Hydrogen Therapy Shows Promise for Heart Disease Treatment
- Authors
- Wanrong Wang, Fusen Yang, Biao Geng, Hui Song, Yue Gao, Jingfei Shi, Gang Wang Chao Cui
- Journal
- Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
- Year
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.1007/s11010-025-05439-0
- Study Type
- clinical
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Body System
- Cardiovascular
TL;DR
Scientists found that hydrogen gas might help treat heart disease by reducing harmful molecules in your body called free radicals, which damage your heart. What makes this special is that hydrogen works differently than other antioxidants doctors currently use, and it could eventually lead to personalized treatments tailored to each patient's specific heart problems.
Key Finding
Hydrogen gas may help treat cardiovascular disease through multiple mechanisms: selectively removing harmful reactive oxygen species, activating protective cellular pathways (Nrf2-Keap1, AMPK/mTOR, JAK-STAT), and reducing inflammation—effects that differ from traditional antioxidants.
Summary
This review article examines how hydrogen gas (H2) might help treat heart and blood vessel diseases by reducing harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage cells. The researchers analyzed multiple studies showing that hydrogen works through several biological pathways to restore balance in cells' oxidative stress (the damage caused by ROS), and also has anti-inflammatory effects. The authors propose a framework called 'precision hydrogen medicine' to guide future personalized treatment approaches for cardiovascular disease.
Practical Takeaway
This is a review of existing research rather than a new study with human participants, so it summarizes what laboratory and animal studies suggest about hydrogen's potential mechanisms. While the proposed mechanisms are scientifically plausible, actual clinical benefits in humans remain unproven. Anyone interested in hydrogen water for cardiovascular health should note that this review does not provide evidence from human trials, and more research in people is needed before drawing conclusions about real-world effectiveness.
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are among the leading causes of death worldwide, and their pathogenesis is closely associated with the imbalance of the oxidative stress microenvironment. Hydrogen (H2) has attracted attention in the field of CVDs treatment due to its property of selectively scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and regulating redox homeostasis. This article systematically reviews the multi-level regulatory mechanisms of H2 in CVDs, including the activation of the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway, the regulation of AMPK/mTOR and JAK-STAT networks, as well as the inhibition of key pathways such as miR-124-3p-calpain, NOX4/NLRP3, Wnt/CX3CR1, and LOX-1/NF-κB, thereby participating in the remodeling of cellular redox balance. In addition to scavenging ROS, H2 also exhibits certain anti-inflammatory effects, differing functionally from traditional antioxidants. This article explores the role of H2 in reconstructing oxidative stress regulation, analyzes the heterogeneity of the oxidative stress microenvironment in CVDs, and provides a basis for its therapeutic potential. Integrating preclinical research and translational medicine evidence, this article proposes a "precision H2 medicine" framework, aiming to provide theoretical references for targeted therapy of CVDs and explore potential pathways for precision treatment.