Introduction

In February 2025, the journal European Journal of Pharmacology published an article titled Hydrogen-rich water ameliorates imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin lesions and regulates macrophage polarization in dyslipidemic ApoE-deficient mice (DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2025.177363). The study investigates the effects of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) on psoriasis-like skin lesions in ApoE-deficient mice with dyslipidemia induced by imiquimod. The research was led by Zhihui Qiu and his colleagues from various medical institutions in China.

Psoriasis is a complex immune-mediated disease closely linked to obesity and lipid metabolism disorders. In this study, researchers evaluated the impact of HRW on the severity of psoriatic skin lesions, plasma lipid levels, and inflammation markers in ApoE-deficient mice.

Key Findings of the Study

1. HRW reduced triglyceride and total cholesterol levels in plasma while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, indicating its potential lipid-modulating effect.
2. A significant alleviation of psoriasis-like skin lesions was observed, confirmed by histological analysis.
3. Transcriptomic analysis of the skin revealed significant changes in inflammatory and lipid metabolism pathways, indicating HRW’s modulatory effect on immune response.
4. HRW promoted macrophage polarization toward the M2 type (anti-inflammatory properties) while reducing polarization toward the M1 type (pro-inflammatory macrophages).

It is important to note that T cells (Th1, Th17) and inflammatory cytokines (IL-17, IL-23, TNF-α) play a key role in psoriasis pathogenesis. However, macrophage polarization regulation may also significantly influence chronic inflammation.

Achievements of the Research Team

• Zhihui Qiu – Lead researcher, specialist in dermatology and venereology at The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, focused on innovative treatments for inflammatory skin diseases.
• Ailin Huang & Zhuohui Li – Researchers at the Shandong Provincial Key Medical and Health Laboratory of Hydrogen Biomedical Research, studying the biomedical effects of hydrogen.
• Shucun Qin & Yun Chen – Representatives of the Taishan Institute for Hydrogen Biomedical Research, investigating the molecular mechanisms of hydrogen action.
• Baoqing Li & Boyang Liu – Specialists at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, researching inflammatory and metabolic disorders.
• Lei He – Clinical dermatologist at The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University.

Previous Research in This Field

Previous studies have established that molecular hydrogen has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In animal experiments, HRW was shown to reduce oxidative stress and decrease the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, it has been studied in the context of metabolic syndrome-related diseases, such as diabetes and obesity. Macrophage polarization (M1 → M2) in chronic inflammation is considered a promising therapeutic mechanism for autoimmune disease treatment.

Thus, this study expands the understanding of hydrogen therapy, demonstrating its potential in treating psoriasis and lipid metabolism disorders.

Source: PubMed | ScienceDirect