The Effect of Inhalation Using a Molecular Hydrogen Generator on the Level of Exercise Capacity and Inflammatory Response, Anti-cancer Potential of Human Blood Serum in the Light of in Vivo/in Vitro Studies
The Effect of Inhalation Using a Molecular Hydrogen Generator on the Level of Exercise Capacity and Inflammatory Response, Anti-cancer Potential of Human Blood Serum in the Light of in Vivo/in Vitro Studies
Summary To comprehensively address the research aims and explore the state of knowledge of the mechanisms of biochemical response to specific tissue affecting method in form of a molecular hydrogen inhalation and will allow to determine its role on the post-exercise response in form of changes in biochemical markers secretion, expression of selected trophic factors and changes in iron metabolism in this process.
Moreover, this project will try to take into account the role of hepcidin, vitamin D and cfDNA. Additionally, the present project may contribute to the determination of the role of presented inhalation procedure on cells proliferation, as example of anty-tumor proprieties, regulation of the expression of genes related to the stress response (HSF-1, NF-kB, TNF-dependent pathway), muscle cell growth (e.g. myostatin gene), energy pathways (e.g. GAPDH, LDH) and the membrane transport and the hedgehog pathway ls (including Gli1), Hif-1-alpha and NF-kB.
1.1. Primary Objectives
1.2. Secondary Objectives
1.3. Hypotheses
In the project on the basis of current knowledge, the following hypotheses are stated:
III. Research project methodology In order to achieve the objectives of the study 80 people will be recruited, then randomly divided into two groups: Experimental ((N=40) and Control (N=40). Furthermore, groups will be divided into subgroups to implement the assumptions of one-time and 10-time inhalation with the use of a molecular hydrogen generator on the level of induced muscle damage and the level of maximum anaerobic and aerobic capacity. The whole study will be carried out using the assumptions of the experiment - a blind test (inhalation with normal air but under the use of H2 generator (switched of), and in accordance with the principles of the experiment.
In the study an experiment based on an ex post facto research plan will be used, due to the lack of manipulation of the grouping variable. Study will be based on comparative analysis and regression analysis. In the independent variable test, the group (non-trainees), variables dependent on molecular hydrogen inhalation and the anaerobic/aerobic performance characteristics, biochemical blood indicators. Minimal (40 people each) sample size was calculated according to Kirby et all (2002) and Kadam and Bhalerao (2010).
IV. The study will consist of twelve parts. For anaerobic power of the lower limbs measurement of double Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT) will be conducted on a cycle ergometer,
1. RESEARCH PROJECT OBJECTIVES 1.1. Research project objectives The main aim of the project is to comprehensively evaluate the impact of molecular hydrogen inhalation on exercise capacity, inflammatory response, anti-tumour potential of human blood serum, and related molecular-genetic mechanisms involving oxidative stress, iron metabolism, gene expression regulation, and intracellular signalling pathways, assessed through in vivo and in vitro analyses.
The project aims to:
1.2. Hypotheses
In the project on the basis of current knowledge, the following hypotheses are stated:
2. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT Physical performance, encompassing endurance, muscle strength, and explosive power, serves as a fundamental element for success in sports among both non-athletic individuals and athletes.
It not only enhances competitive performance on the field but also encourages healthy adults to engage in sports. Oxidative stress arises when the products of oxygen metabolism accumulate and exceed the body's ability to resist oxidation. Research indicates that physical activity at varying intensities can influence the levels of different oxidative biomarkers.
Nevertheless, engaging in physical exercise, particularly at moderate to high intensities, may result in excessive oxidative stress, adversely affecting redox homoeostasis, increasing fatigue, and ultimately diminishing physical performance.
Consequently, there has been a focus on investigating potential antioxidant strategies to develop effective methods for improving physical performance. Molecular hydrogen (H2) has emerged as a promising antioxidant that selectively neutralises hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite in cells without diminishing other reactive species.
The suggested benefits of molecular hydrogen in the body, are due the fact that H2 is a potent antioxidant and signalling molecule. Unlike conventional antioxidants that non-selectively scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), hydrogen selectively targets highly reactive and deleterious species such as hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and peroxynitrite (ONOO-), thereby preserving ROS involved in physiological signalling, which is crucial for cellular homoeostasis and adaptation. Recent studies have shown that modulating ROS and subsequently regulating the gas transmitters nitric oxide and carbon monoxide to influence NO-CO metabolism may have beneficial effects on various diseases. Studies have shown that molecular hydrogen, which can be delivered to the body in various forms (i.e. inhaled gas - H2 inhalation, drinking hydrogen-rich water (HRW) and intravenously in H2 saline solution), can penetrate cell membranes and rapidly diffuse into cellular organelles (e.g. mitochondria), thereby increasing the functional efficiency of mitochondria and enhancing ATP production or lactate oxidation. Recent human studies have begun to investigate the potential advantages of H2 for enhancing physical performance, showing significant promise for H2-based interventions. However, the findings and study designs regarding the impact of H2 on physical performance have varied.
Regulation of gene expression: ROS play a role in the regulation of gene expression, particularly in genes involved in stress responses and antioxidant production. By maintaining physiological levels of ROS, hydrogen can aid in the proper regulation of these genes, supporting cellular defence mechanisms and resilience against oxidative stress. Overall, these beneficial properties not only protect cells from oxidative damage but also support critical signalling pathways that promote health, adaptation, and recovery.
The potential effects of molecular hydrogen on exercise physiology are multifaceted, influencing a wide range of physiological processes encompassing energy metabolism, oxidative stress modulation, inflammation regulation, cell signalling modulation, and recovery facilitation mechanisms. By regulating these key pathways, molecular hydrogen offers an alternative approach to optimising athletic performance, mitigating exercise-induced muscle damage and accelerating post-exercise recovery.
Despite growing interest in this area, several fundamental questions remain unanswered]. A primary concern is determining which specific exercise patterns-aerobic, anaerobic derive the most benefit from molecular hydrogen inhalation. It is well established that sports encompass a diverse range of activities, each requiring distinct skills such as cardio respiratory fitness, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, agility, coordination, power, reaction time, and speed. However, the extent to which HRW can enhance these specific skills remains unclear and warrants further investigation. Additionally, to effectively develop of molecular hydrogen inhalation procedure as improving sport result procedure and promote its use among a broader athletic audience, it is crucial to identify the specific physiological advantages that might enhance athletic performance.
Recent years brought the era of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) as a potential biomarker of the level of injury, which is gaining interest in many various biomedical disciplines, including the field of exercise physiology. There are more and more studies looking for the role of cfDNA as a potential hallmark of the overtraining syndrome in: resistance training, marathon run, continuous treadmill running, incremental exercise, rowing exercise, strength training.
Besides cfDNA might be related to, or trigger adaptations of immune function induced by strenuous exercise. Publication from 2017 revealed an increase cf-DNA level even during aerobic running below the lactate steady state depending on intensity and duration. It was observed that cfDNA concentrations peaked immediately after acute exercise and about 1h post-exercise returned to baseline levels. Furthermore, typical markers of skeletal muscle damage (C-reactive protein, uric acid, creatine kinase, myoglobin) display delayed kinetics compared with the cfDNA peak response. All of that underlines the potential of cfDNA as a biomarker for exercise load in both-the aerobic and the anaerobic state. However, there was not much effort put into finding the correlations between cf-DNA and iron state and exercises induced inflammation process.
This project will have an impact on the development of the current state of knowledge of the mechanisms of biochemical response to specific tissue affecting method in form of a molecular hydrogen inhalation and will allow to determine its role on the post-exercise response in form of changes in biochemical markers secretion, expression of selected trophic factors and changes in iron metabolism in this process. Moreover, this project will try to take into account the role of hepcidin, vitamin D and cfDNA. Additionally, the present project may contribute to the determination of the role of presented inhalation procedure on cells proliferation, as example of ant-tumour proprieties, regulation of the expression of genes related to the stress response (HSF-1, NF-kB, TNF-dependent pathway), muscle cell growth (e.g. myostatin gene), energy pathways (e.g. GAPDH, LDH) and the membrane transport and the hedgehog pathway ls (including Gli1), Hif-1-alpha and NF-kB.
Therefore, the results of this project could be a significant step in expanding our understanding of the role of molecular hydrogen inhalation in the healthy population (in modulating post-exercise muscle damage, cells proliferation, inflammation process) and the role of iron metabolism and vitamin D in those changes. In addition, the knowledge on the protective effect of molecular hydrogen inhalation procedures and their relation to BDNF changes and protein kinase activity will give us overview of its novel activity and use.
The research team involved in this project possesses extensive expertise and significant experience confirmed by numerous scientific publications, particularly in the field of human physiology, exercise-induced adaptive responses, and various intervention strategies aimed at optimising recovery and performance. Members of the team have previously published research on oxidative stress modulation, inflammatory responses, genetic expression changes, and biochemical adaptations following physical exercise, ensuring that the methodologies and analytical approaches proposed in this study are robust, reliable, and scientifically validated
3. WORK PLAN In order to achieve the objectives of the study the minimal population sample size allowing to support the appropriate power of the study of interactions between the effects was calculated using GPower ver. 3.1.9.2 software. The minimal sample size was 64 people. Due to the possibility of participants not completing the project, a 20% population increase was assumed in order to obtain the desired study size population of 80 people will be recruited, then randomly divided into two groups: Experimental (N=40) and Control (N=40).
Furthermore, groups will be divided into subgroups to implement the assumptions of one-time and 10-time inhalation with the use of a molecular hydrogen generator on the level of a induced muscle damage and the level of maximum anaerobic and aerobic capacity. The whole study will be carried out using the assumptions of the experiment - a blank test, and in accordance with the principles of the cross-fertilisation experiment.
3.1 Compliance and Monitoring: To ensure adherence to protocols and maintain the integrity of the study, compliance will be carefully monitored through various measures. Weekly participant check-ins will be conducted to track progress and confirm adherence to the study protocols. Digital logs will document exercise routines and dietary compliance, providing a transparent record of participant engagement throughout the study period. Real-time monitoring during supervised sessions will verify the accurate implementation of exercise and inhalation procedures. In the case of participant dropouts, replacements will be identified through re-screening to preserve statistical validity and ensure that the required sample size is maintained. Additionally, a clinical and sports dietitian will continuously assess dietary adherence and make necessary adjustments to the dietary plans, ensuring consistency and compliance across the study population.
3.2. Experiment Plan:
Enrolment of the participants - All untrained subjects will be selected on the basis of the intent letter.
Laboratory measurements
Blood chemistry and molecular analysis
Analysis and interpretation of results, preparation of scientific publications 5. Preparation of scientific publications, project settlement.
3.3 Risk Management Plan for the research project 3.3.1. Risk Identification • Technical risk: laboratory equipment failures, software problems, calibration problems, incorrect data processing.
3.3.2. Prevention and Corrective Actions
Hardware failures:
Risks associated with research on humans:
• Prevention: All procedures will be carried out in accordance with the approved protocol by the Bioethics Committee. Participants will be thoroughly informed about the procedures, potential risks and benefits before giving informed consent. Presence of qualified medical personnel during stress tests. According with the statistical calculations necessary population (number of participants needed to achieve statistical significance) for the research is much lower that the prospective recruited.
• Correction: Participants will be monitored throughout the study (both by the experimental teem and study assistance and medical attention will be provided as needed. During all stages of the experiment all participants will be provided with care to ensure their comfortable participation and to solve any problems that may arise during experiment.
Risks associated with intense physical exercise
Risk related to the participant's failure to complete the research due to unforeseen circumstances
Overspend:
Delays in the implementation of tasks:
• Prevention: Realistic planning of the testing schedule, ensuring qualified medical personnel during exercise tests and tissue collection. In case of absence, providing possible replacements.
• Correction: Assigning additional human resources to critical tasks. 3.4. Milestones of the study
• Project approval by Bioethics Committee (achieved before starting the project - a necessary condition for carrying out the study; Bioethics Committee);
• Recruitment for research (the initial recruitment carried out allows the effectiveness of targeted recruitment to the study to be highly probable; all study procedures are well known for the researchers and won't create any problems - ); during the initial recruitment for the project, 80 people were recruited to actively participate in the study;
• Funding (achieving funding will allow us to proceed with the research);
• Assessment of the maximum anaerobic and aerobic capacity (research procedures carried out during the study do not differ from other generally accepted studies carried out by members of the research team, allowing for the assumption of full success in the implementation of the study)
• Evaluation of selected biochemical samples ( the proposed research methods in the implemented protocol are characterised by high selectivity and high research quality, allowing the obtaining valuable scientific results)
• Finalisation of the project's research tasks (the obtained results allow the acceptance or rejection of the proposed research hypotheses regardless of the nature of the observed changes) 3.5. Deliverables of the study
• Tangible deliverables: full blood samples, serum samples, cfDNA samples, obtained results from immunoenzymatic, mass spectroscopic and biochemical analyses, results from maximal anaerobic and aerobic testing, research results and conclusions from them, written publications, practical guidelines for performing the exercises
3.5 Project management Use the critical path method to highlight all of the tasks that are absolutely necessary for the project's completion (according to the research plan and research task). This type of project management will help the whole research team to identify the most optimal workflow to create an efficient project timeline (according to the plan).
According to the project management, critical path tasks are:
4. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY In the study an experiment based on an ex post facto research plan will be used, due to the lack of manipulation of the grouping variable. Study will be based on comparative analysis and regression analysis. In the independent variable test, the group (non-trainees), variables dependent on molecular hydrogen inhalation and the anaerobic/aerobic performance characteristics, biochemical blood indicators.
In order to implement the assumptions of the study, min. 80 people will be recruited, randomly divided into two groups, a minimum of 40 people in each:
The whole study will be carried out using the assumptions of the experiment - a blind test (inhalation with normal air but under the use of H2 generator (switched of), and in accordance with the principles of the experiment.
4.1 Material INCLUSION CRITERIA - PHYSICAL ACTIVE, NOT TRAINING GROUP
The study will be used purposeful selection of the following criteria:
In the study as a not training grope age and morphologically appropriate participation will take part. Participants will be recruited basing on a voluntary letter of intent. All representatives of the analysed group participating in the pre-qualification research will fill in the physical activity sheet - Global Health Activity Questionnaire - World Health Organization in Polish adaptation. This will allow to eliminate people who report high levels of physical activity (similar to the level of sport training individuals).
4.2. Procedures
The study will consist of twelve parts:
assessment of general health (medical examination), and familiarisation with detailed study protocol;
assessment of the maximum aerobic capacity (Bruce test);
assessment of one-time and two-weeks of molecular hydrogen inhalation
evaluation of the impact of one time and two-weeks of molecular hydrogen inhalation procedure on WAnT testing, the level of inflammatory response markers, iron homoeostasis, vit D metabolites, BDNF, selected genes expression in research in selected time points tested.
evaluation of human serum (from one time and two-weeks of molecular hydrogen inhalation and placebo populations) anti-tumor potential on human LNCaP prostate cancer cells;
evaluation of selected laboratory exponents in serum and plasma samples collected during the study 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours and 120 hours from an episode of muscle damage induced by eccentric exercises; Each participant will be at hydrated state and before their first meal in the morning hours. Before proper measures, each participants had one week earlier a familiarisation session with all procedures.
4.3. Molecular hydrogen inhalation procedures. Hydrogen inhalation will be performed by using a hydrogen gas generator similar in terms of capabilities to the generator Hycellvator ET100 (Helix Japan, Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan). The apparatus will be generating 30.0 mL/s gas mixture, consisting of 68.0% hydrogen (hydrogen purity, 99.99%) and 32.0% of oxygen. All gases will be supplied through a nasal cannula connected to the gas generators. Although we could not measure directly the hydrogen and oxygen An average inspiratory flow rate will be adjusted to 500 mL/s at rest, the hydrogen concentration in the inspired gas must have been around 4.08% at most.
Control population will have inhalation with the use of gas generator that has the same outer shape as the used generator to produce Placebo (30.0 mL/s, ambient air 400 m above sea level) consisting of 0.00005% of hydrogen and 20.9% of oxygen.
4.4. Measurement of anaerobic power of the lower limbs For anaerobic power of the lower limbs measurement of double Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT) will be conducted on a cycle ergometer. Before any experimental testing, each individual will perform a 5 min warm-up on the cycle ergometer with tempo of 60 rpm and 1W/kg. After five minutes break, each participant will be asked to pedal with maximum effort for a period of 30 s against a fixed resistive load of 75 g/kg of total body mass. After finishing the test 30 s pause will began and second WAnT performance will be made.
Each participant was instructed to cycle as fast as possible and was given a 3s countdown before the set resistance was applied Verbal encouragement will be given to all participants to maintain their highest possible cadence throughout WAnT. Data from the cyclo-ergometer will be recorded via computer with the MCE 5.1 software.
The following WAnT variables will be considered:
• total work value (Wtot),
• maximum anaerobic power (PPWAnT),
• maximum power (TUZ),
• maximum power maintenance (TUT) to 0.01s,
4.5 Measurement of of Aerobic Components of Fitness For the measurement of Aerobic Components of Fitness and post-aerobic exercises response Bruce Treadmill Test will be performed. The Bruce protocol will be performed on an electric treadmill (H/P/Cosmos, München, Germany) one months after WAnT procedure.
4.6 Blood samples collection and measurements The methodology of blood collection for diagnostic tests will be strictly dependent on the requirements of a particular designation and comply with the research procedures (established on the basis of literature data). For laboratory analysis, peripheral blood will be collected. in accordance with the plan. Aerobic and anaerobic components of fitness will be tested with two month will be tested with a 2 month break between each testing and inhalation with H2 • for WAnT: before physical exercise, immediately after completion of the Wingate test (up to 5 minutes after the test), after 30 minutes of rest period after completion of the Wingate test (30-35 minutes after the test), 60 minutes after, 6h after, 24 hours after WAnT, • for Bruce Treadmill Test: before physical exercise, immediately after completion of the Bruce trial (up to 5 minutes after the test), after 30 minutes of rest period after completion of the test (30-35 minutes after the test), 60 minutes after, 6h after, 24 hours after the trial,
The intake will be performed in appropriate standardised BD Vacutainer tubes by qualified medical personnel.
Serum and plasma will be separated from the samples, Each sample to obtain the serum will be centrifuged at 2500-3000 rpm for 10 minutes in 4° C and stored in Eppendorf tubes at - 80° C until the assay (no longer than 6 months).
The following secretory factors and markers of inflammation will be determined in serum or blood plasma (depending on the requirements of the method used) and then analysed in detail:
• hsCRP, CK, lactic acid, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, Irisine, BDNF,
The general assessment of the homoeostasis state will be based on preliminary laboratory tests such as:
• blood morphology, glycaemic, activity of ALT, AST, CK, LDH, concentration of insulin, total cholesterol, creatine.
For the qualitative detection of single proteins involved in antioxidant defence western blotting technique will be performed. Proteins involved in antioxidant defense, and inflammation will be identified and measured.
4.8. Cytotoxic activity The cytotoxic activity will be evaluated using the method described by Paredes-Gamero et al.
4.9 Statistical analysis The results will be analysed statistically using Statistica software. Statistical significance will be determined for p < 0.05. The project analyses significance of differences in results, WAnT and laboratory parameters between groups; Significance of changes after WAnT and regression analysis of test results.
Inclusion Criteria:
The study will be used purposeful selection of the following criteria:
In the study as a not training grope age and morphologically appropriate participation will take part. Participants will be recruited basing on a voluntary letter of intent. All representatives of the analysed group participating in the pre-qualification research will fill in the physical activity sheet - Global Health Activity Questionnaire - World Health Organization in Polish adaptation. This will allow to eliminate people who report high levels of physical activity (similar to the level of sport training individuals).
Exclusion Criteria:
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