Hydrogen: A Novel Option in Human Disease Treatment

Abstract

H2 has shown anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ability in many clinical trials, and its application is recommended in the latest Chinese novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) treatment guidelines. Clinical experiments have revealed the surprising finding that H2 gas may protect the lungs and extrapulmonary organs from pathological stimuli in NCP patients. The potential mechanisms underlying the action of H2 gas are not clear. H2 gas may regulate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, mitochondrial energy metabolism, endoplasmic reticulum stress, the immune system, and cell death (apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and circadian clock, among others) and has therapeutic potential for many systemic diseases. This paper reviews the basic research and the latest clinical applications of H2 gas in multiorgan system diseases to establish strategies for the clinical treatment for various diseases.

Redox Effects of Molecular Hydrogen and Its Therapeutic Efficacy in the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases

“…H 2 works as a moderate but efficient antioxidant [13,27]. Hydrogen is the world's most abundant element, accounting for about 75% of the world's mass.…”

“…Inhaled H 2 diffuses into the lung alveoli and is transported to the entire body. This procedure can, however, be uncomfortable and even dangerous, since H 2 gas is explosive at concentrations above 4% in air [27]. Therefore, the mixed gas concentration of H 2 is usually maintained between 1% and 4%.…”

“…Further research is needed to identify the direct target molecule of H 2 . H 2 regulates the cell response to OS, inflammation, and apoptosis [27].…”

“…The risk of explosion at concentrations above 4% is a limiting factor in using H 2 gas studies. Safer storage technologies, especially hydrides, are being developed [27,134]. The risk of explosion can also be eliminated by the dissolution of H 2 in water or normal saline, either orally or intravenously [134].…”

Hydrogen Gas: A Novel Type of Antioxidant in Modulating Sexual Organs Homeostasis

“…Therefore, the endogenous H 2 levels in mammals are dependent on the balance between H 2 -producing fermentative bacteria and H 2 consumers [ 44 , 46 – 48 ]. In addition to being a source of energy for some bacteria, H 2 has strong abilities to alleviate excessive oxidative stress basically by selectively reducing cytotoxic oxygen radicals, modulate immunity and inflammation, and suppress injuries-induced cell death [ 29 , 30 , 43 , 49 – 52 ].…”