SCIENTIFIC STUDIES
The multitude of exciting evidence for why hydrogen may just be “the next big thing.”
Hydrogen Studies
Anyone who claims that the science on hydrogen is in short supply just hasn’t really looked all that hard. But no worries, we’ll make it easy for you. Here’s a comprehensive list of the most exciting studies conducted on hydrogen to date, organized by health condition or goal. We’ll continue to update this list as more studies as published.
STUDIES A-Z
Acne
Effects of Topical Hydrogen Purification on Skin Parameters and Acne Vulgaris in Adult Women
Karlona Chilicka, Aleksandra M Rogowska, Renata Szygula
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9020144
“In this study, 30 women participated who suffered from a high level of sebum and acne. The control group was comprised of 30 healthy women with a low level of sebum. At baseline and 7 and 14 days after finishing the series of treatments, the levels of oiliness, moisture, and skin pH were tested. The main effects of treatment were significant in the following parameters: pH around the bottom lip, moisture between the eyebrows and around the nose, and oily skin in all three face sites. Conclusions: The level of sebum decreased and moisture levels increased during hydrogen purification. Topical hydrogen purification is an effective and safe treatment for acne vulgaris.”
Aging
Effects of Hydrogenized Water on Intracellular Biomarkers for Antioxidants, Glucose Uptake, Insulin Signaling and SIRT 1 and Telomerase Activity
“Increased telomerase activity caused by hydrogenized water may be able to protect telomeres from degradation, suggesting the possible use of hydrogenized water in therapeutic interventions of age-related diseases. These studies show that commercial hydrogenized water improved the levels or activities of a few intracellular biomarkers specific for antioxidant activity, glucose uptake, insulin signaling and SIRT 1 and telomerase activities.”
Settineri, R., Ji, J., Luo, C., Ellithorpe, R. R., De Mattos, G. F., Rosenblatt, S., . . . Nicolson, G. L. (2016). Effects of Hydrogenized Water on Intracellular Biomarkers for Antioxidants, Glucose Uptake, Insulin Signaling and SIRT 1 and Telomerase Activity. American Journal of Food and Nutrition,4(6), 161-168. doi:10.12691/ajfn-4-6-4
Alzheimer’s Disease
Molecular hydrogen in drinking water protects against neurodegenerative changes induced by traumatic brain injury
“Molecular hydrogen given in drinking water reverses many of the sequelae of controlled cortical impact and suggests that it could be an easily administered, highly effective treatment for traumatic brain injury.”
Hydrogen as a selective antioxidant: A review of clinical and experimental studies
“H2 is emerging as a novel and safe therapeutic antioxidant. It has selective antioxidant properties, giving it anti-inflammatory properties.”
Hydrogen-rich saline improves memory function in a rat model of amyloid-beta-induced Alzheimer's disease by reduction of oxidative stress
“Hydrogen-rich saline prevented amyloid beta-induced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, which may contribute to the improvement of memory dysfunction in this rat model.”
Molecular hydrogen as an emerging therapeutic medical gas for neurodegenerative and other diseases
“Effects of molecular hydrogen on various diseases have been documented for 63 disease models and human diseases in the past four and a half years. Six human diseases have been studied to date: diabetes mellitus type 2, metabolic syndrome, hemodialysis, inflammatory and mitochondrial myopathies, brain stem infarction, and radiation-induced adverse effects.”
Hydrogen acts as a therapeutic antioxidant by selectively reducing cytotoxic oxygen radicals
“Hydrogen selectively reduces the hydroxyl radical, the most toxic free radical, and effectively protects cells. It does not react with free radicals that have physiological benefits, making it an incredibly effective therapy to neutralize acute oxidative stress.”
Hydrogen-rich saline reduces oxidative stress and inflammation by inhibit of JNK and NF-κB activation in a rat model of amyloid-beta-induced Alzheimer's disease
“Hydrogen-rich saline prevented amyloid beta-induced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in this rat model.”
Hydrogen-rich water attenuates amyloid β-induced cytotoxicity through upregulation of Sirt1-FoxO3a by stimulation of AMP-activated protein kinase in SK-N-MC cells
“Amyloid β (Aβ) peptides are identified in cause of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Our results indicated that HRW directly counteracts oxidative damage by neutralizing excessive ROS, leading to the alleviation of Aβ-induced cell death. Our findings suggest that HRW may have potential therapeutic value to inhibit Aβ-induced neurotoxicity.”
Hydrogen-rich saline protects against spinal cord injury in rats
“We observed that administration of hydrogen-rich saline decreased the number of apoptotic cells, suppressed oxidative stress, and improved locomotor functions. In conclusion, hydrogen-rich saline reduced acute spinal cord contusion injury, possibly by reduction of oxidative stress and elevation of BDNF.”
Hydrogen-rich saline injection into the subarachnoid cavity within 2 weeks promotes recovery after acute spinal cord injury
“Hydrogen can relieve tissue-damaging oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. Injection of hydrogen-rich saline is an effective method for transporting molecular hydrogen. The present study confirms that hydrogen-rich saline injected within 2 weeks of injury effectively contributes to the repair of spinal cord injury in the acute stage.”
Hydrogen-rich saline protects against oxidative damage and cognitive deficits after mild traumatic brain injury
“Oxidative stress is the principal factor in traumatic brain injury (TBI) that initiates events that result in protracted neuronal dysfunction and remodeling. These results suggest that hydrogen-rich saline can protect the brain against the deleterious effects of mild TBI on synaptic plasticity and cognition and that hydrogen-rich saline could be an effective therapeutic strategy for patients with cognitive deficits after TBI.”
Hydrogen-rich saline prevents early neurovascular dysfunction resulting from inhibition of oxidative stress in STZ-diabetic rats
“Based on its inhibition of oxidative stress and up-regulation of anti-oxidative enzymes, we conclude that hydrogen-rich saline is a potentially valuable therapeutic modality for the treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy.”
Drinking hydrogen water ameliorated cognitive impairment in senescence-accelerated mice
“In this study, scientists investigated the efficacies of drinking hydrogen water for prevention of spatial memory decline and age-related brain alterations using mice that exhibited early aging syndromes including declining learning ability and memory. However, treatment with hydrogen water for 30 days prevented age-related declines in cognitive ability. In addition, drinking hydrogen water for 18 weeks inhibited neurodegeneration in hippocampus, while marked loss of neurons was noted in control, aged brains of mice receiving regular water. On the basis of these results, hydrogen water merits further investigation for possible therapeutic/preventative use for age-related cognitive disorders.”
Consumption of molecular hydrogen prevents the stress-induced impairments in hippocampus-dependent learning tasks during chronic physical restraint in mice
“Consumption of hydrogen water ad libitum throughout this study suppressed the increase in the oxidative stress markers and prevented cognitive impairment. Continuous consumption of hydrogen water reduces oxidative stress in the brain, and prevents the stress-induced decline in learning and memory caused by chronic physical restraint. Hydrogen water may be applicable for preventive use in cognitive or other neuronal disorders.”
Maternal molecular hydrogen administration ameliorates rat fetal hippocampal damage caused by in utero ischemia-reperfusion
“Molecular hydrogen (H2) scavenges hydroxyl radicals. Recently, H2 has been reported to prevent a variety of diseases associated with oxidative stress in model systems and in humans. The present results support the idea that maternal H2 intake helps prevent the hippocampal impairment of offspring induced by IR during pregnancy.”
Effects of hydrogen-rich saline on hepatectomy-induced postoperative cognitive dysfunction in old mice
“The introduction of hydrogen-rich saline (group PH) partially rescued spatial memory and learning as it shortened escape latency and increased time and crossing frequency of original platform compared to group P (p < 0.05). Moreover, such treatment also decreased TNF-α and IL-1β levels and NF-κB activity (p < 0.05). In addition, cell necrosis in the hippocampus induced by hepatectomy was also rescued by hydrogen-rich saline. Hydrogen-rich saline can alleviate POCD via inhibiting NF-κB activity in the hippocampus and reducing inflammatory response.”
Inhalation of hydrogen gas attenuates brain injury in mice with cecal ligation and puncture via inhibiting neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis
“We found that the beneficial effects of H2 on brain injury in septic mice were linked to the decreased levels of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative products and the increased activities of antioxidant enzymes in serum and hippocampus. In addition, 2% H2 inhalation promoted the expression and transposition of Nrf2 and the expression of HO-1 to mitigate brain injury in sepsis. Thus, the inhalation of hydrogen gas may be a promising therapeutic strategy to relieve brain injury in sepsis.”
Molecular hydrogen reduces LPS-induced neuroinflammation and promotes recovery from sickness behaviour in mice
“Consistently, molecular hydrogen modulates the activation and gene expression in a similar fashion in immortalized murine microglia (BV-2 cell line), suggesting that the effects observed in vivo may involve the modulation of microglial activation. Taken together, our data point to the regulation of cytokine expression being an additional critical mechanism underlying the beneficial effects of molecular hydrogen.”
Effects of hydrogen-rich water on depressive-like behavior in mice
“Emerging evidence suggests that neuroinflammation and oxidative stress may be major contributors to major depressive disorder (MDD). Our data suggest that the beneficial effects of hydrogen-rich water on depressive-like behavior may be mediated by suppression of the inflammasome activation resulting in attenuated protein IL-1β and ROS production.”
Hydrogen improves neurological function through attenuation of blood–brain barrier disruption in spontaneously hypertensive stroke-prone rats
“This study suggests that ingestion of hydrogen-rich water can improve neurological function due to its ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and neutralize reactive oxygen species.”
Hydrogen-rich saline reverses oxidative stress, cognitive impairment, and mortality in rats submitted to sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture
“The hippocampal reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels increased significantly, and superoxide dismutase activity decreased significantly. HRS reversed these changes in a dose-dependent manner. These findings indicate that HRS could attenuate the consequences of sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture in rats, at least in part, by the inhibition of oxidative stress.”
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Treatment with hydrogen-rich saline delays disease progression in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
“Treatment of mutant SOD1 G93A mice with hydrogen-rich saline (HRS, i.p.) significantly delayed disease onset and prolonged survival, and attenuated loss of motor neurons and suppressed microglial and glial activation. Treatment of mutant SOD1 G93A mice with HRS inhibited the release of mitochondrial apoptogenic factors and the subsequent activation of downstream caspase-3. Furthermore, treatment of mutant SOD1 G93A mice with HRS reduced levels of protein carbonyl and 3-nitrotyrosine, and suppressed formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), peroxynitrite, and malondialdehyde. Treatment of mutant SOD1 G93A mice with HRS preserved mitochondrial function, marked by restored activities of Complex I and IV, reduced mitochondrial ROS formation and enhanced mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate synthesis. In conclusion, hydrogen molecule may be neuroprotective against ALS, possibly through abating oxidative and nitrosative stress and preserving mitochondrial function.”
Anti-Aging
Hydrogen-saturated saline protects intensive narrow band noise-induced hearing loss in guinea pigs through an antioxidant effect
“Our findings suggest that hydrogen-saturated saline is effective in preventing intensive narrow band noise-induced hearing loss through the antioxidant effect.”
Molecular hydrogen in drinking water protects against neurodegenerative changes induced by traumatic brain injury
“Molecular hydrogen given in drinking water reverses many of the sequelae of controlled cortical impact and suggests that it could be an easily administered, highly effective treatment for traumatic brain injury.”
Protective effect of saturated hydrogen saline against blue light-induced retinal damage in rats
“Saturated hydrogen saline could protect the retina from light-induced damage by attenuating oxidative stress.”
Hydrogen as a selective antioxidant: A review of clinical and experimental studies
“H2 is emerging as a novel and safe therapeutic antioxidant. It has selective antioxidant properties, giving it anti-inflammatory properties.”
The potential utilizations of hydrogen as a promising therapeutic strategy against ocular diseases
“Hydrogen can modulate several biological functions, and exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The ability of hydrogen to neutralize free radicals, especially the hydroxyl radicals as well as other detrimental ROS, can be utilized to treat or prevent ocular disorders related to oxidative stress.”
Hydrogen-rich electrolyzed warm water represses wrinkle formation against UVA ray together with type-I collagen production and oxidative-stress diminishment in fibroblasts and cell-injury prevention in keratinocytes
“HW-bathing significantly improved wrinkle in four subjects on the back of neck on 90th day as compared to 0 day. Thus, HW may serve as daily skin care to repress UVA-induced skin damages by ROS-scavenging and promotion of type-I collagen synthesis in dermis.”
Hydrogen protects auditory hair cells from free radicals
“Incubation with a hydrogen-saturated medium significantly reduced ROS generation and subsequent lipid peroxidation in the auditory epithelia, leading to increased survival of the hair cells. These findings show the potential of hydrogen to protect auditory hair cells from ROS-induced damage.”
Inhaled hydrogen gas therapy for prevention of noise-induced hearing loss through reducing reactive oxygen species
“H2-treated group showed decreased immunoreactivity for 8-OHdg. the H2-treated group showed decreased immunoreactivity for 8-OHdG. These findings strongly suggest that inhaled hydrogen gas protects against noise induced hearing loss.”
Hydrogen-rich saline improves memory function in a rat model of amyloid-beta-induced Alzheimer's disease by reduction of oxidative stress
“Hydrogen-rich saline prevented Abeta-induced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, which may contribute to the improvement of memory dysfunction in this rat model.”
Hydrogen in drinking water attenuates noise-induced hearing loss in guinea pigs
“These findings suggest that hydrogen can facilitate the recovery of hair cell function and attenuate noise-induced temporary hearing loss.”
Protection of the retina by rapid diffusion of hydrogen: administration of hydrogen-loaded eye drops in retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury
“H(2) has no known toxic effects on the human body. Thus, the results suggest that H(2)-loaded eye drops are a highly useful neuroprotective and antioxidative therapeutic treatment for acute retinal I/R injury.”
Hydrogen acts as a therapeutic antioxidant by selectively reducing cytotoxic oxygen radicals
“Hydrogen selectively reduces the hydroxyl radical, the most toxic free radical, and effectively protects cells. It does not react with free radicals that have physiological benefits, making it an incredibly effective therapy to neutralize acute oxidative stress.”
Recent progress toward hydrogen medicine: Potential of molecular hydrogen for preventative and therapeutic applications
“H2 prevented the decline of the mitochondrial membrane potential. This suggested that H2 protected mitochondria from OH. Along with this protective effect, H2 also prevented a decrease in the cellular level of ATP synthesized in mitochondria. The fact that H2 protected mitochondria and nuclear DNA provided evidence that H2 penetrated most membranes and diffused into organelles.”
Hydrogen (H2) treatment for acute erythymatous skin diseases. A report of 4 patients with safety data and a non-controlled feasibility study with H2 concentration measurement on two volunteers
“Erythema of these 4 patients and associated symptoms improved significantly after the H2 treatment and did not recur. Administration of H2 did not change physiological parameters and did not cause deterioration of the blood chemistry.”
Inhalation of hydrogen gas attenuates ouabain-induced auditory neuropathy in gerbils
“The results demonstrate that H(2) treatment is beneficial to ouabain-induced auditory neuropathy via reducing apoptosis. Thus, H(2) might be a potential agent for treating hearing impairment in AN patients.”
Hydrogen-rich saline promotes survival of retinal ganglion cells in a rat model of optic nerve crush
“These results demonstrated that H₂ protects retinal ganglion cell and helps preserve the visual function after optic nerve crush and had a neuroprotective effect in a rat model subjected to optic nerve crush.”
Hydrogen-rich saline ameliorates the retina against light-induced damage in rats
“Peritoneal injection of hydrogen-rich saline provides protection and treatment against light-induced retinal degeneration in rats.”
Hydrogen-rich saline protects retina against glutamate-induced excitotoxic injury in guinea pig
“The administration of hydrogen-rich saline through the intravitreal or/and intraperitoneal routes could reduce the retinal excitotoxic injury and promote retinal recovery.”
Protective effect of molecular hydrogen against oxidative stress caused by peroxynitrite derived from nitric oxide in rat retina
“H2 reduces cellular peroxynitrite, a highly toxic reactive nitrogen species. Thus, H2 may be an effective and novel clinical tool for treating glaucoma and other oxidative stress-related diseases.”
Hydrogen-rich saline alleviates experimental noise-induced hearing loss in guinea pigs
“Hydrogen-rich saline can alleviate experimental noise-induced hearing loss in guinea pigs, partially by preventing the death of cochlear hair cells after intensive noise exposure.”
Allergies
Hydrogen as a selective antioxidant: A review of clinical and experimental studies
“H2 is emerging as a novel and safe therapeutic antioxidant. It has selective antioxidant properties, giving it anti-inflammatory properties.”
Recent progress toward hydrogen medicine: Potential of molecular hydrogen for preventive and therapeutic applications
“H2 prevented the decline of the mitochondrial membrane potential. This suggested that H2 protected mitochondria from OH. Along with this protective effect, H2 also prevented a decrease in the cellular level of ATP synthesized in mitochondria. The fact that H2 protected mitochondria and nuclear DNA provided evidence that H2 penetrated most membranes and diffused into organelles.”
The drinking effect of hydrogen water on atopic dermatitis induced by dermatophagoides farina allergen in NC/Nga mice
“To conclude, drinking HW suppressed the levels of inflammation-related mediators such as Th1, Th2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines which are number one players in the pathogenesis of human AD. In addition, this study provides a new insight of the relevance of certain cytokines in AD. HW represents a potentially alternative therapeutic and preventive treatment of AD.”
The evolution of molecular hydrogen: A noteworthy potential therapy with clinical significance
“Hydrogen is qualified to cross the blood brain barrier, to enter the mitochondria, and even has the ability to translocate to the nucleus under certain conditions. Once in these ideal locations of the cell, previous studies have shown that hydrogen exerts antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties that are beneficial to the cell.”
Beneficial biological effects and the underlying mechanisms of molecular hydrogen - comprehensive review of 321 original articles
“A total of 321 original articles have been published from 2007 to June 2015. Most studies have been conducted in Japan, China, and the USA. The effects have been reported in essentially all organs covering 31 disease categories that can be subdivided into 166 disease models, human diseases, treatment-associated pathologies, and pathophysiological conditions of plants with a predominance of oxidative stress-mediated diseases and inflammatory diseases.”
Molecular hydrogen as an emerging therapeutic medical gas for neurodegenerative and other diseases
“Effects of molecular hydrogen on various diseases have been documented for 63 disease models and human diseases in the past four and a half years. Six human diseases have been studied to date: diabetes mellitus type 2, metabolic syndrome, hemodialysis, inflammatory and mitochondrial myopathies, brain stem infarction, and radiation-induced adverse effects.”
Hydrogen gas presents a promising therapeutic strategy for sepsis
“Sepsis is characterized by a severe inflammatory response to infection. Our studies have found that hydrogen gas can improve the survival and organ damage in mice and rats with cecal ligation and puncture, zymosan, and lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis.”
Hydrogen-rich water protects against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in mice
“To investigate the hepatoprotective effects and mechanisms of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) in acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury in mice. HRW has significant therapeutic potential in APAP-induced hepatotoxicity by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation and promoting liver regeneration.”
Atherosclerosis
Peripheral endothelial function can be improved by daily consumption of water containing over 7 ppm of dissolved hydrogen: A randomized controlled trial
“The high H2 group had a significantly greater improvement in Ln_RHI than the placebo group. Ln_RHI improved by 22.2% (p<0.05) at 24 h after the first ingestion of high H2 water and by 25.4% (p<0.05) after the daily consumption of high H2 water for 2 weeks. Conclusions: Daily consumption of high H2 water improved the endothelial function of the arteries or arterioles assessed by the PAT test. The results suggest that the continuous consumption of high H2 water contributes to improved cardiovascular health.”
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233484
Hydrogen-rich water prevents lipid deposition in the descending aorta in a rat periodontitis model
“Hydrogen Water intake may prevent lipid deposition in the rat aorta induced by periodontitis by decreasing serum ox-LDL levels and aortic oxidative stress.”
Hydrogen as a selective antioxidant: A review of clinical and experimental studies
“H2 is emerging as a novel and safe therapeutic antioxidant. It has selective antioxidant properties, giving it anti-inflammatory properties.”
Hydrogen acts as a therapeutic antioxidant by selectively reducing cytotoxic oxygen radicals
“Hydrogen selectively reduces the hydroxyl radical, the most toxic free radical, and effectively protects cells. It does not react with free radicals that have physiological benefits, making it an incredibly effective therapy to neutralize acute oxidative stress.”
Consumption of hydrogen water prevents atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E knockout mice
“Atherosclerotic lesions were significantly reduced by ad libitum drinking of H2–water (p = 0.0069) as judged by Oil-Red-O staining series of sections of aorta. The oxidative stress level of aorta was decreased. Accumulation of macrophages in atherosclerotic lesions was confirmed. Thus, consumption of H2-dissolved water has the potential to prevent arteriosclerosis.”
Hydrogen-rich water prevents lipid deposition in the descending aorta in a rat periodontitis model
“Hydrogen Water intake may prevent lipid deposition in the rat aorta induced by periodontitis by decreasing serum ox-LDL levels and aortic oxidative stress.”
Hydrogen-rich water decreases serum LDL-cholesterol levels and improves HDL function in patients with potential metabolic syndrome
“Supplementation with H2-rich water seems to decrease serum LDL-C and apoB levels, improve dyslipidemia-injured HDL functions, and reduce oxidative stress, and it may have a beneficial role in prevention of potential metabolic syndrome.”
Hydrogen-rich saline attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced heart dysfunction by restoring fatty acid oxidation in rats by mitigating C-jun N-terminal kinase activation
“Inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal kinase by Hydrogen-rich saline showed beneficial effects on lipopolysaccharide-challenged rats, at least in part, by restoring cardiac fatty acid oxidation.”
Molecular hydrogen attenuates fatty acid uptake and lipid accumulation through downregulating CD36 expression in HepG2 cells
“Hydrogen inhibits fatty acid uptake and lipid accumulation through the downregulation of CD36 at the protein level in hepatic cultured cells, providing insights into the molecular mechanism underlying the hydrogen effects in vivo on lipid metabolism disorders.”
Supplementation of hydrogen-rich water improves lipid and glucose metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance
“Supplementation with molecular hydrogen-rich water may have a beneficial role in the prevention of type 2 diabetes and insulin resistence by helping to stabilize blood sugar, which is a critical aspect of long-term weight loss.”
Molecular hydrogen improves obesity and diabetes by inducing hepatic FGF21 and stimulating energy metabolism in db/db mice
“Long-term drinking H(2)-water significantly controlled fat and body weights, despite no increase in consumption of diet and water. The present results suggest the potential benefit of H(2) in improving obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome”
Molecular hydrogen stimulates the gene expression of transcriptional coactivator PGC-1α to enhance fatty acid metabolism
“In wild-type mice fed the fatty diet, H2-water improved the level of plasma triglycerides and extended their average of lifespan. H2 induces expression of the PGC-1αgene, followed by stimulation of the PPARα pathway that regulates FGF21, and the fatty acid and steroid metabolism.”
Molecular hydrogen: new antioxidant and anti-inflammatory therapy for rheumatoid arthritis and related diseases
“H2 showed significant therapeutic potential, which also seemed to assist diagnosis and treatment decisions of RA. The possible expectations regarding the potential benefits of H2 by reducing the oxidative stress, resulting from inflammatory factors, are raised and discussed here. They include prevention of RA and related atherosclerosis, as well as therapeutic validity for RA.”
Molecular hydrogen stabilizes atherosclerotic plaque in low-density lipoprotein receptor-knockout mice
“Hydrogen (H(2)) attenuates the development of atherosclerosis in mouse models. The inhibitory effects of H(2) on the apoptosis of macrophage-derived foam cells, which take effect by suppressing the activation of the ERS pathway and by activating the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway, might lead to an improvement in atherosclerotic plaque stability.”
Effectiveness of hydrogen rich water on antioxidant status of subjects with potential metabolic syndrome-an open label pilot study
“Metabolic syndrome is characterized by cardiometabolic risk factors that include obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension and dyslipidemia. Oxidative stress is known to play a major role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome. In conclusion, drinking hydrogen rich water represents a potentially novel therapeutic and preventive strategy for metabolic syndrome.”
The evolution of molecular hydrogen: A noteworthy potential therapy with clinical significance
“Hydrogen is qualified to cross the blood brain barrier, to enter the mitochondria, and even has the ability to translocate to the nucleus under certain conditions. Once in these ideal locations of the cell, previous studies have shown that hydrogen exerts antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties that are beneficial to the cell.”
Autoimmune Disease
Hydrogen as a selective antioxidant: A review of clinical and experimental studies
“H2 is emerging as a novel and safe therapeutic antioxidant. It has selective antioxidant properties, giving it anti-inflammatory properties.”
Recent progress toward hydrogen medicine: Potential of molecular hydrogen for preventative and therapeutic applications
“H2 prevented the decline of the mitochondrial membrane potential. This suggested that H2 protected mitochondria from OH. Along with this protective effect, H2 also prevented a decrease in the cellular level of ATP synthesized in mitochondria. The fact that H2 protected mitochondria and nuclear DNA provided evidence that H2 penetrated most membranes and diffused into organelles.”
Hydrogen acts as a therapeutic antioxidant by selectively reducing cytotoxic oxygen radicals
“Hydrogen selectively reduces the hydroxyl radical, the most toxic free radical, and effectively protects cells. It does not react with free radicals that have physiological benefits, making it an incredibly effective therapy to neutralize acute oxidative stress.”
Recent progress toward hydrogen medicine: Potential of molecular hydrogen for preventive and therapeutic applications
“H2 prevented the decline of the mitochondrial membrane potential. This suggested that H2 protected mitochondria from OH. Along with this protective effect, H2 also prevented a decrease in the cellular level of ATP synthesized in mitochondria. The fact that H2 protected mitochondria and nuclear DNA provided evidence that H2 penetrated most membranes and diffused into organelles.”
Anti-inflammation effects of hydrogen saline in LPS activated macrophages and carrageenan induced paw oedema
“Oxidative stress is thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammation. Recent studies have found that hydrogen gas has the effect of eliminating free radicals. Hydrogen saline exhibits a protective effect against inflammation and it might provide a novel therapeutic approach for inflammatory diseases.”
Protective effect of hydrogen-rich saline against radiation-induced immune dysfunction
“Recent studies showed that hydrogen can be used as an effective radioprotective agent through scavenging free radicals. We found that H2 could regulate the polarization of CD4+ T cells and the level of related cytokines. This study suggests H2 as an effective radioprotective agent on immune system by scavenging reactive oxygen species.”
Therapeutic effects of hydrogen-rich solution on aplastic anemia in vivo
“Our study firstly showed that hydrogen-rich solution accelerated the recovery of either hematological or immunological recovery on aplastic anemia mice. This finding suggests hydrogen-rich solution as a potential clinical therapeutic agent for aplastic anemia.”
Hydrogen-rich water improves neurological functional recovery in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mice
“Because HRW is non-toxic, inexpensive, easily administered, and can readily cross the blood-brain barrier, our experiments suggest that HRW may have great potential in the treatment of Multiple sclerosis.”
Treatment of hydrogen molecule abates oxidative stress and alleviates bone loss induced by modeled microgravity in rats
“Treatment with HW alleviated HLS-induced reduction of bone mineral density, ultimate load, stiffness, and energy in femur and lumbar vertebra. Treatment with HW alleviated HLS-induced augmentation of malondialdehyde content and peroxynitrite content and reduction of total sulfhydryl content in femur and lumbar vertebra. Treatment with molecular hydrogen alleviates microgravity-induced bone loss through abating oxidative stress, restoring osteoblastic differentiation, and suppressing osteoclast differentiation and osteoclastogenesis.”
Treatment with hydrogen molecules prevents RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation associated with inhibition of ROS formation and inactivation of MAPK, AKT and NF-kappa B pathways in murine RAW264.7 cells
“The bone protective effects of the hydrogen molecule (H2) have been demonstrated in several osteoporosis models. Hydrogen molecules prevented RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation associated with inhibition of reactive oxygen species formation and inactivation of NF-κB, mitogen-activated protein kinase and AKT pathways.”
Hydrogen water consumption prevents osteopenia in ovariectomized rats
“Accumulating evidence indicates an important role of oxidative stress in the progression of osteoporosis. HW consumption prevents osteopenia in ovariectomized rats possibly through the ablation of oxidative stress induced by oestrogen withdrawal.”
Blood Clots
Hydrogen therapy reduces hydroxyl radical and increases endogenous antioxidants caused by oxidative stress
“Hydrogen therapy reduces hydroxyl radical and increases endogenous antioxidants caused by oxidative stress. Molecular hydrogen is proposed to be protective by increasing endogenous antioxidants in addition to scavenging the hydroxyl radical after an injury such as oxidative stress. Hydrogen is qualified to cross the blood brain barrier, to enter the mitochondria, and even has the ability to translocate to the nucleus under certain conditions. Once in these ideal locations of the cell, previous studies have shown that hydrogen exerts antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties that are beneficial to the cell.”
Hydrogen-rich water prevents lipid deposition in the descending aorta in a rat periodontitis model
“Hydrogen Water intake may prevent lipid deposition in the rat aorta induced by periodontitis by decreasing serum ox-LDL levels and aortic oxidative stress.”
Hydrogen as a selective antioxidant: A review of clinical and experimental studies
“H2 is emerging as a novel and safe therapeutic antioxidant. It has selective antioxidant properties, giving it anti-inflammatory properties.”
Hydrogen-rich saline improves survival and neurological outcome after cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation in rats
“Hydrogen-rich saline treatment improved survival and neurological outcome after cardiac arrest/resuscitation in rats, which was partially mediated by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.”
Hydrogen-supplemented drinking water protects cardiac allografts from inflammation-associated deterioration
“Drinking hydrogen water prolongs survival of cardiac allografts and reduces intimal hyperplasia of aortic allografts.”
Hydrogen acts as a therapeutic antioxidant by selectively reducing cytotoxic oxygen radicals
“Hydrogen selectively reduces the hydroxyl radical, the most toxic free radical, and effectively protects cells. It does not react with free radicals that have physiological benefits, making it an incredibly effective therapy to neutralize acute oxidative stress.”
Consumption of hydrogen water prevents atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E knockout mice
“Atherosclerotic lesions were significantly reduced by ad libitum drinking of H2–water (p = 0.0069) as judged by Oil-Red-O staining series of sections of aorta. The oxidative stress level of aorta was decreased. Accumulation of macrophages in atherosclerotic lesions was confirmed. Thus, consumption of H2-dissolved water has the potential to prevent arteriosclerosis.”
Molecular hydrogen as an emerging therapeutic medical gas for neurodegenerative and other diseases
“Molecular hydrogen has been observed to have beneficial effects for a variety of disease models, including myocardial infarcation and atherosclerosis.”
Recent progress toward hydrogen medicine: Potential of molecular hydrogen for preventive and therapeutic applications
“H2 prevented the decline of the mitochondrial membrane potential. This suggested that H2 protected mitochondria from OH. Along with this protective effect, H2 also prevented a decrease in the cellular level of ATP synthesized in mitochondria. The fact that H2 protected mitochondria and nuclear DNA provided evidence that H2 penetrated most membranes and diffused into organelles.”
Hydrogen-rich water decreases serum LDL-cholesterol levels and improves HDL function in patients with potential metabolic syndrome
“Supplementation with H2-rich water seems to decrease serum LDL-C and apoB levels, improve dyslipidemia-injured HDL functions, and reduce oxidative stress, and it may have a beneficial role in prevention of potential metabolic syndrome.”
Bone Health
Treatment with hydrogen molecule alleviates TNFα-induced cell injury in osteoblast
“Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) plays a crucial role in inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and postmenopausal osteoporosis. Recently, it has been demonstrated that hydrogen gas, known as a novel antioxidant, can exert therapeutic anti-inflammatory effect in many diseases. Treatment with H(2) alleviates TNFα-induced cell injury in osteoblast through abating oxidative stress, preserving mitochondrial function, suppressing inflammation, and enhancing NO bioavailability.”
Hydrogen water consumption prevents osteopenia in ovariectomized rats
“Accumulating evidence indicates an important role of oxidative stress in the progression of osteoporosis. HW consumption prevents osteopenia in ovariectomized rats possibly through the ablation of oxidative stress induced by oestrogen withdrawal.”
Hydrogen gas treatment prolongs replicative lifespan of bone marrow multipotential stromal cells in vitro while preserving differentiation and paracrine potentials
“Hydrogen molecules have been shown to exert organ protective effects through selective reduction of hydroxyl radicals. As oxidative stress is one of the key insults promoting cell senescence in vivo as well as in vitro, we hypothesized that hydrogen molecules prevent senescent process during MSC expansion. Addition of 3% hydrogen gas enhanced preservation of colony forming early progenitor cells within MSC preparation and prolonged the in vitro replicative lifespan of MSCs without losing differentiation potentials and paracrine capabilities.”
Treatment with hydrogen molecules prevents RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation associated with inhibition of ROS formation and inactivation of MAPK, AKT and NF-kappa B pathways in murine RAW264.7 cells
“The bone protective effects of the hydrogen molecule (H2) have been demonstrated in several osteoporosis models. Hydrogen molecules prevented RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation associated with inhibition of reactive oxygen species formation and inactivation of NF-κB, mitogen-activated protein kinase and AKT pathways.”
Treatment of hydrogen molecule abates oxidative stress and alleviates bone loss induced by modeled microgravity in rats
“Treatment with HW alleviated HLS-induced reduction of bone mineral density, ultimate load, stiffness, and energy in femur and lumbar vertebra. Treatment with HW alleviated HLS-induced augmentation of malondialdehyde content and peroxynitrite content and reduction of total sulfhydryl content in femur and lumbar vertebra. Treatment with molecular hydrogen alleviates microgravity-induced bone loss through abating oxidative stress, restoring osteoblastic differentiation, and suppressing osteoclast differentiation and osteoclastogenesis.”
Improvement of psoriasis-associated arthritis and skin lesions by treatment with molecular hydrogen: A report of three cases
“Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, is caused by infiltrating lymphocytes and associated cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-17. IL-6 levels decreased during H2 treatment in Case 1 and 2. IL-17, whose concentration was high in Case 1, was reduced following H2 treatment, and TNFα also decreased in Case 1. The psoriatic skin lesions almost disappeared at the end of the treatment. H2 administration reduced inflammation associated with psoriasis in the three cases examined and it may therefore be considered as a treatment strategy for psoriasis-associated skin lesions and arthritis.”
Hydrogen-rich saline may be an effective and specific novel treatment for osteoradionecrosis of the jaw
“It has long been known that most radiation-induced symptoms are caused by free radicals generated by radiolysis of H2O, and the hydroxyl radical is the most reactive of these. Reducing the hydroxyl radical can distinctly improve the protection of cells from radiation damage. We hypothesized that hydrogen-rich saline might be an effective and specific method of managing and preventing osteoradionecrosis of the jaw.”
Molecular hydrogen protects chondrocytes from oxidative stress and indirectly alters gene expressions through reducing peroxynitrite derived from nitric oxide
“These results imply that one of the functions of H2 exhibits cytoprotective effects and transcriptional alterations through reducing ONOO-. Moreover, novel pharmacological strategies aimed at selective removal of ONOO- may represent a powerful method for preventive and therapeutic use of H2 for joint diseases.”
Consumption of water containing a high concentration of molecular hydrogen reduces oxidative stress and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: An open-label pilot study
“Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the destruction of bone and cartilage. Although its etiology is unknown, the hydroxyl radical has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of RA. The results suggest that the hydroxyl radical scavenger H2 effectively reduces oxidative stress in patients with this condition. The symptoms of RA were significantly improved with high H2 water.”
Molecular hydrogen: New antioxidant and anti-inflammatory therapy for rheumatoid arthritis and related diseases
“H2 showed significant therapeutic potential, which also seemed to assist diagnosis and treatment decisions of RA. The possible expectations regarding the potential benefits of H2 by reducing the oxidative stress, resulting from inflammatory factors, are raised and discussed here. They include prevention of RA and related atherosclerosis, as well as therapeutic validity for RA.”
Brain Injury
Hydrogen is neuroprotective against surgically induced brain injury
“Hydrogen appears to be promising as an effective, yet inexpensive way to reduce cerebral edema caused by surgical procedures. Hydrogen has the potential to improve clinical outcome, decrease hospital stay, and reduce overall cost to patients and the health care system.”
Hydrogen acts as a therapeutic antioxidant by selectively reducing cytotoxic oxygen radicals
“Hydrogen selectively reduces the hydroxyl radical, the most toxic free radical, and effectively protects cells. It does not react with free radicals that have physiological benefits, making it an incredibly effective therapy to neutralize acute oxidative stress.”
Hydrogen-rich saline alleviates early brain injury via reducing oxidative stress and brain edema following experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage in rabbits
“The results suggest that treatment with hydrogen in experimental SAH rabbits could alleviate brain injury via decreasing the oxidative stress injury and brain edema. Hence, we conclude that hydrogen possesses the potential to be a novel therapeutic agent for EBI after SAH.”
The evolution of molecular hydrogen: A noteworthy potential therapy with clinical significance
“Hydrogen is qualified to cross the blood brain barrier, to enter the mitochondria, and even has the ability to translocate to the nucleus under certain conditions. Once in these ideal locations of the cell, previous studies have shown that hydrogen exerts antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties that are beneficial to the cell.”
Hydrogen inhalation ameliorated mast cell-mediated brain injury after intracerebral hemorrhage in mice
“Activation of mast cells following intracerebral hemorrhage contributed to increase of blood-brain barrier permeability and brain edema. Hydrogen inhalation preserved blood-brain barrier disruption by prevention of mast cell activation after intracerebral hemorrhage.”
Hydrogen-rich water protects against ischemic brain injury in rats by regulating calcium buffering proteins
“Hydrogen-rich water (HRW) has anti-oxidant activities, and it exerts neuroprotective effects during ischemia-reperfusion brain injury. All these results suggest that HRW could protect against ischemic brain injury and that the maintenance of parvalbumin and hippocalcin levels by HRW during ischemic brain injury might contribute to the neuroprotective effects against neuron damage.”
Neuroprotective effect of hydrogen-rich saline against neurologic damage and apoptosis in early brain injury following subarachnoid hemorrhage: Possible role of the Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway
“HS significantly reduced neuronal apoptosis and improved neurological function at 24 hours after SAH. HS could attenuate neuronal apoptosis in EBI and improve the neurofunctional outcome after SAH, partially via the Akt/GSK3β pathway.”
Inhalation of hydrogen gas attenuates brain injury in mice with cecal ligation and puncture via inhibiting neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis
“We found that the beneficial effects of H2 on brain injury in septic mice were linked to the decreased levels of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative products and the increased activities of antioxidant enzymes in serum and hippocampus. In addition, 2% H2 inhalation promoted the expression and transposition of Nrf2 and the expression of HO-1 to mitigate brain injury in sepsis. Thus, the inhalation of hydrogen gas may be a promising therapeutic strategy to relieve brain injury in sepsis.”
Protective effects of hydrogen on fetal brain injury during maternal hypoxia
“Hydrogen treatment improved the body-righting reflex and negative geotropism (P<0.05 vs. room air group). The above-mentioned functional changes caused by hypoxia were not associated with morphology and cell death of oligodendrocytes. Therefore, the maternal hypoxia-induced body weight loss, and functional abnormalities and hydrogen treatment during hypoxia offered a protective effect and improved functions in neonates.”
Hydrogen rich saline reduces immune-mediated brain injury in rats with acute carbon monoxide poisoning
“Expression levels of MIP-1-alpha and ICAM-1 increased in the brains of CO-poisoned rats and H(2) rich saline treatment decreased the levels. The results indicate that H(2) rich saline prevents immune-mediated brain injury after CO poisoning.”
Hydrogen gas ameliorates oxidative stress in early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats
“Hydrogen gas significantly alleviated brain edema and blood-brain barrier disruption, reduced apoptosis, and improved neurologic function at 24 hrs but not 72 hrs after subarachnoid hemorrhage. These effects were associated with the amelioration of oxidative injury of lipid, protein, and DNA. Hydrogen gas could exert its neuroprotective effect against early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage by its antioxidative activity.”
Cancer
Protective effect of hydrogen-rich water on liver function of colorectal cancer patients treated with mFOLFOX6 chemotherapy
“The damaging effects of the mFOLFOX6 chemotherapy on liver function were mainly represented by increased ALT, AST and IBIL levels. The hydrogen-rich water group exhibited no significant differences in liver function before and after treatment, whereas the placebo group exhibited significantly elevated levels of ALT, AST and IBIL. Thus, hydrogen-rich water appeared to alleviate the mFOLFOX6-related liver injury.”
Yang, Q., Ji, G., Pan, R., Zhao, Y., & Yan, P. (2017). Protective effect of hydrogen-rich water on liver function of colorectal cancer patients treated with mFOLFOX6 chemotherapy. Molecular and Clinical Oncology, 7(5), 891–896. http://doi.org/10.3892/mco.2017.1409
Hydrogen gas activates coenzyme Q10 to restore exhausted CD8 + T cells, especially PD-1 + Tim3 + terminal CD8 + T cells, leading to better nivolumab outcomes in patients with lung cancer
“As previously reported, hydrogen gas improves the prognosis of patients with cancer by restoring exhausted CD8+ T cells into active CD8+ T cells, possibly by activating mitochondria. As mitochondrial activators exhibit synergistic effects with nivolumab, the current study investigated whether hydrogen gas also affects the clinical outcomes of nivolumab. A total of 42 of 56 patients with lung cancer treated with nivolumab received hydrogen gas.. Hydrogen gas has been suggested to enhance the clinical efficacy of nivolumab by increasing CoQ10 (mitochondria) to reduce PDT+, with PDT+ and CoQ10 as reliable negative and positive biomarkers of nivolumab, respectively.”
Protective effects of hydrogen gas inhalation on radiation-induced bone marrow damage in cancer patients: a retrospective observational study
“Although intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) has been developed as an alternative to conventional radiotherapy, reducing bone marrow damage is limited. Thus, a novel technology is needed to further mitigate IMRT-induced bone marrow damage. Molecular hydrogen (H2) was recently reported as a preventive and therapeutic antioxidant that selectively scavenges hydroxyl radical (·OH) and peroxynitrite (ONOO-). This observational study aimed to examine whether H2 gas treatment improves IMRT-induced bone marrow damage in cancer patients. The results obtained demonstrated that H2 gas inhalation therapy alleviated IMRT-induced bone marrow damage without compromising the anti-tumor effects of IMRT. The present study suggests that this novel approach of H2 gas inhalation therapy may be applicable to IMRT-induced bone marrow damage in cancer patients.”
Hydrogen as a selective antioxidant: A review of clinical and experimental studies
“H2 is emerging as a novel and safe therapeutic antioxidant. It has selective antioxidant properties, giving it anti-inflammatory properties.”
Effects of drinking hydrogen-rich water on the quality of life of patients treated with radiotherapy for liver tumors
“The consumption of hydrogen-rich water for 6 weeks reduced reactive oxygen metabolites in the blood and maintained blood oxidation potential. QOL scores during radiotherapy were significantly improved in patients treated with hydrogen-rich water compared to patients receiving placebo water. Daily consumption of hydrogen-rich water is a potentially novel, therapeutic strategy for improving QOL after radiation exposure. Consumption of hydrogen-rich water reduces the biological reaction to radiation-induced oxidative stress without compromising anti-tumor effects.”
Molecular hydrogen as an emerging therapeutic medical gas for neurodegenerative and other diseases
“Effects of molecular hydrogen on various diseases have been documented for 63 disease models and human diseases in the past four and a half years. Six human diseases have been studied to date: diabetes mellitus type 2, metabolic syndrome, hemodialysis, inflammatory and mitochondrial myopathies, brain stem infarction, and radiation-induced adverse effects.”
Hydrogen acts as a therapeutic antioxidant by selectively reducing cytotoxic oxygen radicals
“Hydrogen selectively reduces the hydroxyl radical, the most toxic free radical, and effectively protects cells. It does not react with free radicals that have physiological benefits, making it an incredibly effective therapy to neutralize acute oxidative stress.”
Recent progress toward hydrogen medicine: Potential of molecular hydrogen for preventive and therapeutic applications
“H2 prevented the decline of the mitochondrial membrane potential. This suggested that H2 protected mitochondria from OH. Along with this protective effect, H2 also prevented a decrease in the cellular level of ATP synthesized in mitochondria. The fact that H2 protected mitochondria and nuclear DNA provided evidence that H2 penetrated most membranes and diffused into organelles.”
Platinum nanocolloid-supplemented hydrogendissolved water inhibits growth of human tongue carcinoma cells preferentially over normal cells
“Anti-cancer activity of Pt-nc-supplemented HD-water was shown by its preferential cell-growth inhibition to human tongue carcinoma cells HSC-4 over normal human tongue cells DOK, and might be partly attributed to HD-water-caused enhancement of Pt-nc-relevant antioxidant ability. Pt-nc-supplemented HD-water is expected as a novel agent against human tongue cancers due to its cancer progression-repressive abilities.”
Neutral pH hydrogen-enriched electrolyzed water achieves tumor-preferential clonal growth inhibition over normal cells and tumor invasion inhibition concurrently with intracellular oxidant repression
“NHE water diminished hydroxyl radicals as demonstrated by ESR in a cell-free system. NHE water was shown to achieve tumor-preferential growth inhibition and tumor invasion together with scavenging of intracellular oxidants, and is expected as a preventive material against tumor progression and invasion.”
Hydrogen-water enhances 5-fluorouracil-induced inhibition of colon cancer
“Oxidative stress is involved in cancer development. Hydrogen (H2) is a potent antioxidant and exhibits anti-inflammatory and potentially anticancer-like activities. High-content hydrogen water can inhibit colon cancer, particularly in combination with 5-fluorouracil.”
Growth suppression of HL60 and L6 cells by atomic hydrogen
“We previously reported electrolyzed reduced water (ERW) which produced near the cathode by electrolysis has a reductive activity. We also revealed that ERW contains both molecular hydrogen and platinum nanoparticles (Pt nps) derived from platinum-coated titanium electrodes. These results suggest that atomic hydrogen catalyzed by Pt nps induced significant cell growth suppression and atomic hydrogen may be one of new signal of cell function.”
Consumption of hydrogen-rich water protects against ferric nitrilotriacetate-induced nephrotoxicity and early tumor promotional events in rats
“Consumption with HW decreased the incidence of renal cell carcinoma and suppressed tumor growth in Fe-NTA-treated in rats. In conclusion, drinking with HW attenuated Fe-NTA-induced renal injury and inhibited early tumor promotional events in rats.”
Hydrogen protects mice from radiation induced thymic lymphoma in BALB/c mice
“Ionizing radiation (IR) is a well-known carcinogen, however the mechanism of radiation induced thymic lymphoma is not well known. Hydrogen, or H(2), is seldom regarded as an important agent in medical usage, especially as a therapeutic gas. Here in this study, we found that H(2) protects mice from radiation induced thymic lymphoma in BALB/c mice.”
Hyperbaric hydrogen therapy: A possible treatment for cancer
“Hairless albino mice with squamous cell carcinoma were exposed to a mixture of 2.5 percent oxygen and 97.5 percent hydrogen at a total pressure of 8 atmospheres for periods up to 2 weeks in order to see if a free radical decay catalyzer, such as hydrogen, would cause a regression of the skin tumors. Marked aggression of the tumors was found, leading to the possibility that hyperbaric hydrogen therapy might also prove to be of significance in the treatment of other types of cancer.”
Hydrogen-rich water improves neurological functional recovery in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mice
“Because HRW is non-toxic, inexpensive, easily administered, and can readily cross the blood-brain barrier, our experiments suggest that HRW may have great potential in the treatment of Multiple sclerosis.”
Hydrogen-rich water prevents progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and accompanying hepatocarcinogenesis in mice
“Oxidative stress is a strong contributor to the progression from simple fatty liver to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Consumption of hydrogen-rich water may be an effective treatment for NASH by reducing hepatic oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, and hepatocarcinogenesis.”
Hydrogen-rich saline attenuate chemotherapy-induced ovarian injury via regulation of oxidative stress
“Hydrogen has been reported to exert a therapeutic effect in several diseases due to its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. Hydrogen‑rich saline exerts a protective effect against cisplatin-induced ovarian injury by reducing MDA and increasing SOD and CAT activity. Ovarian injury induced by chemotherapy involves the activation of Nrf2.”
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Hydrogen-rich saline reduces delayed neurologic sequelae in experimental carbon monoxide toxicity
“This observation demonstrated that hydrogen-rich saline peritoneal injection improves histologic and functional assessment in a rat model of CO encephalopathy. Hydrogen saline has potentials as a novel and alternative therapy for severely CO-poisoned patients with delayed neurologic sequelae. The therapeutic effects of hydrogen-rich saline may be related to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.”
Hydrogen rich saline reduces immune-mediated brain injury in rats with acute carbon monoxide poisoning
“Expression levels of MIP-1-alpha and ICAM-1 increased in the brains of CO-poisoned rats and H(2) rich saline treatment decreased the levels. The results indicate that H(2) rich saline prevents immune-mediated brain injury after CO poisoning.”
Effects of hydrogen-rich saline on rats with acute carbon monoxide poisoning
“H2-rich saline treatment improved the cognitive deficits and reduced the degree of necrosis, apoptosis, and cell autophagy in rats. Additionally, H2-rich saline decreased the content of Fe in serum and brain in these rats, and increased the content of serum Cu related to free radical metabolism. H2-rich saline may effectively protect the brain from injury after acute CO poisoning. The mechanism of this protection may be related to lessening oxidative damage by affecting trace elements in vivo.”
Neuroprotective effect of hydrogen-rich saline in acute carbon monoxide poisoning
“Hydrogen-rich saline may be clinically useful against acute CO poisoning, possibly via reducing ROS level, upregulating endogenous antioxidative enzymes, suppressed caspase enzyme activity, upregulated ratio of Bcl-2 and Bax expression, and abated apoptosis.”
Hydrogen as a novel and effective treatment of acute carbon monoxide poisoning
“Hydrogen is a major component of interstellar space and the fuel that sustains the stars. However, it is seldom regarded as a therapeutic gas. A recent study provided evidence that hydrogen inhalation exerted antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects and protected the brain against ischemia–reperfusion injury by selectively reducing hydroxyl radical and peroxynitrite. It has been known that the mechanisms underlying the brain injury after acute carbon monoxide poisoning are interwoven with multiple factors including oxidative stress, free radicals, and neuronal nitric oxide synthase as well as abnormal inflammatory responses. Studies have shown that free radical scavengers can improve the neural damage. Based on the findings abovementioned, we hypothesize that hydrogen therapy may be an effective, simple, economic and novel strategy in the treatment of acute carbon monoxide poisoning.”
Cardiovascular Disease
Studies point to the potential for H2 combat and ameliorate all facets of cardiovascular disease, including the abilities to lower serum LDL, combat atherosclerosis, regulate hypertension, and reduce chronic inflammation. A study on rats has shown potential for improved survival rates and neurological outcome after cardiac arrest, and other studies have demonstrated H2’s ability to attenuate the severity of strokes.
Hydrogen as a selective antioxidant: A review of clinical and experimental studies
“H2 is emerging as a novel and safe therapeutic antioxidant. It has selective antioxidant properties, giving it anti-inflammatory properties.”
Hydrogen acts as a therapeutic antioxidant by selectively reducing cytotoxic oxygen radicals
“Hydrogen selectively reduces the hydroxyl radical, the most toxic free radical, and effectively protects cells. It does not react with free radicals that have physiological benefits, making it an incredibly effective therapy to neutralize acute oxidative stress.”
The evolution of molecular hydrogen: A noteworthy potential therapy with clinical significance
“Hydrogen is qualified to cross the blood brain barrier, to enter the mitochondria, and even has the ability to translocate to the nucleus under certain conditions. Once in these ideal locations of the cell, previous studies have shown that hydrogen exerts antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties that are beneficial to the cell.”
Recent progress toward hydrogen medicine: Potential of molecular hydrogen for preventive and therapeutic applications
“H2 prevented the decline of the mitochondrial membrane potential. This suggested that H2 protected mitochondria from OH. Along with this protective effect, H2 also prevented a decrease in the cellular level of ATP synthesized in mitochondria. The fact that H2 protected mitochondria and nuclear DNA provided evidence that H2 penetrated most membranes and diffused into organelles.”
Molecular hydrogen as an emerging therapeutic medical gas for neurodegenerative and other diseases
“Effects of molecular hydrogen on various diseases have been documented for 63 disease models and human diseases in the past four and a half years. Six human diseases have been studied to date: diabetes mellitus type 2, metabolic syndrome, hemodialysis, inflammatory and mitochondrial myopathies, brain stem infarction, and radiation-induced adverse effects.”
Beneficial biological effects and the underlying mechanisms of molecular hydrogen - comprehensive review of 321 original articles
“A total of 321 original articles have been published from 2007 to June 2015. Most studies have been conducted in Japan, China, and the USA. The effects have been reported in essentially all organs covering 31 disease categories that can be subdivided into 166 disease models, human diseases, treatment-associated pathologies, and pathophysiological conditions of plants with a predominance of oxidative stress-mediated diseases and inflammatory diseases.”
Cholesterol
Hydrogen-rich water decreases serum LDL-cholesterol levels and improves HDL function in patients with potential metabolic syndrome
“Supplementation with H2-rich water seems to decrease serum LDL-C and apoB levels, improve dyslipidemia-injured HDL functions, and reduce oxidative stress, and it may have a beneficial role in prevention of potential metabolic syndrome.”
The evolution of molecular hydrogen: A noteworthy potential therapy with clinical significance
“Hydrogen is qualified to cross the blood brain barrier, to enter the mitochondria, and even has the ability to translocate to the nucleus under certain conditions. Once in these ideal locations of the cell, previous studies have shown that hydrogen exerts antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties that are beneficial to the cell.”
Hydrogen activates ATP-binding cassette transporter A1-dependent efflux ex vivo and improves high-density lipoprotein function in patients with hypercholesterolemia: A double-blinded, randomised and placebo-controlled trial
“H2 activates ATP-binding cassette transporter A1-dependent efflux, enhances HDL antiatherosclerotic functions, and has beneficial lipid-lowering effects. The present findings highlight the potential role of H2 in the regression of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis.”
Effectiveness of hydrogen rich water on antioxidant status of subjects with potential metabolic syndrome-an open label pilot study
“Metabolic syndrome is characterized by cardiometabolic risk factors that include obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension and dyslipidemia. Oxidative stress is known to play a major role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome. In conclusion, drinking hydrogen rich water represents a potentially novel therapeutic and preventive strategy for metabolic syndrome.”
Administration of hydrogen-saturated saline decreases plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and improves high-density lipoprotein function in high-fat diet-fed hamsters
“Administration of hydrogen-saturated saline decreases plasma LDL cholesterol and apo B levels and improves hyperlipidemia-injured HDL functions, including the capacity of enhancing cellular cholesterol efflux and playing antioxidative properties, in high-fat diet-fed hamsters.”
Hydrogen-rich water prevents lipid deposition in the descending aorta in a rat periodontitis model
“Hydrogen Water intake may prevent lipid deposition in the rat aorta induced by periodontitis by decreasing serum ox-LDL levels and aortic oxidative stress.”
Supplementation of hydrogen-rich water improves lipid and glucose metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance
“Supplementation with molecular hydrogen-rich water may have a beneficial role in the prevention of type 2 diabetes and insulin resistence by helping to stabilize blood sugar, which is a critical aspect of long-term weight loss.”
Molecular hydrogen as an emerging therapeutic medical gas for neurodegenerative and other diseases
“Effects of molecular hydrogen on various diseases have been documented for 63 disease models and human diseases in the past four and a half years. Six human diseases have been studied to date: diabetes mellitus type 2, metabolic syndrome, hemodialysis, inflammatory and mitochondrial myopathies, brain stem infarction, and radiation-induced adverse effects.”
H2 inhibits TNF-α-induced lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 expression by inhibiting nuclear factor κB activation in endothelial cells
“H(2) is a therapeutic antioxidant that can reduce oxidative stress. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein, which plays roles in atherosclerosis, may promote endothelial dysfunction by binding the cell-surface receptor LOX-1. H(2) inhibited the expression of LOX-1 and the activation of NF-κB in apolipoprotein E knockout mice, an animal model of atherosclerosis. Thus, H(2) probably inhibits cytokine-induced LOX-1 gene expression by suppressing NF-κB activation.”
Molecular hydrogen stabilizes atherosclerotic plaque in low-density lipoprotein receptor-knockout mice
“Hydrogen (H(2)) attenuates the development of atherosclerosis in mouse models. The inhibitory effects of H(2) on the apoptosis of macrophage-derived foam cells, which take effect by suppressing the activation of the ERS pathway and by activating the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway, might lead to an improvement in atherosclerotic plaque stability.”
Cognitive Performance & Recovery
Hydrogen-rich saline improves memory function in a rat model of amyloid-beta-induced Alzheimer's disease by reduction of oxidative stress
“Hydrogen-rich saline prevented amyloid beta-induced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, which may contribute to the improvement of memory dysfunction in this rat model.”
Molecular hydrogen in drinking water protects against neurodegenerative changes induced by traumatic brain injury
“Molecular hydrogen given in drinking water reverses many of the sequelae of controlled cortical impact and suggests that it could be an easily administered, highly effective treatment for traumatic brain injury.”
Hydrogen-rich saline protects against spinal cord injury in rats
“We observed that administration of hydrogen-rich saline decreased the number of apoptotic cells, suppressed oxidative stress, and improved locomotor functions. In conclusion, hydrogen-rich saline reduced acute spinal cord contusion injury, possibly by reduction of oxidative stress and elevation of BDNF.”
Hydrogen-rich saline injection into the subarachnoid cavity within 2 weeks promotes recovery after acute spinal cord injury
“Hydrogen can relieve tissue-damaging oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. Injection of hydrogen-rich saline is an effective method for transporting molecular hydrogen. The present study confirms that hydrogen-rich saline injected within 2 weeks of injury effectively contributes to the repair of spinal cord injury in the acute stage.”
Hydrogen-rich saline protects against oxidative damage and cognitive deficits after mild traumatic brain injury
“Oxidative stress is the principal factor in traumatic brain injury (TBI) that initiates events that result in protracted neuronal dysfunction and remodeling. These results suggest that hydrogen-rich saline can protect the brain against the deleterious effects of mild TBI on synaptic plasticity and cognition and that hydrogen-rich saline could be an effective therapeutic strategy for patients with cognitive deficits after TBI.”
Hydrogen-rich saline prevents early neurovascular dysfunction resulting from inhibition of oxidative stress in STZ-diabetic rats
“Based on its inhibition of oxidative stress and up-regulation of anti-oxidative enzymes, we conclude that hydrogen-rich saline is a potentially valuable therapeutic modality for the treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy.”
Consumption of molecular hydrogen prevents the stress-induced impairments in hippocampus-dependent learning tasks during chronic physical restraint in mice
“Consumption of hydrogen water ad libitum throughout this study suppressed the increase in the oxidative stress markers and prevented cognitive impairment. Continuous consumption of hydrogen water reduces oxidative stress in the brain, and prevents the stress-induced decline in learning and memory caused by chronic physical restraint. Hydrogen water may be applicable for preventive use in cognitive or other neuronal disorders.”
Hydrogen-rich saline reverses oxidative stress, cognitive impairment, and mortality in rats submitted to sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture
“The hippocampal reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels increased significantly, and superoxide dismutase activity decreased significantly. HRS reversed these changes in a dose-dependent manner. These findings indicate that HRS could attenuate the consequences of sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture in rats, at least in part, by the inhibition of oxidative stress.”
Drinking hydrogen water ameliorated cognitive impairment in senescence-accelerated mice
“In this study, scientists investigated the efficacies of drinking hydrogen water for prevention of spatial memory decline and age-related brain alterations using mice that exhibited early aging syndromes including declining learning ability and memory. However, treatment with hydrogen water for 30 days prevented age-related declines in cognitive ability. In addition, drinking hydrogen water for 18 weeks inhibited neurodegeneration in hippocampus, while marked loss of neurons was noted in control, aged brains of mice receiving regular water. On the basis of these results, hydrogen water merits further investigation for possible therapeutic/preventative use for age-related cognitive disorders.”
Inhalation of hydrogen gas attenuates cognitive impairment in transient cerebral ischemia via inhibition of oxidative stress
“Inhalation of hydrogen gas could attenuate cognitive impairment in the ischemic rats. This protection is associated with decreased neuronal death in CA1 region and inhibition of oxidative stress.”
Colitis
Protective effects of hydrogen-rich saline on ulcerative colitis rat model
“Treatment with hydrogen-rich saline reduced the weight loss and diarrhea and alleviated the colonic mucosal damage in the UC rats. In addition, the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in the UC rats increased and could be inhibited by hydrogen treatment. Antioxidative hydrogen-rich saline effectively protected the rats from UC, which might be, at least in part, because of inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor.”
Protective effects of hydrogen-rich saline on necrotizing enterocolitis in neonatal rats
“HRS treatment maintained the body weight, reduced the incidence of NEC from 85% (17/20) to 54.5% (12/22), increased the survival rate from 25% (5/20) to 68.2% (15/22), and attenuated the severity of NEC. In addition, HRS inhibited the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory mediators (inducible nitric oxide synthase, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6), down-regulated lipid peroxidation, enhanced total antioxidant capacity, and prevented the increase of diamine oxidase in serum. HRS showed beneficial effects on neonatal rats with NEC via decreasing oxidative stress, increasing antioxidant capacity, suppressing inflammation, and preserving mucosal integrity.”
Hydrogen mediates suppression of colon inflammation induced by dextran sodium sulfate
“By its antioxidant effect, molecular hydrogen gas (H2) was reported to protect organs from tissue damage induced by ischemia reperfusion. Histological analysis also revealed that the DSS-mediated colonic tissue destruction accompanied by macrophage infiltration was remarkably suppressed by H2. Therefore, the present study indicated that H2 can prevent the development of DSS-induced colitis in mice.”
Hydrogen-rich saline protects against intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats
“The intestine damage was detected microscopically and was assessed by Chiu score system after I/R injury. In addition, serum DAO activity, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 levels, tissue MDA, protein carbonyl and MPO activity were all increased significantly by I/R injury. Hydrogen-rich saline reduced these markers and relieved morphological intestinal injury, while no significant reduction was observed in the nitrogen-rich saline-treated animals. In conclusion, hydrogen-rich saline protected the small intestine against I/R injury, possibly by reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress.”
The effects of hydrogen-rich saline on the contractile and structural changes of intestine induced by ischemia-reperfusion in Rats
“Hydrogen-rich saline treatment significantly attenuated the severity of intestinal I/R injury, with inhibiting of I/R-induced apoptosis, and promoting enterocytes proliferation. Moreover, Hydrogen-rich saline treatment significantly limited the neutrophil infiltration, lipid oxidation, and ameliorated the decreased contractility response to KCl in the intestine subjected to I/R. These results suggest that hydrogen treatment has a protective effect against intestinal contractile dysfunction and damage induced by intestinal I/R. This protective effect is possibly due to its ability to inhibit I/R-induced oxidative stress, apoptosis, and to promote epithelial cell proliferation.”
Concussion / Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Case Report: Buccal administration of hydrogen-producing blend after a mild traumatic brain injury in a professional athlete
“Molecular hydrogen (H 2 ) is an innovative neuroprotective agent that can easily reach the brain, yet no data are available concerning its value as a first-aid intervention after a mild TBI. This case has demonstrated that intensive consecutive therapy with oral transmucosal hydrogen formulation is a beneficial strategy with regard to the reduction of presence and severity of symptoms of sport-related mild TBI.”
DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.19739.1
Molecular hydrogen in drinking water protects against neurodegenerative changes induced by traumatic brain injury
“Molecular hydrogen given in drinking water reverses many of the sequelae of controlled cortical impact and suggests that it could be an easily administered, highly effective treatment for traumatic brain injury.”
Chronic neurodegeneration after traumatic brain injury: Alzheimer disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or persistent neuroinflammation?
“It has long been suggested that prior traumatic brain injury (TBI) increases the subsequent incidence of chronic neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Among these, the association with Alzheimer disease has the strongest support. There is also a long-recognized association between repeated concussive insults and progressive cognitive decline or other neuropsychiatric abnormalities. The latter was first described in boxers as dementia pugilistica, and has received widespread recent attention in contact sports such as professional American football. The term chronic traumatic encephalopathy was coined to attempt to define a "specific" entity marked by neurobehavioral changes and the extensive deposition of phosphorylated tau protein. Nearly lost in the discussions of post-traumatic neurodegeneration after traumatic brain injury has been the role of sustained neuroinflammation, even though this association has been well established pathologically since the 1950s, and is strongly supported by subsequent preclinical and clinical studies. Manifested by extensive microglial and astroglial activation, such chronic traumatic brain inflammation may be the most important cause of post-traumatic neurodegeneration in terms of prevalence. Critically, emerging preclinical studies indicate that persistent neuroinflammation and associated neurodegeneration may be treatable long after the initiating insult(s).”
Hydrogen-rich saline protects against oxidative damage and cognitive deficits after mild traumatic brain injury
“Oxidative stress is the principal factor in traumatic brain injury (TBI) that initiates events that result in protracted neuronal dysfunction and remodeling. These results suggest that hydrogen-rich saline can protect the brain against the deleterious effects of mild TBI on synaptic plasticity and cognition and that hydrogen-rich saline could be an effective therapeutic strategy for patients with cognitive deficits after TBI.”
Beneficial effects of hydrogen gas in a rat model of traumatic brain injury via reducing oxidative stress
“We found that the decrease of oxidative products and the increase of endogenous antioxidant enzymatic activities in the brain tissue may be associated with the protective effects of H(2) treatment in TBI-challenged rats. The present study supports that H(2) inhalation may be a more effective therapeutic strategy for patients with TBI.”
Protective effects of hydrogen-rich saline in a rat model of traumatic brain injury via reducing oxidative stress
“TBI-challenged rats exhibited significant brain injuries characterized by the increase of BBB permeability, brain edema, and lesion volume as well as neurological dysfunction, which were dose-dependently ameliorated by HS treatment. Hydrogen-rich saline can exert a protective effect against TBI via reducing oxidative stress. Molecular hydrogen may be a more effective therapeutic strategy for TBI patients.”
Dementia
Effect of Hydrogen Water Drinking on Dementia Patient through Mechanism of Oxidative Stress and Immune Redox Balance
“In the present study, we investigated the drinking effects of hydrogen water on dementia patient for prevention through oxidative stress and immuno redox mechanism. Dementia patients were administered with HW and purified water (PW) for 6 months. Further, we evaluated hydrogen water effect on the cognitive impairment by checking the serum concentration of Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers [Amyloid β (Aβ) 40, Aβ 42 and tau], inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-13, TNF-α, IL-10 and IL-4, Th1/Th2 cytokines such as IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-12p70 and IL-5, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and nitric oxide (NO) levels. We found that HW treatment significantly decreased the serum level of Aβ 40 after 6 mon of treatment. In parallel, inflammatory cytokines were significantly inhibited in experimental group compared to control group. In line, Th1/Th2 cytokines were significantly decreased in HW than PW group. Furthermore, oxidative stress markers such as ROS and nitric oxide level were decreased in HW treated group than PW control group. Overall our clinical results strongly recommended that drinking hydrogen water might be a promising preventative approach for age-related neurodegenerative disease like dementia and have an enormous impact on future healthcare for the elderly patients. This might be the first note on the clinical application of drinking HW on the serum of dementia patients.”
Depression
Hydrogen-rich water for improvements of mood, anxiety, and autonomic nerve function in daily life
Kei Mizuno, Akihiro T Sasaki, Kyoko Ebisu, Kanako Tajima, Osami Kajimoto, Junzo Nojima, Hirohiko Kuratsune, Hiroshi Hori, Yasuyoshi Watanabe
“In this double-blinded, placebo-controlled study with a two-way crossover design, 26 volunteers (13 females, 13 males; mean age, 34.4 ± 9.9 years) were randomized to either a group administered oral HRW (600 mL/d) or placebo water (PLW, 600 mL/d) for 4 weeks. Change ratios (post-treatment/pre-treatment) for K6 score and sympathetic nerve activity during the resting state were significantly lower after HRW administration than after PLW administration. These results suggest that HRW may reinforce QOL through effects that increase central nervous system functions involving mood, anxiety, and autonomic nerve function.”
Effects of hydrogen-rich water on depressive-like behavior in mice
“Emerging evidence suggests that neuroinflammation and oxidative stress may be major contributors to major depressive disorder (MDD). Our data suggest that the beneficial effects of hydrogen-rich water on depressive-like behavior may be mediated by suppression of the inflammasome activation resulting in attenuated protein IL-1β and ROS production.”
The evolution of molecular hydrogen: A noteworthy potential therapy with clinical significance
“Hydrogen is qualified to cross the blood brain barrier, to enter the mitochondria, and even has the ability to translocate to the nucleus under certain conditions. Once in these ideal locations of the cell, previous studies have shown that hydrogen exerts antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties that are beneficial to the cell.”
Recent progress toward hydrogen medicine: Potential of molecular hydrogen for preventive and therapeutic applications
“H2 has a number of advantages as a potential antioxidant: H2 rapidly diffuses into tissues and cells, and it is mild enough neither to disturb metabolic redox reactions nor to affect reactive oxygen species (ROS) that function in cell signaling, thereby, there should be little adverse effects of consuming H2. H2 shows not only effects against oxidative stress, but also various anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects. H2 regulates various gene expressions and protein-phosphorylations as well.”
Hydrogen as a selective antioxidant: A review of clinical and experimental studies
“H2 is emerging as a novel and safe therapeutic antioxidant. It has selective antioxidant properties, giving it anti-inflammatory properties.”
Hydrogen acts as a therapeutic antioxidant by selectively reducing cytotoxic oxygen radicals
“Hydrogen selectively reduces the hydroxyl radical, the most toxic free radical, and effectively protects cells. It does not react with free radicals that have physiological benefits, making it an incredibly effective therapy to neutralize acute oxidative stress.”
Hydrogen-rich water attenuates brain damage and inflammation after traumatic brain injury in rats
“HRW treatment also decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and HMGB1), inflammatory cell number (Iba1) and inflammatory metabolites (Cho) and increased the levels of an anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) in the brain tissues of TBI-challenged rats. In conclusion, HRW could exert a neuroprotective effect against TBI and attenuate inflammation, which suggests HRW as an effective therapeutic strategy for TBI patients.”
Hydrogen-rich saline improves memory function in a rat model of amyloid-beta-induced Alzheimer's disease by reduction of oxidative stress
“Hydrogen-rich saline prevented Abeta-induced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, which may contribute to the improvement of memory dysfunction in this rat model.”
Molecular hydrogen reduces LPS-induced neuroinflammation and promotes recovery from sickness behaviour in mice
“We found that molecular hydrogen reduces the LPS-induced sickness behaviour and promotes recovery. These effects are associated with a shift towards anti-inflammatory gene expression profile at baseline (downregulation of TNF- α and upregulation of IL-10). In addition, molecular hydrogen increases the amplitude, but shortens the duration and promotes the extinction of neuroinflammation.”
Hydrogen-rich saline reduces oxidative stress and inflammation by inhibit of JNK and NF-κB activation in a rat model of amyloid-beta-induced Alzheimer's disease
“Hydrogen-rich saline prevented amyloid beta-induced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in this rat model.”
Inhalation of hydrogen gas attenuates brain injury in mice with cecal ligation and puncture via inhibiting neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis
“We found that the beneficial effects of H2 on brain injury in septic mice were linked to the decreased levels of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative products and the increased activities of antioxidant enzymes in serum and hippocampus. In addition, 2% H2 inhalation promoted the expression and transposition of Nrf2 and the expression of HO-1 to mitigate brain injury in sepsis.”
Diabetes (Type 1)
Hydrogen improves glycemic control in type1 diabetic animal model by promoting glucose uptake into skeletal muscle
“Our study demonstrates that H(2) exerts metabolic effects similar to those of insulin and may be a novel therapeutic alternative to insulin in type 1 diabetes mellitus that can be administered orally.”
Suppressive effects of electrolyzed reduced water on alloxan-induced apoptosis and type 1 diabetes mellitus
“These results suggest that electrolyzed reduced water can prevent apoptosis of pancreatic β-cells and the development of symptoms in type 1 diabetes model mice by alleviating the alloxan-derived generation of reactive oxygen species.”
Diabetes (Type 2)
Effects of hydrogen-rich water prepared by alternating-current-electrolysis on antioxidant activity, DNA oxidative injuries, and diabetes-related markers
“Oral intake of hydrogen-rich water, 1500 mL per day, lasted for 8 weeks in nine people with the diabetes-related serum markers beyond the normal ranges. The subjects exhibited significant tendencies for the decreased fasting blood glucose and fructosamine, and for the increased 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol, concomitantly with significant decreases in urinary 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine contents and its rate of generation. Hydrogen-rich water prepared by AC-electrolysis may be effective in improving diverse diabetes-related markers and systemic DNA oxidative injuries through the formation of abundant heat-resistant nanobubbles and the increased hydrogen concentrations.”
Supplementation of hydrogen-rich water improves lipid and glucose metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance
“Supplementation with molecular hydrogen-rich water may have a beneficial role in the prevention of type 2 diabetes and insulin resistence by helping to stabilize blood sugar, which is a critical aspect of long-term weight loss.”
Recent progress toward hydrogen medicine: Potential of molecular hydrogen for preventive and therapeutic applications
“H2 prevented the decline of the mitochondrial membrane potential. This suggested that H2 protected mitochondria from OH. Along with this protective effect, H2 also prevented a decrease in the cellular level of ATP synthesized in mitochondria. The fact that H2 protected mitochondria and nuclear DNA provided evidence that H2 penetrated most membranes and diffused into organelles.”
Hydrogen acts as a therapeutic antioxidant by selectively reducing cytotoxic oxygen radicals
“Hydrogen selectively reduces the hydroxyl radical, the most toxic free radical, and effectively protects cells. It does not react with free radicals that have physiological benefits, making it an incredibly effective therapy to neutralize acute oxidative stress.”
Molecular hydrogen as an emerging therapeutic medical gas for neurodegenerative and other diseases
“Effects of molecular hydrogen on various diseases have been documented for 63 disease models and human diseases in the past four and a half years. Six human diseases have been studied to date: diabetes mellitus type 2, metabolic syndrome, hemodialysis, inflammatory and mitochondrial myopathies, brain stem infarction, and radiation-induced adverse effects.”
Hydrogen improves glycemic control in type1 diabetic animal model by promoting glucose uptake into skeletal muscle
“Our study demonstrates that H(2) exerts metabolic effects similar to those of insulin and may be a novel therapeutic alternative to insulin in type 1 diabetes mellitus that can be administered orally.”
The evolution of molecular hydrogen: A noteworthy potential therapy with clinical significance
“Hydrogen is qualified to cross the blood brain barrier, to enter the mitochondria, and even has the ability to translocate to the nucleus under certain conditions. Once in these ideal locations of the cell, previous studies have shown that hydrogen exerts antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties that are beneficial to the cell.”
Hydrogen-rich saline prevents early neurovascular dysfunction resulting from inhibition of oxidative stress in STZ-diabetic rats
“Based on its inhibition of oxidative stress and up-regulation of anti-oxidative enzymes, we conclude that hydrogen-rich saline is a potentially valuable therapeutic modality for the treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy.”
Anti type 2 diabetic effect and anti-oxidation effect in active hydrogen water administration KK-Ay mice
“Active hydrogen water is capable of anti-oxidation and it also has a controlling effect on the blood glucose level in type 2 diabetes.”
Protective effects of hydrogen-rich saline in a rat model of traumatic brain injury via reducing oxidative stress
“TBI-challenged rats exhibited significant brain injuries characterized by the increase of BBB permeability, brain edema, and lesion volume as well as neurological dysfunction, which were dose-dependently ameliorated by HS treatment. Hydrogen-rich saline can exert a protective effect against TBI via reducing oxidative stress. Molecular hydrogen may be a more effective therapeutic strategy for TBI patients.”
Molecular hydrogen improves obesity and diabetes by inducing hepatic FGF21 and stimulating energy metabolism in db/db mice
“Long-term drinking H(2)-water significantly controlled fat and body weights, despite no increase in consumption of diet and water. The present results suggest the potential benefit of H(2) in improving obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome”
Hydrogen-rich water inhibits glucose and α,β -dicarbonyl compound-induced reactive oxygen species production in the SHR.Cg-Lepr cp /NDmcr rat kidney
“Hydrogen rich water inhibited glucose- and α,β-dicarbonyl compound-induced ROS production in kidney homogenates from Wistar rats in vitro. Therefore, it has therapeutic potential for renal dysfunction in patient with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.”
Protective effects of hydrogen-rich saline against erectile dysfunction in a streptozotocin induced diabetic rat model
“Hydrogen-rich saline effectively improved erectile function in a streptozotocin induced diabetic rat model of erectile dysfunction.”
Therapeutic effects of hydrogen saturated saline on rat diabetic model and insulin resistant model via reduction of oxidative stress
“Hydrogen saturated saline showed great efficiency in improving the insulin sensitivity and lowering blood glucose and lipids. Hydrogen saturated saline markedly attenuated the malondialdehyde level and elevated the levels of antioxidants superoxide dismutase and glutathione.”
Hydrogen-rich medium protects human skin fibroblasts from high glucose or mannitol induced oxidative damage
“Hydrogen may have applications in the treatment of skin diseases caused by diabetes.”
Hydrogen gas reduced acute hyperglycemia-enhanced hemorrhagic transformation in a focal ischemia rat model
“We found that hydrogen inhalation for 2 h reduced infarct and hemorrhagic volumes and improved neurological functions. Hydrogen gas reduced brain infarction, hemorrhagic transformation, and improved neurological function in rats.”
Eczema
The drinking effect of hydrogen water on atopic dermatitis induced by dermatophagoides farinae allergen in NC/Nga mice
“The results suggest that HW affects allergic contact dermatitis through modulation of Th1 and Th2 responses in NC/Nga mice. This is the first note on the drinking effect of HW on AD, clinically implying a promising potential remedy for treatment of AD.”
Emphysema
Hydrogen-rich pure water prevents cigarette smoke-induced pulmonary emphysema in SMP30 knockout mice.
“These results demonstrated that H2-rich pure water attenuated CS-induced emphysema in SMP30-KO mice by reducing CS-induced oxidative DNA damage and premature cell senescence in the lungs. Our study suggests that administration of molecular H2 may be a novel preventive and therapeutic strategy for COPD.”
Suzuki, Y., Sato, T., Sugimoto, M., Baskoro, H., Karasutani, K., Mitsui, A., . . . Takahashi, K. (2017). Hydrogen-rich pure water prevents cigarette smoke-induced pulmonary emphysema in SMP30 knockout mice. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications,492(1), 74-81. doi:10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.08.035
Endometriosis
Effects of Hydrogen Gas Inhalation on Endometriosis in Rats.
“The results showed that both profiles of high-dose H2 breathing reduced the size of the endometrial explants, inhibited cell proliferation, improved superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, malondialdehyde, and catalase activities, and regulated the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 and cyclooxygenase 2. However, inhalation of the same dose of nitrogen failed to show the protection. High-dose H2breathing did not change the normal estrous cyclicity. These results suggest that 67% H2-33% O2 breathing has a beneficial effect on EMT model rats, and inhalation of a high dose of H2 could be a potential method applied in clinical practice.”
He, Y., Shi, J. Z., Zhang, R. J., Zhai, D. X., Zhang, D., Yu, C. Q., & Liu, Y. H. (2016). Effects of Hydrogen Gas Inhalation on Endometriosis in Rats. Reproductive Sciences,24(2), 324-331. doi:10.1177/1933719116655622
Erectile Dysfunction
Protective effects of hydrogen-rich saline against erectile dysfunction in a streptozotocin induced diabetic rat model
“Hydrogen-rich saline effectively improved erectile function in a streptozotocin induced diabetic rat model of erectile dysfunction.”
Hydrogen therapy may be a promising, safe and effective treatment for diabetic erectile dysfunction: A hypothesis
“More and more studies suggest that radical oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in the develop-ment of diabetic erectile dysfunction (ED) and antioxidants can markedly decrease the produc-tion of ROS and improve the erectile function. We hypothesize that hydrogen therapy may be a promising, safe and effective treatment for dia-betic ED by reducing the production of ROS.”
Exercise Performance & Recovery
Application of Molecular Hydrogen as an Antioxidant in Responses to Ventilatory and Ergogenic Adjustments during Incremental Exercise in Humans
“We investigated effects of molecular hydrogen (H2) supplementation on acid-base status, pulmonary gas exchange responses, and local muscle oxygenation during incremental exercise. Eighteen healthy, trained subjects in a randomized, double-blind, crossover design received H2-rich calcium powder (HCP) (1500 mg/day, containing 2.544 µg/day of H2) or H2-depleted placebo (1500 mg/day) for three consecutive days. They performed cycling incremental exercise starting at 20-watt work rate, increasing by 20 watts/2 min until exhaustion. Breath-by-breath pulmonary ventilation (V˙E) and CO2 output (V˙CO2) were measured and muscle deoxygenation (deoxy[Hb + Mb]) was determined via time-resolved near-infrared spectroscopy in the vastus lateralis (VL) and rectus femoris (RF). Blood gases' pH, lactate, and bicarbonate (HCO3-) concentrations were measured at rest and 120-, 200-, and 240-watt work rates. At rest, the HCP group had significantly lower V˙E, V˙CO2, and higher HCO3-, partial pressures of CO2 (PCO2) versus placebo. During exercise, a significant pH decrease and greater HCO3- continued until 240-watt workload in HCP. The V˙E was significantly lower in HCP versus placebo, but HCP did not affect the gas exchange status of V˙CO2 or oxygen uptake (V˙O2). HCP increased absolute values of deoxy[Hb + Mb] at the RF but not VL. Thus, HCP-induced hypoventilation would lead to lower pH and secondarily impaired balance between O2 delivery and utilization in the local RF during exercise, suggesting that HCP supplementation, which increases the at-rest antioxidant potential, affects the lower ventilation and pH status during incremental exercise. HPC induced a significantly lower O2 delivery/utilization ratio in the RF but not the VL, which may be because these regions possess inherently different vascular/metabolic control properties, perhaps related to fiber-type composition.”
DOI: 10.3390/nu13020459
Hydrogen Rich Water Consumption Positively Affects Muscle Performance, Lactate Response, and Alleviates Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness After Resistance Training
“Positive outcomes of hydrogen rich water (HRW) supplementation on endurance performance have been shown, but the effects of HRW in resistance training are unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of 1,260 ml of HRW intake on physiological, perceptual, and performance responses to a resistance training and after 24 hours of recovery. This randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled cross-over study included 12 men aged 23.8 ± 1.9 years. Subjects performed a half squat, knee flexion, and extension exercises with the load set at 70% of 1 repetition maximum for 3 sets (10 reps/set). Lunges were performed with a load of 30% of body mass for 3 sets (20 reps/set). Time of each set, lactate, and ratings of perceived exertion were assessed mid-way through exercise and immediately after the exercise. Creatine kinase, muscle soreness visual analog scale ratings, countermovement jump, and heart rate variability were evaluated before the training and at 30 minutes, 6, and 24 hours of recovery. In conclusion, an acute intermittent HRW hydration improved muscle function, reduced the lactate response, and alleviated delayed onset of muscle soreness.”
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003979
Effects of 7-day intake of hydrogen-rich water on physical performance of trained and untrained subjects
“Hydrogen-rich water (HRW) is used as a supplement to improve performance and reduce fatigue in athletes. However, the potentially beneficial effects of HRW intake could be mediated by the training status of athletes. The purpose of the study was to analyse the ergogenic effect of intake of HRW for one week on aerobic and anaerobic performance, both in trained and untrained individuals. The findings demonstrate that the ergogenic effect of HRW is mediated by the training status, and that 7-day intake of HRW would be an effective strategy for improving anaerobic performance in trained cyclists.”
DOI: 10.5114/biolsport.2020.98625
Hydrogen-rich water suppresses the reduction in blood total antioxidant capacity induced by 3 consecutive days of severe exercise in physically active males
“Repeated sprint exercise can interfere with intramuscular redox balance and cause systemic oxidative stress and muscle damage. There is growing evidence that molecular hydrogen counteracts oxidative and/or inflammatory responses. Therefore, we investigated the effects of molecular hydrogen-rich water (HW) on muscle performance and oxidative stress markers induced by strenuous exercise. Drinking HW contributed to the maintenance of the redox status during consecutive days of strenuous exercise and might help prevent accumulative muscular fatigue.”
Hydrogen Rich Water Improved Ventilatory, Perceptual and Lactate Responses to Exercise
“This randomized, double blinded placebo-controlled cross over study included twelve healthy males aged 27.1±4.9 years. The exercise protocol consisted of a 10 min warm-up at 1.0 W.kg-1, followed by 8 min at 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 W.kg-1, respectively. Cardio-respiratory variables, lactate and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed in the last minute of each step. A significantly lower blood lactate was found with HRW (4.0±1.6 and 8.9±2.2 mmol.l-1) compared to Placebo (5.1±1.9 and 10.6±3.0 mmol.l-1) at 3.0, and 4.0 W.kg-1, respectively. Ventilatory equivalent for oxygen and RPE exhibited significantly lower values with HRW (32.3±7.2, and 17.8±1.2 points, respectively) compared to Placebo (35.0±8.4, and 18.5±0.8 points, respectively) at 4 W.kg-1. To conclude, acute pre-exercise supplementation with HRW reduced blood lactate at higher exercise intensities, improved exercise-induced perception of effort, and ventilatory efficiency.”
DOI: 10.1055/a-0991-0268
Acute Supplementation with Molecular Hydrogen Benefits Submaximal Exercise Indices. Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Pilot Study
“Acute supplementation of HRW may benefit submaximal aerobic exercise performance by lowering exercising HR. Further studies are needed to determine the influence and practical significance of HRW on varying exercise intensities as well as optimal dosing protocols and the effects of chronic use.”
Drinking hydrogen water enhances endurance and relieves psychometric fatigue: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
“Here, we examined the effects of drinking H2 water (H2-infused water) on psychometric fatigue and endurance capacity in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled fashion. Endurance and fatigue were significantly improved in the H2 group as judged by maximal oxygen consumption and Borg's scale, respectively. Taken together, drinking H2 water just before exercise exhibited anti-fatigue and endurance effects.”
Two-week continuous supplementation of hydrogen-rich water increases peak oxygen uptake during an incremental cycling exercise test in healthy humans: a randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled study
“The various beneficial effects of the intake of molecular hydrogen (H2) have been demonstrated in the field of sports science. Although supplementation of H2 has been reported to increase mitochondrial metabolism in animal studies, the effects of the administration of H2 on aerobic capacity during exercise in humans are still not clear. We investigated whether a single or 2-week continuous intake of H2-rich water (HW) enhanced the aerobic capacity during incremental exercise in healthy humans. In this randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled experimental study, the participants performed an incremental cycling exercise to measure peak oxygen uptake and peak load before and after a single (500 mL) or a 2-week supplementation (total 5 L) of HW. In the latter experiment, the participants drank the 500 mL of HW on all weekdays (i.e., 10 times). The single intake of HW did not significantly increase peak oxygen uptake and peak load, and did not significantly alter the responses in oxidative stress, antioxidant activity, and lactate levels. However, importantly, the 2-week continuous consumption of HW significantly augmented peak oxygen uptake and tended to increase the peak load without any significant changes in lactate levels, oxidative stress, and antioxidant responses. In conclusion, the continuous supplementation of HW potentially augments the aerobic capacity, implying that continuous supplementation of H2 might help improve aerobic exercise performance and physical health.”
The role of drinking hydrogen-rich water produced by alkaline stick on resistance exercise in athletes
“In the double-blind study, the effect of drinking Hydrogen-Rich Water (HRW) producing by alkaline stick and tap water (placebo) on 9 male athletes in resistance training during 24 h were studied, and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), Creatine Kinase (CPK) and Lactic Acid (LAC) levels in their blood samples were tested. The decrease of LAC and LDH values in the HRW group compared with the placebo were significant. However, the changes of CPK was not significant in neither of the experience. The results show that once drinking HRW has the appropriate effect on LAC decrease, LDH decrease and the resulted tiredness in resistance exercise. Henceforth, it could improve sport efficiency in professional athletes.”
DOI: 10.22034/HBB.2020.28
Pilot study: Effects of drinking hydrogen-rich water on muscle fatigue caused by acute exercise in elite athletes
“Although acute exercise resulted in an increase in blood lactate levels in the subjects given placebo water, oral intake of hydrogen water prevented an elevation of blood lactate during heavy exercise. Peak torque of placebo water significantly decreased during maximal isokinetic knee extension, suggesting muscle fatigue, but peak torque of hydrogen water didn’t decrease at early phase. Proper and adequate hydration is helpful for elite athletes to achieve the best performance. Hydrogen water can easily replace regular drinking water on a routine basis and would potentially prevent adverse effects associated with heavy exercise. In conclusion, our preliminary data demonstrated that consumption of hydrogen water reduced blood lactate levels and improved muscle fatigue after acute exercise. Drinking hydrogen water would be a novel and effective fluid hydration strategy for athletes.”
Effects of hydrogen rich water on prolonged intermittent exercise
“In the PLA group, PPO in absolute values decreased significantly at the 8th and 9th of 10 sprints and in relative values, PPO, decrease significantly at 6th, 8th and 9th of 10 sprints (by mean: -12±5%, p<0.006), while it remained unchanged in HRW group. Two weeks of HRW intake may help to maintain PPO in repetitive sprints to exhaustion over 30 minutes.”
Molecular hydrogen affected post-exercise recovery in judo athletes
“Molecular hydrogen significantly blunted lactate response during recovery period as compared to the placebo (7.23 ± 1.95 vs 9.22 ± 1.51 mmol/L; p = 0.011). Furthermore, a trend has been found for decreased post-exercise heart rate in group supplemented with H2 (p = 0.111). Hydrogen-rich water appears to be an appropriate strategy to positively affect post-exercise lactates in judo athletes.”
Serum alkalinization and hydrogen-rich water in healthy men
“Intake of HRW formulation for 1 week increased fasting and postexercise blood pH in healthy volunteers with no adverse effects reported. Evidence confirmed previous animal studies that suggested that HRW may provide some benefits as a neutralizing agent”
Ostojic, S. M. (2012). Serum alkalinization and hydrogen-rich water in healthy men. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 87(5), 501-502. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2012.02.008
Is molecular hydrogen beneficial to enhance post-exercise recovery in female athletes?
“Hydrogen-rich water might be an appropriate and safe hydration strategy that helps athletes to become less susceptible to exercise-induced acidosis.”
Drid, P., Trivic, T., Casals, C., Trivic, S., Stojanovic, M., & Ostojic, S. (2016). Is molecular hydrogen beneficial to enhance post-exercise recovery in female athletes? Science & Sports, 31(4), 207-213. doi: 10.1016/j.scispo.2016.04.010
Drinks with alkaline negative oxidative reduction potential improve exercise performance in physically active men and women: Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial of efficacy and safety
“Due to the fact that negative oxidation reduction potential exhibits high pH, low dissolved oxygen and extremely high dissolved molecular hydrogen, it seems that increased non-volatile base indicators in the plasma for NORP group arose from ingestion of the alkaline drink. Due to the fact that the intestine is directly involved in acid and/or base generation, it appears that NORP has a strong alkalizing effect as a result of absorption of inorganic cations, while protective mechanisms of NORP results from active atomic hydrogen with high reductive ability. Drinks with alkaline negative oxidative reduction potential improve exercise performance in physically active men and women by reducing the rate of blood lactate accumulation during and after exercise, increase time to exhaustion, increase serum buffering capacity and not increase prevalence of adverse effects as compared to the control drink.”
Hydrogen-rich water affected blood alkalinity in physically active men
“Intake of HRW significantly increased fasting arterial blood pH by 0.04 (95% confidence interval; 0.01 - 0.08; p < 0.001), and postexercise pH by 0.07 (95% confidence interval; 0.01 - 0.10; p = 0.03) after 14 days of intervention. Fasting bicarbonates were significantly higher in the HRW trial after the administration regimen as compared with the preadministration (30.5 ± 1.9 mEq/L vs. 28.3 ± 2.3 mEq/L; p < 0.0001). No volunteers withdrew before the end of the study, and no participant reported any vexatious side effects of supplementation. These results support the hypothesis that HRW administration is safe and may have an alkalizing effect in young physically active men.”
Selective protective effect of hydrogen water on free radical injury of athletes after high-intensity exercise
“The serum superoxide anions, serum SOD activities, and total antioxidant capacities of athletes during and after training were significantly superior to those of the control group (P<0.05), and the difference was statistically significant. Hydrogen water supplement could effectively reduce the oxidized substances in athletes before, during, and after exercise and could prevent the free radical injury caused by high-intensity exercise.”
Sun, Y., & Sun, L. (217). Selective protective effect of hydrogen water on free radical injury of athletes after high-intensity exercise. Biomedical Research,28(10), 4588-4561. Retrieved from http://www.alliedacademies.org/articles/selective-protective-effect-of-hydrogen-water-on-free-radical-injury-of-athletes-after-highintensity-exercise.html
Effects of hydrogen bathing on exercise-induced oxidative stress and delayed-onset muscle soreness
“On the other hand, hydrogen bathing significantly reduced DOMS (VAS) 1 and 2days after downhill running (p=0.033). These findings suggest that hydrogen bath after downhill exercise can be effective for reduction of DOMS.”
Kawamura, T., Gando, Y., Takahashi, M., Hara, R., Suzuki, K., & Muraoka, I. (2016). Effects of hydrogen bathing on exercise-induced oxidative stress and delayed-onset muscle soreness. Japanese Journal of Physical Fitness and Sports Medicine,65(3), 297-305. doi: https://doi.org/10.7600/jspfsm.65.297
Fertility
Oxidative stress and epididymal sperm transport, motility and morphological defects
“Radical oxidative species (ROS) have an important effect on sperm quality and quantity. High levels of CP can be measured in iOAT patients, indicating that OS could underlie the aetipopathogenesis of the syndrome. OS negatively affects flagellar axonemal structure with subsequent impairment of forward progressive sperm motility. This can put an attention for antioxidants as a therapy for iOAT syndrome and further research to find how to decrease ROS production.”
Effect of oxidative stress in male infertility
“Oxidative stress is involved with many chronic pathological conditions and the current study was designed to evaluate any association that may exist between male infertility and oxidative stress. Infertile male patients show an elevation of oxidative stress markers both in the erythrocytes and in the seminal plasma. Indicating that male infertility might be associated with increased oxidative stress.”
Naher, Z., Ali, M., Biswas, S., Mollah, F., Fatima, P., Hossain, M., & Arslan, M. (2013). Effect of oxidative stress in male infertility. Mymensingh Medical Journal, 22(1), 136-142. Retrieved from http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/23416821
Stimulation of human damaged sperm motility with hydrogen molecule
“Sperm motility is a critical factor in male fertility. Low motility can be caused by a variety factors including abnormal spermatogenesis, oxidative damage, or depletion of intracellular ATP. H2 treatment significantly improved the rate of forward motility, whereas treatment with nitrogen gas did not. Our results illustrated that H2 treatment stimulates low sperm motility. H2 is a new promising tool for male infertility treatments.”
Protective effects of hydrogen-rich saline against erectile dysfunction in a streptozotocin induced diabetic rat model
“Hydrogen-rich saline improved nitric oxide synthase activity, and malondialdehyde, nitrite and nitrate, and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine levels in the diabetic rat corpus cavernosum. Hydrogen-rich saline effectively improved erectile function in a streptozotocin induced diabetic rat model of erectile dysfunction.”
The role of sperm oxidative stress in male infertility and the significance of oral antioxidant therapy
“Oxidative stress in the male germ line is thought to affect male fertility and impact upon normal embryonic development. Adequately powered, placebo-controlled comprehensive clinical trials are now required to establish a clear role for antioxidants in the prevention of oxidative stress in the male germ line, such that the clinical utility of this form of therapy becomes established once and for all.”
The role of oxidative stress and antioxidants in male fertility
“Spermatozoa are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of ROS. Oxidative stress affects their activity, damages DNA structure, and accelerates apoptosis, all of which consequently decrease their numbers, hinders motility and development of normal morphology, and impairs function. In vitro and in vivo that studies demonstrate many antioxidants possess a beneficial effect on fertility and, therefore, their use is recommended as supportive therapy for the treatment of infertility in men.”
General Health
Hydrogen-rich water reduces inflammatory responses and prevents apoptosis of peripheral blood cells in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial
“In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, healthy adults (20-59 y) consumed either 1.5 L/d of HW (n = 20) or plain water (PW, n = 18) for 4 weeks. Most notably, transcriptional networks of inflammatory responses and NF-κB signaling were significantly down-regulated in the HW group. These finding suggest HW increases antioxidant capacity thereby reducing inflammatory responses in healthy adults.”
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68930-2
Recent progress toward hydrogen medicine: Potential of molecular hydrogen for preventive and therapeutic applications
“H2 prevented the decline of the mitochondrial membrane potential. This suggested that H2 protected mitochondria from OH. Along with this protective effect, H2 also prevented a decrease in the cellular level of ATP synthesized in mitochondria. The fact that H2 protected mitochondria and nuclear DNA provided evidence that H2 penetrated most membranes and diffused into organelles.”
The evolution of molecular hydrogen: A noteworthy potential therapy with clinical significance
“Hydrogen is qualified to cross the blood brain barrier, to enter the mitochondria, and even has the ability to translocate to the nucleus under certain conditions. Once in these ideal locations of the cell, previous studies have shown that hydrogen exerts antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties that are beneficial to the cell.”
Beneficial biological effects and the underlying mechanisms of molecular hydrogen - comprehensive review of 321 original articles
“A total of 321 original articles have been published from 2007 to June 2015. Most studies have been conducted in Japan, China, and the USA. The effects have been reported in essentially all organs covering 31 disease categories that can be subdivided into 166 disease models, human diseases, treatment-associated pathologies, and pathophysiological conditions of plants with a predominance of oxidative stress-mediated diseases and inflammatory diseases.”
A review of hydrogen as a new medical therapy
“In the past few years many initial and subsequent clinical studies have demonstrated that hydrogen can act as an important physiological regulatory factor to cells and organs on the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and other protective effects. So far several delivery methods applied in these studies have proved to be available and convenient, including inhalation, drinking hydrogen-dissolved water and injection with hydrogen-saturated saline.”
Molecular hydrogen as a preventive and therapeutic medical gas: Initiation, development and potential of hydrogen medicine
“The numerous publications on its biological and medical benefits revealed that H2 reduces oxidative stress not only by direct reactions with strong oxidants, but also indirectly by regulating various gene expressions. Moreover, by regulating the gene expressions, H2 functions as an anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic, and stimulates energy metabolism. In addition to growing evidence obtained by model animal experiments, extensive clinical examinations were performed or are under investigation. Since most drugs specifically act to their targets, H2 seems to differ from conventional pharmaceutical drugs. Owing to its great efficacy and lack of adverse effects, H2 has promising potential for clinical use against many diseases.”
Hearing Loss
Inhaled hydrogen gas therapy for prevention of noise-induced hearing loss through reducing reactive oxygen species
“H2-treated group showed decreased immunoreactivity for 8-OHdg. the H2-treated group showed decreased immunoreactivity for 8-OHdG. These findings strongly suggest that inhaled hydrogen gas protects against noise induced hearing loss.”
Hydrogen-saturated saline protects intensive narrow band noise-induced hearing loss in guinea pigs through an antioxidant effect
“Our findings suggest that hydrogen-saturated saline is effective in preventing intensive narrow band noise-induced hearing loss through the antioxidant effect.”
Hydrogen protects auditory hair cells from free radicals
“Incubation with a hydrogen-saturated medium significantly reduced ROS generation and subsequent lipid peroxidation in the auditory epithelia, leading to increased survival of the hair cells. These findings show the potential of hydrogen to protect auditory hair cells from ROS-induced damage.”
Hydrogen in drinking water attenuates noise-induced hearing loss in guinea pigs
“These findings suggest that hydrogen can facilitate the recovery of hair cell function and attenuate noise-induced temporary hearing loss.”
Hydrogen-rich saline alleviates experimental noise-induced hearing loss in guinea pigs
“Hydrogen-rich saline can alleviate experimental noise-induced hearing loss in guinea pigs, partially by preventing the death of cochlear hair cells after intensive noise exposure.”
Inhalation of hydrogen gas attenuates ouabain-induced auditory neuropathy in gerbils
“The results demonstrate that H(2) treatment is beneficial to ouabain-induced auditory neuropathy via reducing apoptosis. Thus, H(2) might be a potential agent for treating hearing impairment in AN patients.”
Heart Attack
The Effects of Hydrogen Gas Inhalation on Adverse Left Ventricular Remodeling After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST-Elevated Myocardial Infarction - First Pilot Study in Humans.
“The first clinical study has shown that HI during PCI is feasible and safe and may also promote LV reverse remodeling at 6 months after STEMI. “
Katsumata, Y., Sano, F., Abe, T., Tamura, T., Fujisawa, T., Shiraishi, Y., . . . Sano, M. (2017). The Effects of Hydrogen Gas Inhalation on Adverse Left Ventricular Remodeling After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST-Elevated Myocardial Infarction ― First Pilot Study in Humans ―. Circulation Journal,81(7), 940-947. doi:10.1253/circj.cj-17-0105
Feasibility and Safety of Hydrogen Gas Inhalation for Post-Cardiac Arrest Syndrome – First-in-Human Pilot Study –
“Between January 2014 and January 2015, 21 of 107 patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest achieved spontaneous return of circulation. After excluding 16 patients with specific criteria, 5 patients underwent HI together with target temperature management (TTM). No undesirable effects attributable to HI were observed and 4 patients survived 90 days with a favorable neurological outcome. HI in combination with TTM is a feasible therapy for patients with PCAS”
Tamura, T., Hayashida, K., Sano, M., Suzuki, M., Shibusawa, T., Yoshizawa, J., . . . Hori, S. (2016). Feasibility and Safety of Hydrogen Gas Inhalation for Post-Cardiac Arrest Syndrome – First-in-Human Pilot Study –. Circulation Journal,80(8), 1870-1873. doi:10.1253/circj.cj-16-0127
Image-Guided Hydrogen Gas Delivery for Protection from Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury via Microbubbles.
“Further analysis showed that this approach markedly inhibited cardiomyocyte apoptosis and reduced myocardial inflammation and oxidant damage in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion rats. These results indicate that H2-MBs are a promising visual delivery system for H2-based therapeutic applications.”
He, Y., Zhang, B., Chen, Y., Jin, Q., Wu, J., Yan, F., & Zheng, H. (2017). Image-Guided Hydrogen Gas Delivery for Protection from Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury via Microbubbles. ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces,9(25), 21190-21199. doi:10.1021/acsami.7b05346
Hydrogen-containing saline attenuates doxorubicin-induced heart failure in rats
“Cardiac function was significantly improved and that the plasma levels of oxidative-stress markers and myocardial autophagic activity were decreased in animals treated with hydrogen-containing saline. Therefore, we conclude that hydrogen-containing saline may have beneficial effects for doxorubicin-induced heart failure.”
Improving outcomes from resuscitation: From hypertension and hemodilution to therapeutic hypothermia to H2
“The benefits of H2 gas were documented in their prior work using a similar rat model of cardiac arrest resuscitated with 100% oxygen. Improvement of cardiac function with hydrogen inhalation was highlighted. The salutary impact of H2 gas was at least partially attributed to its radical-scavenging effect.”
H2 gas improves functional outcome after cardiac arrest to an extent comparable to therapeutic hypothermia in a rat model
“H2 gas inhalation, but not TH, prevented a rise in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and increase in serum IL-6 level after ROSC. The salutary impact of H2 gas was at least partially attributed to the radical-scavenging effects of H2 gas, because both 8-OHdG- and 4-HNE-positive cardiomyocytes were markedly suppressed by H2 gas inhalation after ROSC. Inhalation of H2 gas is a favorable strategy to mitigate mortality and functional outcome of post-CA syndrome in a rat model, either alone or in combination with TH.”
Hydrogen inhalation during normoxic resuscitation improves neurological outcome in a rat model of cardiac arrest independently of targeted temperature management
“H2 inhalation was beneficial when begun after ROSC, even when delivered in the absence of hyperoxia. Combined TTM and H2 inhalation was more effective than TTM alone.”
Hydrogen-rich saline improves survival and neurological outcome after cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation in rats
“Hydrogen-rich saline treatment improved survival and neurological outcome after cardiac arrest/resuscitation in rats, which was partially mediated by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.”
The effect of hydrogen gas on a mouse bilateral common carotid artery occlusion
“The reduction of the expression of 8-OHdG, the decrease in the neuronal injury in the hippocampal CA1 sector, and the attenuation in brain water content were observed in hydrogen-treated mice. In conclusion, hydrogen gas might be effective in a mouse BCCAO model.”
Breathing nitric oxide plus hydrogen gas reduces ischemia-reperfusion injury and nitrotyrosine production in murine heart
“Breathing NO + H₂ during I/R reduced the infarct size and maintained cardiac function, and reduced the generation of myocardial nitrotyrosine associated with NO inhalation. Administration of NO + H₂ gases for inhalation may be useful for planned coronary interventions or for the treatment of I/R injury.”
Injury Recovery
Effectiveness of oral and topical hydrogen for sports-related soft tissue injuries
“Oral and topical hydrogen intervention was found to augment plasma viscosity decrease as compared with the control group (P = 0.04). Differences were found for range-of-motion recovery between the 3 groups; oral and topical hydrogen intervention resulted in a faster return to normal joint range of motion for both flexion and extension of the injured limb as compared with the control intervention (P < 0.05). These preliminary results support the hypothesis that the addition of hydrogen to traditional treatment protocols is potentially effective in the treatment of soft tissue injuries in male professional athletes.”
Ostojic, S. M., Vukomanovic, B., Calleja-Gonzalez, J., & Hoffman, J. R. (2014). Effectiveness of oral and topical hydrogen for sports-related soft tissue injuries. Postgraduate Medicine, 126(5), 188-196. doi: 10.3810/pgm.2014.09.2813
Molecular hydrogen in drinking water protects against neurodegenerative changes induced by traumatic brain injury
“Overall, these studies provide proof of principle that mHW can potently reverse, block, or attenuate many of the effects of CCI. These include effects on edema formation, tau pathology, regulators of fluid and BBB functions, neuroinflammation, and gene expression.”
Dohi, K., Kraemer, B. C., Erickson, M. A., Mcmillan, P. J., Kovac, A., Flachbartova, Z., . . . Banks, W. A. (2014). Molecular hydrogen in drinking water protects against neurodegenerative changes induced by traumatic brain injury. PLOS ONE, 9(9), 1-16. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108034
Kidney Disease
Possible clinical effects of molecular hydrogen (H2) delivery during hemodialysis in chronic dialysis patients: Interim analysis in a 12 month observation.
“The present interim analysis indicate that E-HD has the potential to reduce the required dose of anti-hypertensive agents, and to ameliorate symptoms such as fatigue and pruritus, which all could contribute to the improvement in QOL of chronic dialysis patients.”
Nakayama, M., Itami, N., Suzuki, H., Hamada, H., Osaka, N., Yamamoto, R., … Ito, S. (2017). Possible clinical effects of molecular hydrogen (H2) delivery during hemodialysis in chronic dialysis patients: Interim analysis in a 12 month observation. PLoS ONE, 12(9), e0184535. http://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0184535
Inhalation of hydrogen gas is beneficial for preventing contrast-induced acute kidney injury in rats
“Mechanistic analyses showed that inhalation of H2 gas significantly reduced renal cell apoptosis, expression of cleaved caspase 3, and expression of an oxidative stress marker, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, in injured kidneys. Results suggest that H2 gas inhalation is effective in ameliorating the severity of CIAKI in rats by reducing renal cell apoptosis and oxidative stress.”
Hydrogen-rich saline ameliorates renal injury induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction in rats
“HS treatment significantly reduced the fibrosis and infiltration of macrophage in UUO kidneys. Significant increase in the MDA level and decrease in the SOD activity were observed in UUO group and the UUO + saline group. MDA level of UUO + HS group was significantly reduced. In addition, SOD activity of was significantly improved after treatment of HS. The data provide a biochemical and histologic basis for HS acting as a novel therapeutic strategy for preventing the renal injury induced by UUO.”
Amelioration of cardio-renal injury with aging in dahl salt-sensitive rats by H2-enriched electrolyzed water
“Long-term ad libitum consumption of H2-enriched electrolyzed water can ameliorate the processes of kidney injury and cardiac remodeling with aging in Dahl SS rats by suppressing, at least partly, elevated inflammation and oxidative stress.”
Hydrogen as a selective antioxidant: A review of clinical and experimental studies
“H2 is emerging as a novel and safe therapeutic antioxidant. It has selective antioxidant properties, giving it anti-inflammatory properties.”
Hydrogen-rich University of Wisconsin solution attenuates renal cold ischemia-reperfusion injury
“HRUW solution improved graft function and prolonged graft survival compared with simple cold storage using UW solution by protecting tubular epithelial cells from inflammation and apoptosis. Our new method of organ preservation is a groundbreaking, safe, and simple strategy that may be applied in the clinical setting.”
Pretreatment with hydrogen-rich saline reduces the damage caused by glycerol-induced rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury in rats
“All these factors were significantly improved by both doses of HRS, but the mean histologic damage score, urea, Cr, CK, ROS, 8-OH-dG, GSH-PX, IL-6, and TNF-α for the high dose HRS treatment group were even lower. Pretreatment by HRS ameliorated renal dysfunction in glycerol-induced rhabdomyolysis by inhibiting oxidative stress and the inflammatory response.”
Hydrogen-rich saline solution attenuates renal ischemia–reperfusion injury
“These protective effects were likely due to the antioxidant properties of HRSS. These results suggest that HRSS is a potential therapeutic candidate for treating various I/R diseases.”
Hydrogen-rich water inhibits glucose and α,β -dicarbonyl compound-induced reactive oxygen species production in the SHR.Cg-Lepr cp /NDmcr rat kidney
“Hydrogen rich water inhibited glucose- and α,β-dicarbonyl compound-induced ROS production in kidney homogenates from Wistar rats in vitro. Therefore, it has therapeutic potential for renal dysfunction in patient with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.”
Hydrogen-rich saline attenuates acute renal injury in sodium taurocholate-induced severe acute pancreatitis by inhibiting ROS and NF-κB pathway
“These results proved that hydrogen-rich saline attenuates acute renal injury in sodium taurocholate-induced acute pancreatitis, presumably because of its detoxification activity against excessive ROS, and inhibits the activation of NF-κB by affecting IκB nitration and degradation. Our findings highlight the potential value of hydrogen-rich saline as a new therapeutic method on acute renal injury in severe acute pancreatitis clinically.”
Intake of water with high levels of dissolved hydrogen (H2) suppresses ischemia-induced cardio-renal injury in Dahl salt-sensitive rats
“Consumption of EW by ad libitum drinking has the potential to ameliorate ischemia-induced cardio-renal injury in CKD model rats. This indicates a novel strategy of applying H2 produced by water electrolysis technology for the prevention of CKD cardio-renal syndrome.”
Liver Disease (Cirrhosis)
Hydrogen-rich water reduces liver fat accumulation and improves liver enzyme profiles in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized controlled pilot trial
“Dual-echo MRI revealed that HRW significantly reduced liver fat accumulation in individual liver regions-of-interest at 28-day follow-up, as compared to placebo administration (P < 0.05). Baseline liver fat content was reduced from 284.0 ± 118.1 mM to 256.5 ± 108.3 mM after hydrogen treatment at 28-day follow-up (percent change 2.9%; 95% CI from 0.5 to 5.5). Serum aspartate transaminase levels dropped by 10.0% (95% CI; from -23.2 to 3.4) after hydrogen treatment at 28-day follow-up. No significant differences were observed between treatment groups in either weight or body composition among participants. Conclusions: Although preliminary, the results of this trial perhaps nominate HRW as an adjuvant treatment for mild-to-moderate NAFLD. These observations provide a rationale for further clinical trials to establish safety and efficacy of molecular hydrogen in NAFLD.”
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2019.03.008
Effects of oral intake of hydrogen water on liver fibrogenesis in mice
“Oral intake of hydrogen water significantly suppressed liver fibrogenesis in the carbon tetrachloride and thioacetamide models, but these effects were not seen in the bile duct ligation model. We conclude that hydrogen water protects hepatocytes from injury by scavenging hydroxyl radicals and thereby suppresses liver fibrogenesis in mice.”
Hydrogen-rich saline protects against liver injury in rats with obstructive jaundice
“Hydrogen selectively reduces levels of hydroxyl radicals and alleviates acute oxidative stress in many models. Hydrogen-rich saline attenuates BDL-induced liver damage, possibly by the reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress and the inhibition of the ERK1/2 pathway.”
The protective role of hydrogen-rich saline in experimental liver injury in mice
“HS significantly increased hydrogen concentration in liver and kidney tissues. As a result, acute liver injury, hepatic cirrhosis, and hepatocyte proliferation were reduced through the quenching of detrimental ROS. Activity of pro-apoptotic players, such as JNK and caspase-3, were also inhibited. HS could protect against liver injury and also inhibit the processes leading to liver cirrhosis and hepatocyte compensatory proliferation.”
Saturated hydrogen saline attenuates endotoxin-induced acute liver dysfunction in rats
“Saturated hydrogen saline may attenuate LPS-induced acute liver dysfunction in rats, possibly by reducing inflammation and cell apoptosis. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), NF-kappaB, and Smac may contribute to saturated hydrogen saline-mediated liver protection.”
Anti-inflammatory properties of molecular hydrogen: Investigation on parasite-induced liver inflammation
“Molecular hydrogen reacts with the hydroxyl radical, a highly cytotoxic species produced in inflamed tissues. It has been suggested therefore to use gaseous hydrogen in a new anti-inflammatory strategy. The treatment had significant protective effects towards liver injury, namely decreased fibrosis, improvement of hemodynamics, increased NOSII activity, increased antioxidant enzyme activity, decreased lipid peroxide levels and decreased circulating TNF-alpha levels.”
Effect of hydrogen-rich water on oxidative stress, liver function, and viral load in patients with chronic hepatitis B
“When compared with controls, oxidative stress was obvious in CHB patients, and the liver function also significantly impaired. After treatment, the oxidative stress remained unchanged in routine treatment group, but markedly improved in hydrogen treatment group. HRW significantly attenuates oxidative stress in CHB patients, but further study with long-term treatment is required to confirm the effect of HRW on liver function and HBV DNA level.”
Concomitant inhibition of oxidative stress and angiogenesis by chronic hydrogen-rich saline and N-acetylcysteine treatments improves systemic, splanchnic and hepatic hemodynamics of cirrhotic rats
“Both hydrogen-rich saline and N-acetylcysteine alleviate portal hypertension, the severity of portosystemic collaterals, mesenteric angiogenesis, hepatic endothelial dysfunction and intrahepatic resistance in cirrhotic rats. N-Acetylcysteine and the new antioxidant, hydrogen-rich saline are potential treatments for the complications of cirrhosis.”
Hydrogen-rich water protects against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in mice
“To investigate the hepatoprotective effects and mechanisms of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) in acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury in mice. HRW has significant therapeutic potential in APAP-induced hepatotoxicity by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation and promoting liver regeneration.”
Protective effects of hydrogen enriched saline on liver ischemia reperfusion injury by reducing oxidative stress and HMGB1 release
“Hydrogen enriched saline treatment significantly attenuated the severity of liver injury induced by ischemia-reperfusion. These results suggest that, in our model, hydrogen enriched saline treatment is protective against liver ischemia-reperfusion injury. This effect may be mediated by both the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of the solution.”
Hydrogen gas inhalation protects against liver ischemia/reperfusion injury by actiiating the NF-kB signaling pathway
“Hydrogen has been demonstrated to function as a novel antioxidant and exert therapeutic antioxidant activity in a number of diseases. The results indicate that hydrogen inhalation at 2% concentration for 1 h prior to liver transplantation protected the rats from ischemia/reperfusion injury by activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway.”
Lung Disease
Hydrogen/oxygen therapy for the treatment of an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: results of a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group controlled trial
Change of BCSS score in Hydrogen/oxygen group was larger than that in Oxygen group (- 5.3 vs. - 2.4 point; difference: - 2.75 [95% CI - 3.27 to - 2.22], meeting criteria for superiority). Similar results were observed in other time points from day 2 through day 6. There was a significant reduction of Cough Assessment Test score in Hydrogen/oxygen group compared to control (- 11.00 vs. - 6.00, p < 0.001). Changes in pulmonary function, arterial blood gas and noninvasive oxygen saturation did not differ significantly between groups as well as other endpoints. AEs were reported in 34 (63.0%) patients in Hydrogen/oxygen group and 42 (77.8%) in Oxygen group. No death and equipment defects were reported during study period. Conclusions: The trial demonstrated that hydrogen/oxygen therapy is superior to oxygen therapy in patient with AECOPD with acceptable safety and tolerability profile.
DOI: 10.1186/s12931-021-01740-w
Molecular hydrogen as an emerging therapeutic medical gas for neurodegenerative and other diseases
“Effects of molecular hydrogen on various diseases have been documented for 63 disease models and human diseases in the past four and a half years. Six human diseases have been studied to date: diabetes mellitus type 2, metabolic syndrome, hemodialysis, inflammatory and mitochondrial myopathies, brain stem infarction, and radiation-induced adverse effects.”
Hydrogen gas improves survival rate and organ damage in zymosan-induced generalized inflammation model
“H2 exerts a therapeutic antioxidant activity by neutralizing cytotoxic free radicals and has been shown to be protective against organ damage in a generalized inflammation model.”
Saturated hydrogen saline protects the lung against oxygen toxicity
“Saturated hydrogen saline decreased lung edema, reduced LDH activity in BALF and serum, and decreased total cells and protein concentration in BALF. These results demonstrated that saturated hydrogen saline alleviated hyperoxia-induced pulmonary injury, which was partly responsible for the inhibition of oxidative damage.”
Hydrogen-rich saline protects against acute lung injury induced by extensive burn in rat model
“Administration of hydrogen-rich saline or edaravone dramatically reduced the pulmonary levels of pulmonary inflammation mediators and myeloperoxidase. Intraperitoneal administration of hydrogen-rich saline improves pulmonary function by reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory response in severe burn-induced acute lung injury.”
The effects of hydrogen gas inhalation during ex vivo lung perfusion on donor lungs obtained after cardiac death
“Hydrogen gas inhalation during EVLP improved the function of donation after cardiac death lungs, which may increase the utilization of donation after cardiac death lungs.”
Hydrogen inhalation ameliorates ventilator-induced lung injury
“In the lungs treated with hydrogen, there was less malondialdehyde compared with lungs treated with nitrogen. Inhaled hydrogen gas effectively reduced VILI-associated inflammatory responses, at both a local and systemic level, via its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects.”
Hydrogen inhalation reduced epithelial apoptosis in ventilator-induced lung injury via a mechanism involving nuclear factor-kappa B activation
“Hydrogen inhalation increased oxygen tension, decreased lung edema, and decreased the expression of proinflammatory mediators. Chemical inhibition of early NFκB activation using SN50 reversed these protective effects. NFκB activation and an associated increase in the expression of Bcl-2 may contribute, in part, to the cytoprotective effects of hydrogen against apoptotic and inflammatory signaling pathway activation during VILI.”
Hydrogen gas reduces hyperoxic lung injury via the Nrf2 pathway in vivo
“These findings indicate that hydrogen gas can ameliorate hyperoxic lung injury through induction of Nrf2-dependent genes, such as HO-1. The findings suggest a potentially novel and applicable solution to hyperoxic lung injury and provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms and actions of hydrogen.”
Consumption of hydrogen water reduces paraquat-induced acute lung injury in rats
“Recent studies have reported that consumption of water with dissolved molecular hydrogen to a saturated level (hydrogen water) prevents oxidative stress-induced diseases. The results showed that hydrogen water ameliorated these alterations, demonstrating that hydrogen water alleviated paraquat-induced acute lung injury possibly by inhibition of oxidative damage.”
Lung inflation with hydrogen during the cold ischemia phase decreases lung graft injury in rats
“The lung injury score determined by histopathology, the cell apoptotic index, and the caspase-3 protein expression in lung grafts were decreased after hydrogen treatment, and the static pressure-volume curve of lung graft was improved by hydrogen inflation. In conclusion, lung inflation with 3% hydrogen during the cold ischemia phase alleviated lung graft injury and improved graft function.”
Combination therapy with nitric oxide and molecular hydrogen in a murine model of acute lung injury
“Combination therapy with subthreshold concentrations of NO and H2 still had a significantly beneficial effect against lung injury induced by LPS and polymicrobial sepsis. Collectively, these results demonstrate that combination therapy with NO and H2 provides enhanced therapeutic efficacy for ALI.”
Combined early fluid resuscitation and hydrogen inhalation attenuates lung and intestine injury
“Combined early fluid resuscitation and hydrogen inhalation may protect the lung and intestine of the septic shock rats from the damage induced by oxidative stress and the inflammatory reaction.”
Hydrogen preconditioning during ex vivo lung perfusion improves the quality of lung grafts in rats
“Lung grafts on EVLP exhibited prominent proinflammatory changes and compromised metabolic profiles. Preconditioning lung grafts using inhaled hydrogen attenuated these proinflammatory changes, promoted mitochondrial biogenesis in the lungs throughout the procedure, and resulted in better posttransplant graft function.”
Hydrogen inhalation ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice
“Hydrogen further attenuated histopathological alterations and mitigated lung cell apoptosis. Importantly, hydrogen inhibited the activation of P-JNK, and also reversed changes in Bax, Bcl-xl and caspase-3. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that hydrogen inhalation ameliorated LPS-induced ALI and it may be exerting its protective role by preventing the activation of ROS-JNK-caspase-3 pathway.”
Hydrogen saline is protective for acute lung ischaemia/reperfusion injuries in rats
“Hydrogen saline significantly protected vasoactivity of the pulmonary artery, reduced pulmonary oedema, decreased lung malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-OHdG concentration, alleviated lung epithelial cell apoptosis and lowered the level of such biomarkers as WBC, CRP, ALT and TBiL.”
Hydrogen-rich saline provides protection against hyperoxic lung injury
“Hydrogen-rich saline treatment provides protection against HALI by inhibiting lipid, DNA oxidation, and tissue edema. Moreover, hydrogen-rich saline treatment could inhibit apoptosis and inflammation while no significant reduction was observed in nitrogen-rich saline treated animals. The results of this study demonstrate that hydrogen-rich saline ameliorated hyperoxia-induced acute lung injury by reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory cascades in lung tissue.”
Profiling molecular changes induced by hydrogen treatment of lung allografts prior to procurement
“Donor ventilation with hydrogen significantly increases expression of surfactant-related molecules, ATP synthases and stress-response molecules in lung grafts. The induction of these molecules may underlie hydrogen's protective effects against I/R injury during transplantation.”
Hydrogen therapy attenuates irradiation-induced lung damage by reducing oxidative stress
“Molecular hydrogen (H(2)) is an efficient antioxidant that diffuses rapidly across cell membranes, reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite, and suppresses oxidative stress-induced injury in several organs. This study thus demonstrated that H(2) treatment is valuable for protection against irradiation lung damage with no known toxicity.”
Hydrogen-rich saline ameliorates lung injury associated with cecal ligation and puncture-induced sepsis in rats
“This observation indicated that hydrogen-rich saline peritoneal injection improves histological and functional assessment in rat model of CLP-induced ALI. The therapeutic effects of hydrogen-rich saline may be related to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.”
Saturated hydrogen saline protects the lung against oxygen toxicity
“Saturated hydrogen saline decreased lung edema, reduced LDH activity in BALF and serum, and decreased total cells and protein concentration in BALF. These results demonstrated that saturated hydrogen saline alleviated hyperoxia-induced pulmonary injury, which was partly responsible for the inhibition of oxidative damage.”
Zheng, J., Liu, K., Kang, Z., Cai, J., Liu, W., Xu, W., . . . Sun, X. (2010). Saturated hydrogen saline protects the lung against oxygen toxicity. Undersea Hyperbaric Medicine: Journal of the Undersea and Hyperbaric Society, Inc., 37(3), 185-192. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20568549
Metabolism / Metabolic Syndrome
The Effects of 24-Week, High-Concentration Hydrogen-Rich Water on Body Composition, Blood Lipid Profiles and Inflammation Biomarkers in Men and Women with Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
“Supplementation with high-concentration HRW significantly reduced blood cholesterol and glucose levels, attenuated serum hemoglobin A1c, and improved biomarkers of inflammation and redox homeostasis as compared to placebo (P < 0.05). Furthermore, H2 tended to promote a mild reduction in body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio. Our results give further credence that high-concentration HRW might have promising effects as a therapeutic modality for attenuating risk factors of metabolic syndrome.”
DOI: 10.2147/DMSO.S240122
Supplementation of hydrogen-rich water improves lipid and glucose metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance
“Supplementation with molecular hydrogen-rich water may have a beneficial role in the prevention of type 2 diabetes and insulin resistence by helping to stabilize blood sugar, which is a critical aspect of long-term weight loss.”
Hydrogen as a selective antioxidant: A review of clinical and experimental studies
“H2 is emerging as a novel and safe therapeutic antioxidant. It has selective antioxidant properties, giving it anti-inflammatory properties.”
Hydrogen acts as a therapeutic antioxidant by selectively reducing cytotoxic oxygen radicals
“Hydrogen selectively reduces the hydroxyl radical, the most toxic free radical, and effectively protects cells. It does not react with free radicals that have physiological benefits, making it an incredibly effective therapy to neutralize acute oxidative stress.”
Hydrogen improves glycemic control in type1 diabetic animal model by promoting glucose uptake into skeletal muscle
“Our study demonstrates that H(2) exerts metabolic effects similar to those of insulin and may be a novel therapeutic alternative to insulin in type 1 diabetes mellitus that can be administered orally.”
Hydrogen-rich saline prevents early neurovascular dysfunction resulting from inhibition of oxidative stress
“Based on its inhibition of oxidative stress and up-regulation of anti-oxidative enzymes, we conclude that hydrogen-rich saline is a potentially valuable therapeutic modality for the treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy.”
Anti type 2 diabetic effect and anti-oxidation effect in active hydrogen water administration KK-Ay Mice
“Active hydrogen water is capable of anti-oxidation and it also has a controlling effect on the blood glucose level in type 2 diabetes.”
Molecular hydrogen improves obesity and diabetes by inducing hepatic FGF21 and stimulating energy metabolism in db/db mice
“Long-term drinking H(2)-water significantly controlled fat and body weights, despite no increase in consumption of diet and water. The present results suggest the potential benefit of H(2) in improving obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.”
Hydrogen-rich water inhibits glucose and α,β -dicarbonyl compound-induced reactive oxygen species production in the SHR.Cg-Leprcp/NDmcr rat kidney
“Hydrogen rich water inhibited glucose- and α,β-dicarbonyl compound-induced ROS production in kidney homogenates from Wistar rats in vitro. Therefore, it has therapeutic potential for renal dysfunction in patient with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.”
Protective effects of hydrogen-rich saline against erectile dysfunction in a streptozotocin induced diabetic rat model
“Hydrogen-rich saline effectively improved erectile function in a streptozotocin induced diabetic rat model of erectile dysfunction.”
Therapeutic effects of hydrogen saturated saline on rat diabetic model and insulin resistant model via reduction of oxidative stress
“Hydrogen saturated saline showed great efficiency in improving the insulin sensitivity and lowering blood glucose and lipids. Hydrogen saturated saline markedly attenuated the malondialdehyde level and elevated the levels of antioxidants superoxide dismutase and glutathione.”
Hydrogen-rich medium protects human skin fibroblasts from high glucose or mannitol induced oxidative damage
“Hydrogen may have applications in the treatment of skin diseases caused by diabetes.”
Hydrogen gas reduced acute hyperglycemia-enhanced hemorrhagic transformation in a focal ischemia rat model
“We found that hydrogen inhalation for 2 h reduced infarct and hemorrhagic volumes and improved neurological functions. Hydrogen gas reduced brain infarction, hemorrhagic transformation, and improved neurological function in rats.”
Hydrogen-rich saline attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced heart dysfunction by restoring fatty acid oxidation in rats by mitigating C-jun N-terminal kinase activation
“Inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal kinase by Hydrogen-rich saline showed beneficial effects on lipopolysaccharide-challenged rats, at least in part, by restoring cardiac fatty acid oxidation.”
Molecular hydrogen attenuates fatty acid uptake and lipid accumulation through downregulating CD36 expression in HepG2 cells
“Hydrogen inhibits fatty acid uptake and lipid accumulation through the downregulation of CD36 at the protein level in hepatic cultured cells, providing insights into the molecular mechanism underlying the hydrogen effects in vivo on lipid metabolism disorders.”
Molecular hydrogen stimulates the gene expression of transcriptional coactivator PGC-1α to enhance fatty acid metabolism
“In wild-type mice fed the fatty diet, H2-water improved the level of plasma triglycerides and extended their average of lifespan. H2 induces expression of the PGC-1αgene, followed by stimulation of the PPARα pathway that regulates FGF21, and the fatty acid and steroid metabolism.”
Supplementation of hydrogen-rich water improves lipid and glucose metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance
“Supplementation with molecular hydrogen-rich water may have a beneficial role in the prevention of type 2 diabetes and insulin resistence by helping to stabilize blood sugar, which is a critical aspect of long-term weight loss.”
Hydrogen improves glycemic control in type1 diabetic animal model by promoting glucose uptake into skeletal muscle
“Our study demonstrates that H(2) exerts metabolic effects similar to those of insulin and may be a novel therapeutic alternative to insulin in type 1 diabetes mellitus that can be administered orally.”
Hydrogen gas reduced acute hyperglycemia-enhanced hemorrhagic transformation in a focal ischemia rat model
“We found that hydrogen inhalation for 2 h reduced infarct and hemorrhagic volumes and improved neurological functions. Hydrogen gas reduced brain infarction, hemorrhagic transformation, and improved neurological function in rats.”
Hydrogen-rich water prevents lipid deposition in the descending aorta in a rat periodontitis model
“Hydrogen Water intake may prevent lipid deposition in the rat aorta induced by periodontitis by decreasing serum ox-LDL levels and aortic oxidative stress.”
Molecular hydrogen improves obesity and diabetes by inducing hepatic FGF21 and stimulating energy metabolism in db/db mice
“Long-term drinking H(2)-water significantly controlled fat and body weights, despite no increase in consumption of diet and water. The present results suggest the potential benefit of H(2) in improving obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.”
Molecular hydrogen stimulates the gene expression of transcriptional coactivator PGC-1α to enhance fatty acid metabolism
“In wild-type mice fed the fatty diet, H2-water improved the level of plasma triglycerides and extended their average of lifespan. H2 induces expression of the PGC-1αgene, followed by stimulation of the PPARα pathway that regulates FGF21, and the fatty acid and steroid metabolism.”
Consumption of hydrogen water prevents atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E knockout mice
“Atherosclerotic lesions were significantly reduced by ad libitum drinking of H2–water (p = 0.0069) as judged by Oil-Red-O staining series of sections of aorta. The oxidative stress level of aorta was decreased. Accumulation of macrophages in atherosclerotic lesions was confirmed. Thus, consumption of H2-dissolved water has the potential to prevent arteriosclerosis.”
Hydrogen-rich water decreases serum LDL-cholesterol levels and improves HDL function in patients with potential metabolic syndrome
“Supplementation with H2-rich water seems to decrease serum LDL-C and apoB levels, improve dyslipidemia-injured HDL functions, and reduce oxidative stress, and it may have a beneficial role in prevention of potential metabolic syndrome.”
Hydrogen-rich saline attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced heart dysfunction by restoring fatty acid oxidation in rats by mitigating C-jun N-terminal kinase activation
“Inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal kinase by Hydrogen-rich saline showed beneficial effects on lipopolysaccharide-challenged rats, at least in part, by restoring cardiac fatty acid oxidation.”
Hydrogen-rich water prevents lipid deposition in the descending aorta in a rat periodontitis model
“Hydrogen Water intake may prevent lipid deposition in the rat aorta induced by periodontitis by decreasing serum ox-LDL levels and aortic oxidative stress.”
Effects of hydrogen-rich water on abnormalities in a SHR.Cg-Leprcp/NDmcr rat - a metabolic syndrome rat model
“Hydrogen (H2), a potent free radical scavenger, selectively reduces the hydroxyl radical, which is the most cytotoxic of the reactive oxygen species (ROS). An increase in oxygen free radicals induces oxidative stress, which is known to be involved in the development of metabolic syndrome. The present findings suggest that HRW conferred significant benefits against abnormalities in the metabolic syndrome model rats, at least by preventing and ameliorating glomerulosclerosis and creatinine clearance.”
Molecular hydrogen attenuates fatty acid uptake and lipid accumulation through downregulating CD36 expression in HepG2 cells
“Hydrogen inhibits fatty acid uptake and lipid accumulation through the downregulation of CD36 at the protein level in hepatic cultured cells, providing insights into the molecular mechanism underlying the hydrogen effects in vivo on lipid metabolism disorders.”
H2 inhibits TNF-α-induced lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 expression by inhibiting nuclear factor κB activation in endothelial cells
“H(2) is a therapeutic antioxidant that can reduce oxidative stress. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein, which plays roles in atherosclerosis, may promote endothelial dysfunction by binding the cell-surface receptor LOX-1. H(2) inhibited the expression of LOX-1 and the activation of NF-κB in apolipoprotein E knockout mice, an animal model of atherosclerosis. Thus, H(2) probably inhibits cytokine-induced LOX-1 gene expression by suppressing NF-κB activation.”
Hydrogen decreases athero-susceptibility in apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins and aorta of apolipoprotein E knockout mice
“Hydrogen significantly improved HDL functionality in C57BL/6J mice assessed in two independent ways, namely (i) stimulation of cholesterol efflux from macrophage foam cells by measuring HDL-induced [(3)H]cholesterol efflux, and (ii) protection against LDL oxidation as a measure of Cu(2+)-induced TBARS formation. These results reveal that administration of hydrogen-saturated saline decreases athero-susceptibility in apoB-containing lipoprotein and aortic atherosclerosis in apoE-/- mice and improves HDL functionality in C57BL/6J mice.”
Therapeutic effects of hydrogen saturated saline on rat diabetic model and insulin resistant model via reduction of oxidative stress
“Hydrogen saturated saline showed great efficiency in improving the insulin sensitivity and lowering blood glucose and lipids. Hydrogen saturated saline markedly attenuated the malondialdehyde level and elevated the levels of antioxidants superoxide dismutase and glutathione.”
Wang, Q., Zha, X., Kang, Z., Xu, M., Huang, Q., & Zou, D. (2012). Therapeutic effects of hydrogen saturated saline on rat diabetic model and insulin resistant model via reduction of oxidative stress. Chinese Medical Journal, 125(9), 1633-1637. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22800834
Migraines/Headaches
Hydrogen-rich water for improvements of mood, anxiety, and autonomic nerve function in daily life
“In healthy individuals, aging, job stress, and cognitive load over several hours also induce increases in oxidative stress, suggesting that preventing the accumulation of oxidative stress caused by daily stress and daily work contributes to maintaining QOL and ameliorating the effects of aging. Hydrogen has anti-oxidant activity and can prevent inflammation, and may thus contribute to improve QOL. These results suggest that HRW may reinforce QOL through effects that increase central nervous system functions involving mood, anxiety, and autonomic nerve function.
Oxidative stress is associated with migraine and migraine-related metabolic risk in females
“We show here that increased oxidative stress is associated with migraine and contributes to migraine-related metabolic risk like nitrosative stress, an atherogenic lipid profile and hyperinsulinemia. Our data suggest that oxidative stress may represent a key event in the pathophysiology of migraine and a suitable therapeutic target.”
The evolution of molecular hydrogen: A noteworthy potential therapy with clinical significance
“Hydrogen is qualified to cross the blood brain barrier, to enter the mitochondria, and even has the ability to translocate to the nucleus under certain conditions. Once in these ideal locations of the cell, previous studies have shown that hydrogen exerts antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties that are beneficial to the cell.”
Oxidative and antioxidative balance in patients of migraine
“In this study, we demonstrated that the levels of total antioxidants were decreased and the levels of total oxidants and the oxidative stress index were increased in patients with migraine without aura (MWoA). These findings may be an evidence of exposure to potent oxidative stress in MWoA.”
Recent progress toward hydrogen medicine: Potential of molecular hydrogen for preventive and therapeutic applications
“H2 has a number of advantages as a potential antioxidant: H2 rapidly diffuses into tissues and cells, and it is mild enough neither to disturb metabolic redox reactions nor to affect reactive oxygen species (ROS) that function in cell signaling, thereby, there should be little adverse effects of consuming H2. H2 shows not only effects against oxidative stress, but also various anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects. Moreover, H2 passes through the blood brain barrier, although most antioxidant compounds cannot; this is also an advantage of H2.”
Oxidative stress in migraine with and without aura
“Conclusively, in this preliminary study, we had found increased oxidative stress in the migraine patients especially the patients with MWA. Further knowledge about this issue may contribute the cause and complications of migraine and may be essential for development of treatment approaches.”
Hydrogen as a selective antioxidant: A review of clinical and experimental studies
“H2 is emerging as a novel and safe therapeutic antioxidant. It has selective antioxidant properties, giving it anti-inflammatory properties.”
Mitochondrial Myopathies,
Muscular Dystrophy
Open-label trial and randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of hydrogen-enriched water for mitochondrial and inflammatory myopathies
“Hydrogen-enriched water improves mitochondrial dysfunction in MM and inflammatory processes in PM/DM. Less prominent effects with the double-blind trial compared to the open-label trial were likely due to a lower amount of administered hydrogen and a shorter observation period, which implies a threshold effect or a dose-response effect of hydrogen.”
Hydrogen-supplemented drinking water protects cardiac allografts from inflammation-associated deterioration
“Hydrogen treatment was also associated with increased graft ATP levels and increased activity of the enzymes in mitochondrial respiratory chain.”
Chronic hydrogen-rich saline treatment attenuates vascular dysfunction in spontaneous hypertensive rats
“Treatment with HRS depressed pro-inflammatory cytokines expression including IL-6 and IL-1β and suppressed NF-κB activation, restored mitochondrial function including ATP formation and membrane integrity.”
Molecular hydrogen is a novel antioxidant to efficiently reduce oxidative stress with potential for the improvement of mitochondrial diseases
“Mitochondria are the major source of oxidative stress. Acute oxidative stress causes serious damage to tissues, and persistent oxidative stress is one of the causes of many common diseases, cancer and the aging process. Hydrogen has many advantages for therapeutic and preventive applications, and shows not only anti-oxidative stress effects, but also has various anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects. Preliminary clinical trials show that drinking hydrogen-dissolved water seems to improve the pathology of mitochondrial disorders.”
Pilot study: Effects of drinking hydrogen-rich water on muscle fatigue caused by acute exercise in elite athletes
“HW may be suitable hydration for athletes by preventing elevation of blood lactate during heavy exercise. Adequate hydration with hydrogen-rich water pre-exercise reduced blood lactate levels and improved exercise-induced decline of muscle function.”
Parkinson’s Disease
Effects of concomitant use of hydrogen water and photobiomodulation on Parkinson disease: A pilot study
“We noted that the UPDRS scores began significantly decreasing from the first week, and this improvement persisted until the end of therapy. Moreover, no adverse event was recorded. After 1 week of therapy cessation, UPDRS scores slightly increased but the improvement remained significant compared with the baseline. This novel, proof-of-concept study demonstrated that PBM+H2 therapy is safe and reduces disease severity. A larger-scaled clinical trial is warranted to completely investigate the effects of PBM + H2 therapy on PD.”
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000024191
Hydrogen as a selective antioxidant: A review of clinical and experimental studies
“H2 is emerging as a novel and safe therapeutic antioxidant. It has selective antioxidant properties, giving it anti-inflammatory properties.”
Hydrogen acts as a therapeutic antioxidant by selectively reducing cytotoxic oxygen radicals
“Hydrogen selectively reduces the hydroxyl radical, the most toxic free radical, and effectively protects cells. It does not react with free radicals that have physiological benefits, making it an incredibly effective therapy to neutralize acute oxidative stress.”
A review of hydrogen as a new medical therapy
“In the past few years many initial and subsequent clinical studies have demonstrated that hydrogen can act as an important physiological regulatory factor to cells and organs on the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and other protective effects. So far several delivery methods applied in these studies have proved to be available and convenient, including inhalation, drinking hydrogen-dissolved water and injection with hydrogen-saturated saline.”
Molecular hydrogen is protective against 6-hydroxydopamine-induced nigrostriatal degeneration in a rat model of Parkinson's disease
“Molecular hydrogen serves as an antioxidant that reduces hydroxyl radicals, but not the other reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. This study suggests that hydrogen water is likely able to retard the development and progression of Parkinson's disease.”
Pilot study of H2 therapy in Parkinson's disease: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial
“Oxidative stress is involved in the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). Recent studies have confirmed that molecular hydrogen (H2) functions as a highly effective antioxidant in cultured cells and animal models. The results indicated that drinking H2-water was safe and well tolerated, and a significant improvement in total UPDRS scores for patients in the H2-water group was demonstrated.”
Hydrogen in drinking water reduces dopaminergic neuronal loss in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine mouse model of Parkinson's disease
“Chronic oxidative stress causes neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD). The results of this study indicated that low concentration of H2 in drinking water can reduce oxidative stress in the brain. Thus, drinking H2-containing water may be useful in daily life to prevent or minimize the risk of life style-related oxidative stress and neurodegeneration.”
Drinking hydrogen water and intermittent hydrogen gas exposure, but not lactulose or continuous hydrogen gas exposure, prevent 6-hydorxydopamine-induced Parkinson's disease in rats
“Lack of dose responses of hydrogen and the presence of favorable effects with hydrogen water and intermittent hydrogen gas suggest that signal modulating activities of hydrogen are likely to be instrumental in exerting a protective effect against PD.”
Therapeutic effects of hydrogen in animal models of Parkinson's disease
“Hydrogen has an ability to reduce oxidative damage and ameliorate the loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neuronal pathway in two experimental animal models. Thus, it is strongly suggested that hydrogen might provide a great advantage to prevent or minimize the onset and progression of PD.”
Oral 'hydrogen water' induces neuroprotective ghrelin secretion in mice
“H₂ supplementation increases gastric expression of mRNA encoding ghrelin, a growth hormone secretagogue, and ghrelin secretion. Strikingly, the neuroprotective effect of H₂ water was abolished by either administration of the ghrelin receptor-antagonist, D-Lys(3) GHRP-6, or atenolol. Thus, the neuroprotective effect of H₂ in PD is mediated by enhanced production of ghrelin. Our findings point to potential, novel strategies for ameliorating pathophysiology in which a protective effect of H₂ supplementation has been demonstrated.”
Therapeutic approach to neurodegenerative diseases by medical gases: Focusing on redox signaling and related antioxidant enzymes
“Together with the fact that H2, and H2S themselves have the ability to react with ROS directly, we strongly suggest that these gases can buffer the ROS and in addition might prevent and/or protect the neurons from oxidative stress damages in neurodegenerative diseases.”
Periodontitis
Assessment of antibacterial effect of hydrogen water on plaque from patients with chronic periodontitis
“Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease causing destruction of tissues surrounding the teeth. The primary etiological factor for periodontitis is plaque. Hydrogen water showed antibacterial activity against aerobic and anaerobic organisms associated with chronic periodontitis. There was a statistically significant difference in the number of colony forming units from baseline to 1 and 2.5 min for the aerobic culture and also for baseline to 1, 2.5, and 5 min for the anaerobic culture. The data of the present study indicate that hydrogen water has an antibacterial effect on microorganisms associated with chronic periodontitis.”
Pressure Ulcers
Hydrogen water intake via tube-feeding for patients with pressure ulcer and its reconstructive effects on normal human skin cells in vitro
“HW intake via TF was demonstrated, for severely hospitalized elderly patients with PU, to execute wound size reduction and early recovery, which potently ensue from either type-I collagen construction in dermal fibroblasts or the promoted mitochondrial reducing ability and ROS repression in epidermal keratinocytes as shown by immunostain or NBT and WST-1 assays, respectively.”
Psoriasis
Oxidative stress and its role in skin disease
“Skin is a major target of oxidative stress due to reactive oxygen species (ROS) that originate in the environment and in the skin itself. ROS are generated during normal metabolism, are an integral part of normal cellular function, and are usually of little harm because of intracellular mechanisms that reduce their damaging effects. Antioxidants attenuate the damaging effects of ROS and can impair and/or reverse many of the events that contribute to epidermal toxicity and disease.”
Ultraviolet B-induced DNA damage in human epidermis is modified by the antioxidants ascorbic acid and D-alpha-tocopherol
“DNA damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is considered the main etiologic factor contributing to the development of skin cancer. Systemic or topical application of antioxidants has been suggested as a protective measure against UV-induced skin damage. After 3 mo of antioxidant administration, significantly less thymine dimers were induced by the UVB challenge, suggesting that antioxidant treatment protected against DNA damage.”
Oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of psoriasis
“Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated hyperproliferative inflammatory skin disease in which a cytokine network concept is well established. Skin is a major target of oxidative stress mainly due to reactive oxygen species (ROS) originating from the environment and skin metabolism itself.”
Markers of systemic inflammation in psoriasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
“The pooled analyses suggest modest but significantly elevated levels of the proinflammatory cytokines in the serum of patients with psoriasis with predominantly severe disease.”
Improvement of psoriasis-associated arthritis and skin lesions by treatment with molecular hydrogen: A report of three cases
“Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, is caused by infiltrating lymphocytes and associated cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-17. H2 administration reduced inflammation associated with psoriasis in the three cases examined and it may therefore be considered as a treatment strategy for psoriasis-associated skin lesions and arthritis.”
Reproductive Health
Oxidative status and serum prolidase activity in tubal ectopic pregnancy
“Total antioxidant capacity levels were lower in the ectopic pregnancy group than the healthy group (p < 0.018), whereas total oxidant status, oxidative stress index and prolidase activity were higher (p < 0.05). Ectopic pregnancy may be associated with increased serum prolidase activity and oxidative stress, and this association may help to provide a better understanding about the pathogenesis of ectopic pregnancy.”
Hilali, N., Aksoy, N., Vural, M., Camuzcuoglu, H., & Taskin, A. (2013). Oxidative status and serum prolidase activity in tubal ectopic pregnancy. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 63(2), 169-172. Retrieved from http://www.jpma.org.pk/PdfDownload/3990.pdf
Oxidative stress damage as a detrimental factor in preterm birth pathology
“Normal term and spontaneous preterm births (PTB) are documented to be associated with oxidative stress (OS), and imbalances in the redox system (balance between pro- and antioxidant) have been reported in the maternal-fetal intrauterine compartments. We postulate that fetal cell senescence signals generated by OS damage are likely triggers for labor.”
The roles of cellular reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress and antioxidants in pregnancy outcomes
“Imbalances between ROS production and antioxidant systems induce oxidative stress that negatively impacts reproductive processes. High levels of ROS during embryonic, fetal and placental development are a feature of pregnancy. Consequently, oxidative stress has emerged as a likely promoter of several pregnancy-related disorders, such as spontaneous abortions, embryopathies, preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, preterm labor and low birth weight.”
A quantitative evaluation of total antioxidant status and oxidative stress markers in preeclampsia and gestational diabetic patients in 24-36 weeks of gestation
“We concluded that increased oxidative stress and reduction in antioxidant defense mechanisms may contribute to disease processes both in GDM and preeclampsia.”
Study of oxidative stress and enzymatic antioxidants in normal pregnancy
“Pregnancy is a physiological state accompanied by a high-energy demand and an increased oxygen requirement. It was observed that pregnant women were more susceptible to oxidative damage than non-pregnants as indicated by increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substance and decreased antioxidants.”
Role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia
“Published evidence of altered biomarkers for the endothelial dysfunction suggests that the initiating event in preeclampsia is the reduced placental perfusion, which leads to widespread dysfunction of the maternal vascular endothelium. This review focuses on the role of free radicals in generating the oxidative stress taking antioxidants into consideration which tend to overcome it as well as the role of placenta in preeclamptic pregnancy.”
Endothelial dysfunction and preeclampsia: Role of oxidative stress
“Risk factors for the development of Preeclampsia include obesity, insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia that stimulate inflammatory cytokine release and oxidative stress leading to endothelial dysfunction (ED). The related poor trophoblast invasion and uteroplacental artery remodeling described in PE, increases reactive oxygen species (ROS), hypoxia and ED.”
Hydrogen as a selective antioxidant: A review of clinical and experimental studies
“H2 is emerging as a novel and safe therapeutic antioxidant. It has selective antioxidant properties, giving it anti-inflammatory properties.”
Hydrogen acts as a therapeutic antioxidant by selectively reducing cytotoxic oxygen radicals
“Hydrogen selectively reduces the hydroxyl radical, the most toxic free radical, and effectively protects cells. It does not react with free radicals that have physiological benefits, making it an incredibly effective therapy to neutralize acute oxidative stress.”
Protective effects of hydrogen-rich saline in preeclampsia rat model
“The preventive administration of hydrogen significantly attenuated the severity of PE, which might be ascribed to a reduction in inflammation response and oxidative stress. It could be concluded that hydrogen can be an effective antioxidant in the management of PE.”
Effects of vitamin C, vitamin E, and molecular hydrogen on the placental function in trophoblast cells
“High levels of antioxidant vitamins C and E may have significant detrimental effects on placental function, as reflected by decreased cell viability and secretion of hCG; and placental immunity, as reflected by increased production of TNF-a. Meanwhile hydrogen showed no such effects on cell proliferation and TNF-α expression, but it could affect the level of hCG, indicating hydrogen as a potential candidate of antioxidant in the management of preeclampsia (PE) should be further studied.”
Anti-inflammatory effect of hydrogen-rich saline in a rat model of regional myocardial ischemia and reperfusion
“Attenuated the increase of I/R induced proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-a) and interleukin-1β (IL-1b) levels in the AAR. H(2) saline has an anti-inflammatory effect on rat hearts with regional myocardial I/R.”
Hydrogen-rich water attenuates brain damage and inflammation after traumatic brain injury in rats
“HRW treatment also decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and HMGB1), inflammatory cell number (Iba1) and inflammatory metabolites (Cho) and increased the levels of an anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) in the brain tissues of TBI-challenged rats. In conclusion, HRW could exert a neuroprotective effect against TBI and attenuate inflammation, which suggests HRW as an effective therapeutic strategy for TBI patients.”
Protective effects of hydrogen-rich saline on monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension in a rat model
“These results suggest that hydrogen-rich saline ameliorates the progression of pulmonary hypertension induced by monocrotaline in rats, which may be associated with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.”
Consumption of hydrogen-rich water alleviates renal injury in spontaneous hypertensive rats
“Treatment with HW had protective effect on mitochondrial function including adenosine triphosphate formation and membrane integrity in SHR. In conclusion, consumption of HW is a promising strategy to alleviate renal injury as a supplement for anti-hypertensive therapy.”
Chronic hydrogen-rich saline treatment attenuates vascular dysfunction in spontaneous hypertensive rats
“Treatment with HRS alleviates vascular dysfunction through abating oxidative stress, restoring baroreflex function, suppressing inflammation, preserving mitochondrial function, and enhancing nitric oxide bioavailability.”
Supplementation of hydrogen-rich water improves lipid and glucose metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance
“Supplementation with molecular hydrogen-rich water may have a beneficial role in the prevention of type 2 diabetes and insulin resistence by helping to stabilize blood sugar, which is a critical aspect of long-term weight loss.”
Therapeutic effects of hydrogen saturated saline on rat diabetic model and insulin resistant model via reduction of oxidative stress
“Hydrogen saturated saline may improve the insulin resistance and alleviate the symptoms of diabetes mellitus by reducing the oxidative stress and enhancing the anti-oxidant system.”
Hydrogen-rich water decreases serum LDL-cholesterol levels and improves HDL function in patients with potential metabolic syndrome
“Supplementation with H2-rich water seems to decrease serum LDL-C and apoB levels, improve dyslipidemia-injured HDL functions, and reduce oxidative stress, and it may have a beneficial role in prevention of potential metabolic syndrome.”
Hydrogen activates ATP-binding cassette transporter A1-dependent efflux ex vivo and improves high-density lipoprotein function in patients with hypercholesterolemia: A double-blinded, randomised and placebo-controlled trial
“H2 activates ATP-binding cassette transporter A1-dependent efflux, enhances HDL antiatherosclerotic functions, and has beneficial lipid-lowering effects. The present findings highlight the potential role of H2 in the regression of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis.”
Administration of hydrogen-saturated saline decreases plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and improves high-density lipoprotein function in high-fat diet-fed hamsters
“Administration of hydrogen-saturated saline decreases plasma LDL cholesterol and apo B levels and improves hyperlipidemia-injured HDL functions, including the capacity of enhancing cellular cholesterol efflux and playing antioxidative properties, in high-fat diet-fed hamsters.”
Molecular hydrogen improves obesity and diabetes by inducing hepatic FGF21 and stimulating energy metabolism in db/db mice
“H(2) stimulated energy metabolism as measured by oxygen consumption. The present results suggest the potential benefit of H(2) in improving obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.”
Molecular hydrogen protects mice against polymicrobial sepsis by ameliorating endothelial dysfunction via an Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway
“H2 regulated endothelial injury and the inflammatory response via Nrf2-mediated HO-1 levels. These results suggest that H2 could suppress excessive inflammatory responses and endothelial injury via an Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.”
Consumption of water containing over 3.5 mg of dissolved hydrogen could improve vascular endothelial function
“H2 may protect the vasculature from shear stress-derived detrimental ROS, such as the hydroxyl radical, by maintaining the nitric oxide-mediated vasomotor response.”
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Molecular hydrogen decelerates rheumatoid arthritis progression through inhibition of oxidative stress
“Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease which results in progressive destruction of the joint. Our data suggested that H2 can directly neutralize OH and ONOO- to reduce oxidative stress. Moreover, MAPK and NF-κB pathway also play roles in oxidative damage caused by H2O2in RA-FLSs. H2 can provide protection to cells against inflammation, which may be related to inhibition of the activation of MAPK and NF-κB.”
Hydrogen acts as a therapeutic antioxidant by selectively reducing cytotoxic oxygen radicals
“Hydrogen selectively reduces the hydroxyl radical, the most toxic free radical, and effectively protects cells. It does not react with free radicals that have physiological benefits, making it an incredibly effective therapy to neutralize acute oxidative stress.”
Hydrogen as a selective antioxidant: A review of clinical and experimental studies
“H2 is emerging as a novel and safe therapeutic antioxidant. It has selective antioxidant properties, giving it anti-inflammatory properties.”
Treatment with hydrogen molecule alleviates TNFα-induced cell injury in osteoblast
“Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) plays a crucial role in inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and postmenopausal osteoporosis. Recently, it has been demonstrated that hydrogen gas, known as a novel antioxidant, can exert therapeutic anti-inflammatory effect in many diseases. Treatment with H(2) alleviates TNFα-induced cell injury in osteoblast through abating oxidative stress, preserving mitochondrial function, suppressing inflammation, and enhancing NO bioavailability.”
Consumption of water containing a high concentration of molecular hydrogen reduces oxidative stress and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: An open-label pilot study
“Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the destruction of bone and cartilage. Although its etiology is unknown, the hydroxyl radical has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of RA. The results suggest that the hydroxyl radical scavenger H2 effectively reduces oxidative stress in patients with this condition. The symptoms of RA were significantly improved with high H2 water.”
Therapeutic efficacy of infused molecular hydrogen in saline on rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study
“The aim of this study was to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of H2-saline infusion for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the infusion of 1 ppm H2-dissolved saline (H2-saline) in 24 RA patients. Drop infusion of H2 safely and effectively reduced RA disease activity.”
Improvement of psoriasis-associated arthritis and skin lesions by treatment with molecular hydrogen: A report of three cases
“Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, is caused by infiltrating lymphocytes and associated cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-17. IL-6 levels decreased during H2 treatment in Case 1 and 2. IL-17, whose concentration was high in Case 1, was reduced following H2 treatment, and TNFα also decreased in Case 1. The psoriatic skin lesions almost disappeared at the end of the treatment. H2 administration reduced inflammation associated with psoriasis in the three cases examined and it may therefore be considered as a treatment strategy for psoriasis-associated skin lesions and arthritis.”
Molecular hydrogen: New antioxidant and anti-inflammatory therapy for rheumatoid arthritis and related diseases
“H2 showed significant therapeutic potential, which also seemed to assist diagnosis and treatment decisions of RA. The possible expectations regarding the potential benefits of H2 by reducing the oxidative stress, resulting from inflammatory factors, are raised and discussed here. They include prevention of RA and related atherosclerosis, as well as therapeutic validity for RA.”
Hydrogen water consumption prevents osteopenia in ovariectomized rats
“Accumulating evidence indicates an important role of oxidative stress in the progression of osteoporosis. HW consumption prevents osteopenia in ovariectomized rats possibly through the ablation of oxidative stress induced by oestrogen withdrawal.”
Treatment with hydrogen molecules prevents RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation associated with inhibition of ROS formation and inactivation of MAPK, AKT and NF-kappa B pathways in murine RAW264.7 cells
“The bone protective effects of the hydrogen molecule (H2) have been demonstrated in several osteoporosis models. Hydrogen molecules prevented RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation associated with inhibition of reactive oxygen species formation and inactivation of NF-κB, mitogen-activated protein kinase and AKT pathways.”
Treatment of hydrogen molecule abates oxidative stress and alleviates bone loss induced by modeled microgravity in rats
“Treatment with HW alleviated HLS-induced reduction of bone mineral density, ultimate load, stiffness, and energy in femur and lumbar vertebra. Treatment with HW alleviated HLS-induced augmentation of malondialdehyde content and peroxynitrite content and reduction of total sulfhydryl content in femur and lumbar vertebra. Treatment with molecular hydrogen alleviates microgravity-induced bone loss through abating oxidative stress, restoring osteoblastic differentiation, and suppressing osteoclast differentiation and osteoclastogenesis.”
Sepsis
Hydrogen Gas Protects Against Intestinal Injury in Wild Type But Not NRF2 Knockout Mice With Severe Sepsis by Regulating HO-1 and HMGB1 Release.
“The results showed that therapy with 2% H2 increased the survival rate, alleviated the injuries caused by oxidative stress and inflammation, reduced HMGB1 levels but increased HO-1 levels in WT septic mice, but not in Nrf2-KO mice. These data demonstrate that 2% H2 inhalation may be a promising therapeutic strategy for intestinal injuries caused by severe sepsis through the regulation of HO-1 and HMGB1 release. In addition, Nrf2 plays a key role in the protective effects of H2 against intestinal damage in this disease.”
Yu, Y., Yang, Y., Bian, Y., Li, Y., Liu, L., Zhang, H., . . . Yu, Y. (2017). Hydrogen Gas Protects Against Intestinal Injury in Wild Type But Not NRF2 Knockout Mice With Severe Sepsis by Regulating HO-1 and HMGB1 Release. Shock,48(3), 364-370. doi: 10.1097/shk.0000000000000856
Effects of hydrogen-rich saline treatment on polymicrobial sepsis
“Hydrogen has been reported to selectively reduce hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite anion in many pathologic processes. HRS has potential protective effects against sepsis by decreasing proinflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in a rat model of polymicrobial sepsis.”
Combination therapy with molecular hydrogen and hyperoxia in a murine model of polymicrobial sepsis
“It has been suggested that molecular hydrogen (H2) at low concentration can exert a therapeutic antioxidant activity and effectively protect against sepsis by reducing oxidative stress.Combination therapy with H2 and hyperoxia provides enhanced therapeutic efficacy via both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms and might be potentially a clinically feasible approach for sepsis.”
Hydrogen-rich saline ameliorates lung injury associated with cecal ligation and puncture-induced sepsis in rats
“This observation indicated that hydrogen-rich saline peritoneal injection improves histological and functional assessment in rat model of CLP-induced ALI. The therapeutic effects of hydrogen-rich saline may be related to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.”
Hydrogen-rich saline reverses oxidative stress, cognitive impairment, and mortality in rats submitted to sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture
“The hippocampal reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels increased significantly, and superoxide dismutase activity decreased significantly. HRS reversed these changes in a dose-dependent manner. These findings indicate that HRS could attenuate the consequences of sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture in rats, at least in part, by the inhibition of oxidative stress.”
Protective effects of hydrogen gas on murine polymicrobial sepsis via reducing oxidative stress and hmgb1 release
“We found that the beneficial effects of H2 treatment on sepsis and sepsis-associated organ damage were associated with the decreased levels of oxidative product, increased activities of antioxidant enzymes, and reduced levels of high-mobility group box 1 in serum and tissue. Thus, H2 inhalation may be an effective therapeutic strategy for patients with sepsis.”
Hydrogen gas presents a promising therapeutic strategy for sepsis
“Sepsis is characterized by a severe inflammatory response to infection. Our studies have found that hydrogen gas can improve the survival and organ damage in mice and rats with cecal ligation and puncture, zymosan, and lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis.”
Skin
Hydrogen gas protects IP3Rs by reducing disulfide bridges in human keratinocytes under oxidative stress
“Molecular hydrogen (H2) was found to be more effectively protected H2O2-induced IP3R1 dysfunction by reducing disulfide bonds, rather than quenching ROS. In conclusion, skin aging processes may involve ROS-induced protein dysfunction due to disulfide bond formation, and H2 can protect oxidation of this process.”
Wu, C.-Y., Hsu, W.-L., Tsai, M.-H., Liang, J.-L., Lu, J.-H., Yen, C.-J., … Yoshioka, T. (2017). Hydrogen gas protects IP3Rs by reducing disulfide bridges in human keratinocytes under oxidative stress. Scientific Reports, 7, 3606. http://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-03513-2
Hydrogen as a selective antioxidant: A review of clinical and experimental studies
“H2 is emerging as a novel and safe therapeutic antioxidant. It has selective antioxidant properties, giving it anti-inflammatory properties.”
Hydrogen acts as a therapeutic antioxidant by selectively reducing cytotoxic oxygen radicals
“Hydrogen selectively reduces the hydroxyl radical, the most toxic free radical, and effectively protects cells. It does not react with free radicals that have physiological benefits, making it an incredibly effective therapy to neutralize acute oxidative stress.”
Hydrogen-rich water protects against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in mice
“Hydrogen therapy is a new medical approach that has recently become increasingly appreciated. Hydrogen has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-allergy, and anti-cancer effects.”
Protective effect of hydrogen-rich saline on ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat skin flap
“The mechanisms of I/R injury include hypoxia, inflammation, and oxidative damage. Our findings suggest that HRS mitigates I/R injury by decreasing inflammation and, therefore, has the potential for application as a therapy for improving skin flap survival.”
Hydrogen (H2) treatment for acute erythematous skin diseases. A report of 4 patients with safety data and a non-controlled feasibility study with H2 concentration measurement on two volunteers
“We have treated 4 patients of acute erythematous skin diseases with fever and/or pain by H2 enriched intravenous fluid. Erythema of these 4 patients and associated symptoms improved significantly after the H2 treatment and did not recur. An improvement in acute erythematous skin diseases followed the administration of H2 enriched fluid without compromising the safety.”
Histological study on the effect of electrolyzed reduced water-bathing on UVB radiation-induced skin injury in hairless mice
“Electrolyzed reduced water (ERW), functional water, has various beneficial effects via antioxidant mechanism in vivo and in vitro. Our data indicate that ERW-bathing significantly reduces UVB-induced skin damage through influencing pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokine balance in hairless mice. This suggests that ERW-bathing has a positive effect on acute UVB-mediated skin disorders.”
The balneotherapy effect of hydrogen reduced water on UVB-mediated skin injury in hairless mice
“The effect of HRW on cytokine network in the skin after UVB exposure revealed that HRW significantly decreased the level of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and IFN-γ. Finally, scanning electron microscopy data revealed low number of defected corneocytes and ultrastructural changes, suggesting that HRW bathing would protect UV-induced cell damage.”
Hydrogen-rich medium protects human skin fibroblasts from high glucose or mannitol induced oxidative damage
“Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are an important factor in the development of skin lesions in diabetes. A new antioxidant, hydrogen, can selectively neutralize hydroxyl radicals (()OH) and peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) in cell-free systems, whereas it seldom reacts with other ROS. Based on our results, hydrogen may have applications in the treatment of skin diseases caused by diabetes.”
Hydrogen-rich saline protects against ultraviolet B radiation injury in rats
“Exposure of skin to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation induces photo-damage. Ultraviolet B (UVB) is the major component of UV radiation which induces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and plays an important role in photo-damage. Hydrogen-rich saline had a protective effect by altering the levels of these markers and relieved morphological skin injury. Hydrogen-rich saline protected against UVB radiation injury, possibly by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.”
Beneficial effects of hydrogen-rich saline on early burn-wound progression in rats
“Hydrogen can attenuate early wound progression following deep burn injury. The beneficial effect of hydrogen was mediated by attenuating oxidative stress, which inhibited apoptosis and inflammation, and the Akt/NF-κB signalling pathway may be involved in regulating the release of inflammatory cytokines.”
Hydrogen-rich saline attenuates skin ischemia/reperfusion induced apoptosis via regulating Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and ASK-1/JNK pathway
“Hydrogen-rich saline ameliorated inflammatory infiltration and decreased cell apoptosis. The results indicate that hydrogen-rich saline could ameliorate ischemia/reperfusion injury and improve flap survival rate by inhibiting the apoptosis factor and, at the same time, promoting the expression of anti-apoptosis factor.”
Eumelanin-driven production of molecular hydrogen: A novel element of skin defense?
“It seems that melanin, natural pigment of skin and hair, might produce endogenous hydrogen. The protective role of skin melanin (eumelanin) could be due to its capacity for molecular hydrogen production. An effective pooling of dihydrogen by eumelanin should be considered as a novel element of skin defense system against oxidative stress-related disorders.”
Hydrogen-rich saline resuscitation alleviates inflammation induced by severe burn with delayed resuscitation
“Severe burns with delayed resuscitation are associated with high morbidity which is attributed to ischemia-reperfusion injury. Our data imply that hydrogen-rich saline significantly improves the inflammatory reaction in rats with severe burns with delayed resuscitation, possibly by inhibiting activation of NF-κB.”
Hydrogen water intake via tube-feeding for patients with pressure ulcer and its reconstructive effects on normal human skin cells in vitro
“HW intake via TF was demonstrated, for severely hospitalized elderly patients with PU, to execute wound size reduction and early recovery, which potently ensue from either type-I collagen construction in dermal fibroblasts or the promoted mitochondrial reducing ability and ROS repression in epidermal keratinocytes as shown by immunostain or NBT and WST-1 assays, respectively.”
Effects of hydrogen-rich saline on early acute kidney injury in severely burned rats by suppressing oxidative stress induced apoptosis and inflammation
“Hydrogen can attenuate severe burn-induced early AKI; the mechanisms of protection include the inhibition of oxidative stress induced apoptosis and inflammation, which may be mediated by regulation of the MAPKs, Akt and NF-κB signalling pathways.”
Atomic hydrogen surrounded by water molecules, H(H2O)m, modulates basal and UV-induced gene expressions in human skin in vivo
“Interestingly, we observed that H(H2O)m application to human skin prevented UV-induced erythema and DNA damage. These results demonstrated that local application of H(H2O)m may prevent UV-induced skin inflammation and can modulate intrinsic skin aging and photo-aging processes.”
Hydrogen protects rats from dermatitis caused by local radiation
“Hydrogen significantly reduced the severity of dermatitis, accelerated tissue recovery, and reduced the extent of radiation-induced weight loss in rats after a single dose of 15 or 20 Gy but not 25 Gy of radiation. Hydrogen was also protective from cumulative doses of 30 Gy delivered in three fractions, respectively. Hydrogen also protect HaCaT cells from radiation-induced injury, it could significantly inhibit ionizing injury.”
Protective effect of inhalation of hydrogen gas on radiation-induced dermatitis and skin injury in rats
“The effect of inhalation of hydrogen-containing gas (1.3% hydrogen + 20.8% oxygen + 77.9% nitrogen) (HCG) on radiation-induced dermatitis and on the healing of healing-impaired skin wounds in rats was examined using a rat model of radiation-induced skin injury. X-irradiation significantly increased the time required for wound healing, but the inhalation of HCG prior to the irradiation significantly decreased the delay in wound healing compared with the control and post-inhalation of HCG groups. Therefore, radiation-induced skin injury can potentially be alleviated by the pre-inhalation of HCG.”
Hydrogen-rich water intake accelerates oral palatal wound healing via activation of the Nrf2/antioxidant defense pathways in a rat model
“As molecular hydrogen upregulated the Nrf2 pathway, systemic oxidative stresses were decreased by the activation of antioxidant activity. Furthermore, hydrogen-rich water intake reduced proinflammatory cytokine levels and promoted the expression of healing-associated factors in rat palatal tissue. The results of this study support the hypothesis that oral administration of hydrogen-rich water benefits the wound healing process by decreasing oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.”
Sleep
Hydrogen vs. Caffeine for Improved Alertness in Sleep-Deprived Humans
“In this randomized controlled cross-over pilot trial, we compared acute effects of single-dose hydrogen-rich water (HRW) and caffeine on estimates by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for alertness and on Attention Network Test (ANT) subscales in 23 young healthy men and women (21.6 ± 1.3 years) who were sleep-deprived for 24 hours. Caffeine induced a significant increase in VAS-estimated alertness (1.6 points, P = 0.01); HRW also increased VAS alertness for 1.7 points on average (P = 0.003). Both caffeine and HRW acutely affected markers of alertness in young sleep-deprived men and women. Caffeine induced a significant drop in alerting (19.9%, P = 0.01) and executive control in a 15-min follow up (7.3%, P = 0.03), while HRW caused a significant reduction in the orientation at post-administration (2.4%, P = 0.05). However, no differences were found between interventions (treatment vs. time interaction) for all evaluated outcomes of alertness (P > 0.05), with the effects similar among interventions. HRW displayed no side effects and, therefore, might be advanced as a safe and effective alternative to caffeine for sleep deprivation, although more studies are needed to corroborate and expand these preliminary findings.”
DOI: 10.1007/s11062-020-09852-7
Stroke
Hydrogen Gas Inhalation Treatment in Acute Cerebral Infarction: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Study on Safety and Neuroprotection
“H2 treatment was safe and effective in patients with acute cerebral infarction. These results suggested a potential for widespread and general application of H2 gas.”
Ono, H., Nishijima, Y., Ohta, S., Sakamoto, M., Kinone, K., Horikosi, T., . . . Takanami, H. (2017). Hydrogen Gas Inhalation Treatment in Acute Cerebral Infarction: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Study on Safety and Neuroprotection. Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases,26(11), 2587-2594. doi:10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2017.06.012
Stroke
Hydrogen inhalation ameliorated mast cell-mediated brain injury after intracerebral hemorrhage in mice
“Activation of mast cells following intracerebral hemorrhage contributed to increase of blood-brain barrier permeability and brain edema. Hydrogen inhalation preserved blood-brain barrier disruption by prevention of mast cell activation after intracerebral hemorrhage.”
Recent progress toward hydrogen medicine: Potential of molecular hydrogen for preventative and therapeutic applications
“H2 prevented the decline of the mitochondrial membrane potential. This suggested that H2 protected mitochondria from OH. Along with this protective effect, H2 also prevented a decrease in the cellular level of ATP synthesized in mitochondria. The fact that H2 protected mitochondria and nuclear DNA provided evidence that H2 penetrated most membranes and diffused into organelles.”
Molecular hydrogen as an emerging therapeutic medical gas for neurodegenerative and other diseases
“Effects of molecular hydrogen on various diseases have been documented for 63 disease models and human diseases in the past four and a half years. Six human diseases have been studied to date: diabetes mellitus type 2, metabolic syndrome, hemodialysis, inflammatory and mitochondrial myopathies, brain stem infarction, and radiation-induced adverse effects.”
Beneficial biological effects and the underlying mechanisms of molecular hydrogen - comprehensive review of 321 original articles
“A total of 321 original articles have been published from 2007 to June 2015. Most studies have been conducted in Japan, China, and the USA. The effects have been reported in essentially all organs covering 31 disease categories that can be subdivided into 166 disease models, human diseases, treatment-associated pathologies, and pathophysiological conditions of plants with a predominance of oxidative stress-mediated diseases and inflammatory diseases.”
Molecular hydrogen: An overview of its neurobiological effects and therapeutic potential for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia
“Hydrogen gas is a bioactive molecule that has a diversity of effects, including anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. Therefore, it is hypothesized that administration of hydrogen molecule may have potential as a novel therapy for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other concurrent disorders characterized by oxidative, inflammatory and apoptotic dysregulation.”
Improved brain MRI indices in the acute brain stem infarct sites treated with hydroxyl radical scavengers, Edaravone and hydrogen, as compared to Edaravone alone. A non-controlled study
“Administration of hydroxyl radical scavengers in acute stage of brainstem infarction improved MRI indices against the natural course. The effects were more obvious and significant in the EH group. These findings may imply the need for more frequent daily administration of hydroxyl scavenger, or possible additional hydrogen effects on scavenger mechanisms.”
Hydrogen improves neurological function through attenuation of blood–brain barrier disruption in spontaneously hypertensive stroke-prone rats
“This study suggests that ingestion of hydrogen-rich water can improve neurological function due to its ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and neutralize reactive oxygen species.”
Vision
The potential utilizations of hydrogen as a promising therapeutic strategy against ocular diseases
“Hydrogen can modulate several biological functions, and exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The ability of hydrogen to neutralize free radicals, especially the hydroxyl radicals as well as other detrimental ROS, can be utilized to treat or prevent ocular disorders related to oxidative stress.”
Hydrogen-rich saline as an innovative therapy for cataract: A hypothesis
“Cataract is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Increasing evidence indicates that oxidative stress is an important risk factor contributing to the development of cataract. Consequently, we speculate that hydrogen might be an effective antioxidant to protect against lens damage, and it is important to further explore the biological mechanism underlying its potential therapeutic effects.”
Hydrogen-rich saline ameliorates the retina against light-induced damage in rats
“Peritoneal injection of hydrogen-rich saline provides protection and treatment against light-induced retinal degeneration in rats.”