Hydrogen Gas Improves Donor Lung Quality Before Transplantation
Comparing Gas and Inhaled Pharmacologic Interventions During Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion: A Systematic Review
Research hubs: Cardiovascular System
- Authors
- Maira Machhiwala, Ryaan El-Andari, Parham Hassanzadeh, Adrien Lam, Daniel Gutierrez, Darren H Freed, Jayan Nagendran
- Journal
- Transplantation Direct
- Year
- 2026
- DOI
- 10.1097/TXD.0000000000002012
- Study Type
- clinical
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- Canada
- Health Condition
- Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
- Body System
- Pulmonary
TL;DR
Scientists found that pumping special gases — like carbon monoxide and hydrogen — through donor lungs before transplant helps keep them healthier and working better. This could mean more donor lungs are usable for transplant, which is a big deal for patients waiting for a new lung.
Key Finding
Hydrogen gas and carbon monoxide showed protective effects on donor lungs that persisted after transplantation, suggesting delayed or longer-lasting benefits compared to other inhaled interventions tested during ex vivo lung perfusion.
Summary
This systematic review (a study that analyzes many previous studies together) looked at different gases and inhaled treatments used during ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) — a process where donated lungs are kept alive and evaluated outside the body before transplant. Researchers wanted to find which inhaled treatments best protected lungs from damage during this process. Among several options tested across the reviewed studies, hydrogen gas and carbon monoxide stood out because their protective effects appeared after the lung was transplanted, not just during the preservation period.
Practical Takeaway
This review is focused on organ transplantation science, not consumer hydrogen water use, so it has no direct practical application for people drinking hydrogen water. However, it adds to early evidence suggesting hydrogen may help reduce injury caused by inflammation and oxygen-related stress in biological tissue. The findings are from laboratory and animal studies compiled in a review, so no conclusions about human health benefits should be drawn from this research alone.
Abstract (excerpt)
Background: Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) has expanded the use of donor lungs by enabling ex vivo assessment, preservation, and rehabilitation before transplantation. Despite these advances, ischemia-reperfusion injury, inflammatory activation, pulmonary edema, and impaired lung mechanics continue…