Effect of hydrogen-rich saline on Nrf2∕ARE pathway in peripheral nerve in a rat model of diabetic neuropathic pain / 中华麻醉学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the effect of hydrogen?rich saline on nuclear factor erythroid 2?related factor 2 ( Nrf2)∕antioxidant response element ( ARE) pathway in the peripheral nerve in a rat model of diabetic neuropathic pain ( DNP ) . Methods Thirty?six healthy male Sprague?Dawley rats, aged 8 weeks, weighing 180-200 g, were randomly divided into 3 groups ( n=12 each) using a random number table control group ( C group) , DNP group and hydrogen?rich saline group ( HRS group) . Diabetes melli?tus was produced by intraperitoneal 1% streptozocin ( STZ) 65 mg∕kg and confirmed by fasting blood glucose concentration>16?67 mmol∕L. Hydrogen?rich saline 5 ml∕kg was injected intraperitoneally once a day for 14 consecutive days starting from 14 days after STZ injection in group HRS, and the equal volume of normal saline was given in C and DNP groups. The mechanical paw withdrawal threshold ( MWT) and thermal paw withdrawal latency ( TWL) were measured at 2 days before STZ injection ( T0 ) , and 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after STZ injection ( T1?4 ) . After measurement of the pain threshold at T4 , the motor nerve conduction velocity ( MNCV) of the right hindlimb and distal motor latency were measured. The expression of Nrf2 in nucleoprotein and HO?1 and NQO1 in total protein was detected in the sciatic nerve by Western blot. Re?sults Compared with group C, the MWT was significantly decreased, and the TWL was shortened at T1?4 , and the expression of Nrf2 in nucleoprotein and HO?1 and NQO1 in total protein was up?regulated in DNP and HRS groups (P<0?05). Compared with group DNP, the MWT was significantly increased, and the TWL was prolonged at T3 and T4 , and the expression of Nrf2 in nucleoprotein and HO?1 and NQO1 in total protein was up?regulated in group HRS ( P<0?05) . Conclusion The mechanism by which hydrogen?rich saline mitigates DNP is related to activated Nrf2∕ARE pathway in the peripheral nerve of rats.