year-old human model. BMSCs (bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells), macrophages and osteocytes were isolated from bones and incubated in a 60% hydrogen incubator for 7 days to simulate the microenvironment of constant H2 supply in vitro. Furthermore, the research team constructed a novel scaffold that releases H2 in large amounts (911 ml/g, up to 1 week) by electrospraying polyhydroxyalkanoate-encapsulated CaSi2 nanoparticles on mesoporous bioactive glass. The use of the developed H2-releasing scaffold is a promising approach to bone regeneration. The exceptional biocompatibility and osteoinductivity of the scaffold make it have great clinical potential, especially when traditional methods such as autogenous bone grafting are not available.

Research has shown that the local supply of H2 can change the ageing microenvironment. The mechanism of action includes the repolarisation of aging macrophages, changing the secretome, and supporting cell and tissue regeneration. It should be noted that H2 has proven to be a safe anti-inflammatory agent with a broad spectrum of action, making it a promising therapeutic tool.

An important feature of hydrogen is its ability to selectively remove highly oxidising radicals, which makes it effective in mitigating the oxidative stress associated with ageing. Unlike other senolytic and senomorphic drugs, H2 has high selectivity and universality of anti-ageing action, which minimises toxic side effects.

In summary, research on local delivery of H2 indicates a promising role for this element in anti-aging bone therapy. The introduction of this new treatment strategy may be of great importance for older people, who often struggle with problems related to bone loss and difficulties in the healing process of fractures. Further research in this area is certainly crucial, but the therapeutic prospects seem fascinating. The supply of hydrogen may prove to be a key weapon in the fight against bone ageing, opening new opportunities for regenerative medicine.

Affirmations:

Biuro Analiz i Strategii, Agencja Rozwoju Przemysłu, Nowy Świat 6/12, 00-400 Warszawa
Katedra Biochemii Lekarskiej, Collegium Medicum Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego, Kopernika 7, 31-034 Kraków
SKN Terapii Celowanej i Układów Supramolekularnych, Collegium Medicum Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego, Kopernika 7, 31-034 Kraków

Bbibliography:

Shengqiang C. et al., "Local H2 release remodels senescence microenvironment for improved repair of injured bone", Nature Communications, (2023) 14:7783

Anna Misterka MSc. Graduate of biotechnology and chemical technology. She completed a 3-month internship in the Energy Transformation Team of the Analysis and Strategy Office of the Industrial Development Agency as part of the "HR for Industry" competition. Currently, he works at the Department of Medical Biochemistry of the Jagiellonian University Medical College. Active member of SKN TCIUS.