Hydrogen Gas and Memory Loss from Sepsis in Rats
Chronic molecular hydrogen inhalation mitigates short and long-term memory loss in polymicrobial sepsis
Research hubs: Brain & Nervous System · Immune System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (rat)
- Authors
- Aline A. Jesus, Patrícia Passaglia, Bruna M. Santos, Isabelle Rodrigues-Santos, Rafael A. Flores, Marcelo E. Batalhão, Angelita M. Stabile, Evelin C. Cárnio
- Journal
- Brain Research
- Year
- 2020
- PMID
- 32348775
- Study Type
- Rat
- Delivery
- Gas
- Dose
- chronic H2 inhalation
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 14 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- Brazil
TL;DR
Breathing in hydrogen gas may help prevent memory problems caused by sepsis by reducing brain inflammation.
Key Finding
Chronic hydrogen gas inhalation prevented both short and long-term memory loss in rats with sepsis by reducing brain inflammation and activating protective antioxidant pathways.
Summary
This study tested whether breathing hydrogen gas could help prevent memory problems caused by sepsis (a serious blood infection). Researchers gave rats with sepsis either hydrogen gas or regular air and then tested their memory. They found that rats breathing hydrogen gas had better short and long-term memory compared to rats breathing regular air. The researchers also found that hydrogen gas reduced inflammation in the brain regions responsible for memory.
Practical Takeaway
While this rat study suggests hydrogen inhalation may help protect memory during sepsis, it is important to note this research has not yet been tested in humans. The findings are early-stage and would need to be confirmed in human clinical trials before any therapeutic recommendations could be made for sepsis patients.
Abstract (excerpt)
The central nervous system (CNS) is one of the first physiological systems to be affected in sepsis. During the exacerbated systemic inflammatory response at the early stage of sepsis, circulatory inflammatory mediators are able to reach the CNS leading to neuroinflammation and, consequently…