Hydrogen Gas Protects Lung Cells from Damage and Inflammation
Antioxidant Properties of Hydrogen Gas Attenuates Oxidative Stress in Airway Epithelial Cells
Research hubs: Respiratory System
This research was done on cells or tissue in a lab, not in people or animals.
- Evidence type
- Laboratory study (cells or tissue)
- Authors
- In-Soo You, Subham Sharma, Ailyn Fadriquela, Johny Bajgai, Thuy Trinh Thi, Md. Habibur Rahman, Jaeyong Sung, Hwang-Un Kwon, So-Yeon Lee, Cheol-Su Kim, Kyu-Jae Lee
- Journal
- Molecules
- Year
- 2021
- PMID
- 34770784
- Study Type
- Cell Culture
- Delivery
- Gas
- Dose
- time-dependent administration of 2% H2 gas
- H₂ concentration
- 2% H2 gas
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 25 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- South Korea
TL;DR
Breathing in hydrogen gas can help protect lung cells from damage caused by oxidative stress, which is linked to lung diseases.
Key Finding
Hydrogen gas reduced oxidative stress markers and restored antioxidant enzyme activity in airway cells damaged by hydrogen peroxide and bacterial toxins in laboratory conditions.
Summary
This laboratory study tested whether hydrogen gas could protect airway cells from damage caused by oxidative stress (an imbalance of harmful molecules called free radicals). Researchers exposed human airway cells to chemicals that trigger oxidative stress, then treated them with 2% hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas reduced harmful molecules, restored protective enzymes in the cells, and improved cell survival.
Practical Takeaway
This is early laboratory research in cells, not humans or animals. While the results are promising, they cannot yet tell us whether hydrogen gas would have similar effects in living airways. Human studies would be needed before drawing any conclusions about hydrogen gas as a treatment for airway diseases.
Abstract (excerpt)
Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the development of airway diseases. Recently, hydrogen (H2) gas has been explored for its antioxidant properties. This study investigated the role of H2 gas in oxidative stress-induced alveolar and bronchial airway injury, where A549 and NCI-H292 cells were…