Molecular hydrogen: a therapeutic antioxidant and beyond

Abstract

Molecular hydrogen (H2) medicine research has flourished since a landmark publication in Nature Medicine that revealed the antioxidant and cytoprotective effects of hydrogen gas in a focal stroke model. Emerging evidence has consistently demonstrated that molecular hydrogen is a promising therapeutic option for a variety of diseases and the underlying comprehensive mechanisms is beyond pure hydroxyl radicals scavenging. The non-toxicity at high concentrations and rapid cellular diffusion features of molecular hydrogen ensure the feasibility and readiness of its clinical translation to human patients.

An In Situ Depot for Continuous Evolution of Gaseous H2 Mediated by a Magnesium Passivation/Activation Cycle for Treating Osteoarthritis

“…[6] H 2 is nontoxic even at high concentrations. [7] Theeffectiveness of H 2 gas against several inflammatory disorders has been demonstrated in animal models following the direct inhalation of H 2 gas,the oral uptake of H 2 water, or the intravenous injection of H 2 saline. [8] However,its bioavailability in body fluids and at inflammatory sites in these methods is typically poor, because the solubility of H 2 in aqueous solutions is very low (ca.…”

Hydrogen Treatment Protects Mice Against Chronic Pancreatitis by Restoring Regulatory T Cells Loss

“…More than 30 years later, an important study confirmed the beneficial effects of hydrogen on brain injury by reducing cytotoxic ROS and protecting tissue from oxidative damage [28]. Hydrogen treatments, including inhalation of hydrogen gas and Hydrogen-Rich saline administration, have been tested in many animal models and clinical trials [11, 30, 31]. In general, hydrogen has been described effective in treating a variety range of diseases such as post-cardiac syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, acute cerebral ischemia, metabolic syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, hemodylisis and postpsoriasis [11, 31, 32].…”

“…Hydrogen treatments, including inhalation of hydrogen gas and Hydrogen-Rich saline administration, have been tested in many animal models and clinical trials [11, 30, 31]. In general, hydrogen has been described effective in treating a variety range of diseases such as post-cardiac syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, acute cerebral ischemia, metabolic syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, hemodylisis and postpsoriasis [11, 31, 32]. For pancreas disease, previous studies suggested hydrogen was protective in experimental acute pancreatitis by ameliorating oxidative stress [17, 33].…”

“…Hydrogen gas (H 2 ), a well-known molecule with the simplest structure, has been demonstrated recently to have selectively reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and anti-inflammatory properties [11, 12]. Instead of H 2 , hydrogen-rich saline, which is safer and easier for administration, may be more suitable for clinical applications.…”

Hydrogen evolution and absorption phenomena in plasma membrane of higher plants

“…Molecular hydrogen (H 2 ) has been reported to have antioxidant-like effects by effectively protecting cells against oxidative stress [1]. Additional research has demonstrated that H 2 exhibits a wide breadth of functions including anti-inflammatory, anti-allergy, anti-apoptosis, and anti-metabolic disorders [2]. In addition to the beneficial roles of H 2 reported in animals, more than 30 studies have reported that it also has an important regulatory effect on the physiological function of plants.…”