Efficacy of a hydrogen–oxygen generator in treating cigarette smoke–induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in rats

Current treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a common respiratory condition, include oxygen therapy and steroids for temporary relief. In this study, we established a rat model of cigarette smoke (CS)–induced COPD and investigated the benefits of a hydrogen–oxygen generator in this model. CS–exposed rats were treated using either a hydrogen–oxygen generator or a steroid. A hydrogen–oxygen generator reduced the neutrophil, lymphocyte, and eosinophil counts compared to natural recovery, whereas steroid treatment increased the total white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte and eosinophil counts. Furthermore, the mean linear intercept and the mean alveolar number were 59.8%, and 188.3%, respectively, after treatment with the generator, compared to the values observed with natural recovery. Finally, the generator increased the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion values by 113.1% compared with the values in natural recovery. Our findings indicate successful establishment of a rat model of CS–induced COPD and demonstrate the potential benefits of using a hydrogen–oxygen generator for COPD patients.