Molecular Hydrogen: From Molecular Effects to Stem Cells Management and Tissue Regeneration

Abstract

It is known that molecular hydrogen is a relatively stable, ubiquitous gas that is a minor component of the atmosphere. At the same time, in recent decades molecular hydrogen has been shown to have diverse biological effects. By the end of 2022, more than 2000 articles have been published in the field of hydrogen medicine, many of which are original studies. Despite the existence of several review articles on the biology of molecular hydrogen, many aspects of the research direction remain unsystematic. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to systematize ideas about the nature, characteristics, and mechanisms of the influence of molecular hydrogen on various types of cells, including stem cells. The historical aspects of the discovery of the biological activity of molecular hydrogen are presented. The ways of administering molecular hydrogen into the body are described. The molecular, cellular, tissue, and systemic effects of hydrogen are also reviewed. Specifically, the effect of hydrogen on various types of cells, including stem cells, is addressed. The existing literature indicates that the molecular and cellular effects of hydrogen qualify it to be a potentially effective agent in regenerative medicine.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Priming: Potential Benefits of Administration of Molecular Hydrogen

“…This also speaks to the dosing aspect of molecular hydrogen, which remains highly elusive. It is unknown what the optimal concentration, frequency, or duration of molecular hydrogen exposure is [ 13 ]. This is a significant hurdle that needs to be overcome by future mechanistic and clinical research.…”

“…At standard atmospheric pressure and room temperature, the saturation of dissolved hydrogen is only 0.78 mM (1.57 mg/L). However, much higher concentrations (e.g., >10 mg/L) can be achieved by using pressure [ 13 ]. Nevertheless, the relatively limited solubility can sometimes hinder reaching the necessary dosage for an optimal clinical effect.…”

“…Additionally, hydrogen water should be consumed immediately after preparation because its hydrogen concentration diminishes rapidly. Furthermore, over 90% of ingested hydrogen is lost through exhalation [ 13 ], suggesting a high uptake in the gastrointestinal tract and venous circulation, with minimal penetration into brain cells, which has implications for clinical indications.…”

“…Sim M. and colleagues report that H 2 inhalation increases the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses in healthy adults [ 12 ]. The usage of H 2 has been found to have an impact on mesenchymal stem cells in experiments using an aplastic anemia model because it increases the number of colony-forming units in these cells [ 13 ]. In addition, H 2 quickly penetrates several organelles, as well as the blood–brain barrier, and is non-toxic even at high concentrations.…”

“…Mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC)-based therapy is promising for the treatment of systemic rheumatic diseases because of the immunomodulatory and regenerative properties of MSCs [ 13 ]. The challenges include efficacy, standardization, characterization, safety, as well as MSC outsourcing issues.…”