Hydrogen Plus Oxygen Therapy and Organ Damage in Mice
Combination therapy of molecular hydrogen and hyperoxia improves survival rate and organ damage in a zymosan-induced generalized inflammation model
Research hubs: Respiratory System · Cardiovascular System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (mouse)
- Authors
- Yunchuan Hong, L.I. Sun, Ruiqiang Sun, Hongguang Chen, Yonghao Yu, Ke-Liang Xie
- Journal
- Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine
- Year
- 2016
- PMID
- 27284352
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Delivery
- Gas
- Dose
- 2% H2 inhalation for 14 days
- H₂ concentration
- 2% H2 gas
- Duration
- 2 weeks
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 15 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Treating mice with a mix of hydrogen gas and high oxygen levels greatly improved their survival and reduced organ damage caused by severe inflammation.
Key Finding
Combination therapy of hydrogen gas and high-oxygen treatment achieved 100% survival in mice with severe inflammation, compared to 60-70% survival with either treatment alone, and significantly reduced organ damage.
Summary
Researchers tested whether combining hydrogen gas with high-oxygen therapy could protect organs in mice with severe inflammation. When mice received either treatment alone, survival improved to 60-70%, but when both treatments were combined, all mice survived. The combination therapy also reduced damage to the lungs, liver, and kidneys by lowering harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species and reducing inflammatory chemicals in the blood.
Practical Takeaway
This early evidence from mice suggests that hydrogen gas may work synergistically with oxygen therapy to protect organs during severe inflammation. However, this is a mouse study only, and it remains unclear whether these results would translate to humans with critical illness. Much more research, including human trials, would be needed before this combination approach could be considered for clinical use.
Abstract (excerpt)
Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is a leading cause of mortality in critically ill patients. Hyperoxia treatment may be beneficial to critically ill patients. However, the clinical use of hyperoxia is hindered as it may exacerbate organ injury by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS)…