Hydrogen Gas Blocks Harmful Immune Cell Traps That Cause Inflammation
H2 Inhibits the Formation of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps
Research hubs: Immune System · Cardiovascular System
- Authors
- Kohsuke Shirakawa, Eiji Kobayashi, Genki Ichihara, Hiroki Kitakata, Yoshinori Katsumata, Kazuhisa Sugai, Yoji Hakamata, Motoaki Sano
- Journal
- JACC: Basic to Translational Science
- Year
- 2022
- PMID
- 35257042
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Delivery
- Gas
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 43 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- Japan
TL;DR
Hydrogen gas (H2) can reduce harmful immune cell responses that contribute to inflammation in diseases, potentially offering a new treatment approach.
Key Finding
Hydrogen gas inhibited neutrophil extracellular trap formation in human cells and animal models of sepsis more effectively than conventional antioxidants like vitamin C, using two distinct mechanisms to suppress excessive immune activation.
Summary
This study examined whether hydrogen gas (H2) could prevent the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs)—web-like structures that immune cells release and which contribute to inflammation in diseases like infections and heart disease. Researchers exposed human immune cells and animal models to hydrogen gas and found that it reduced NET formation more effectively than standard antioxidants, working through two different mechanisms to calm down overactive immune responses.
Practical Takeaway
While these results are promising, this research was conducted in laboratory cells and animal models (mice and pigs), not in humans. Early evidence suggests hydrogen gas may help control excessive immune responses, but human studies would be needed to determine whether hydrogen water or inhalation could provide similar benefits for people with inflammatory or infectious diseases.
Abstract (excerpt)
Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) contribute to inflammatory pathogenesis in numerous conditions, including infectious and cardiovascular diseases, and have attracted attention as potential therapeutic targets. H2 acts as an antioxidant and has been clinically and experimentally proven…