Hydrogen Gas Helps Reduce Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms in Mice

Authors
Journal
Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine
Year
DOI
10.3892/etm.2018.6880
Study Type
Mouse
Outcome
Positive
Peer Reviewed
Yes
Country
China
Health Condition
Allergic Rhinitis
Body System
Respiratory

TL;DR

Breathing in high levels of molecular hydrogen (H2) gas can reduce symptoms and inflammation in mice with allergic rhinitis (hay fever).

Key Finding

Hydrogen gas inhalation reduced nasal inflammation and lowered pro-inflammatory markers (IL-5, IL-13, and MCP-1) in mice with allergic rhinitis in a dose-dependent manner.

Summary

Researchers tested whether breathing hydrogen gas could help treat allergic rhinitis (a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the nasal passages) in mice. They created an allergic rhinitis model in mice and then exposed some to hydrogen gas at different frequencies and amounts. Hydrogen gas inhalation reduced inflammation in the nasal tissue, lowered levels of inflammatory chemicals in the blood, and improved weight changes in both healthy and allergic mice in a dose-dependent way (meaning higher doses had stronger effects).

Practical Takeaway

This early mouse study suggests hydrogen gas inhalation may have anti-inflammatory effects relevant to allergic rhinitis, but these results cannot yet be applied to humans. Further research in human subjects would be needed to determine whether hydrogen gas could be a useful treatment for allergic rhinitis in people.

Abstract (excerpt)

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common chronic inflammatory condition. It has been previously indicated that oxidative stress may contribute to allergic inflammation, including AR. Although molecular hydrogen (H2), an antioxidative agent, has been effective in treatment of numerous oxidative…

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