Hydrogen Gas Plus Oxygen Therapy in Sepsis Model in Mice
Combination therapy with molecular hydrogen and hyperoxia in a murine model of polymicrobial sepsis
Research hubs: Immune System · Respiratory System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (mouse)
- Authors
- Ke-Liang Xie, Wenzheng Fu, Weibin Xing, Ailin Li, Hongguang Chen, Huanzhi Han, Yonghao Yu, Guo-Lin Wang
- Journal
- Shock
- Year
- 2012
- PMID
- 23160520
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Delivery
- Gas
- Dose
- 2% H2 inhalation
- H₂ concentration
- 2% H2 gas
- Duration
- 2 weeks
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 46 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Treating septic mice with a combination of molecular hydrogen and high levels of oxygen greatly improved their survival and reduced organ damage through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Key Finding
In mice with moderate sepsis, combination therapy with hydrogen gas and high-oxygen achieved 100% survival at 14 days, compared to 80% with hydrogen alone and 70% with high oxygen alone.
Summary
Researchers tested whether combining molecular hydrogen gas with high-oxygen therapy could help treat sepsis (a life-threatening infection response) in mice. They created sepsis in mice and gave them either hydrogen gas alone, high oxygen alone, or both together. Mice receiving both treatments together survived better and had less damage to their lungs, liver, and kidneys compared to either treatment alone, likely because the combination reduced harmful molecules called free radicals and decreased inflammation.
Practical Takeaway
This is early-stage research in mice only, so results cannot yet be applied to human sepsis treatment. The findings suggest that hydrogen gas combined with oxygen therapy may have promise for protecting organs during severe infection, but clinical trials in humans would be needed to determine if this approach is safe and effective for sepsis patients.
Abstract (excerpt)
Sepsis is the most common cause of death in intensive care units. Some studies have found that hyperoxia may be beneficial to sepsis. However, the clinical use of hyperoxia is hindered by concerns that it could exacerbate organ injury by increasing free radical formation. Recently, it has been…