Hydrogen Gas Protects Kidneys from Sepsis Damage in Mice
High concentration hydrogen attenuates sepsis-induced acute kidney injury by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis and fusion
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (mouse)
- Authors
- Shuaijie Pei, Lina Zheng, Zhigang Tian, Shuqi Meng, Zhiwei Wang, Yan Fan, Jianfeng Liu, Yan Cui, Keliang Xie
- Journal
- International Immunopharmacology
- Year
- 2024
- PMID
- 39433013
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Delivery
- Gas
- H₂ concentration
- high concentration
- Duration
- 1 weeks
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 10 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Breathing in high levels of hydrogen gas helps mice with sepsis survive longer and protects their kidneys by reducing inflammation and improving mitochondrial function.
Key Finding
In septic mice with acute kidney injury, inhaling high-concentration hydrogen improved kidney function, reduced inflammatory markers, and increased 7-day survival rates by promoting healthy mitochondrial function and reducing cellular damage.
Summary
This study tested whether inhaling high-concentration hydrogen gas could help mice with sepsis (a severe infection condition) that had developed acute kidney injury (rapid loss of kidney function). Researchers found that hydrogen inhalation improved kidney function, reduced inflammatory markers, boosted the kidney's natural antioxidant defenses, and increased survival rates. The beneficial effects appeared to work by improving how mitochondria (the energy-producing structures inside cells) function and communicate within kidney cells.
Practical Takeaway
While this mouse study suggests hydrogen gas inhalation may help protect kidneys during severe infection, these results cannot yet be applied to humans. The study was conducted only in animals, and no human trials have been completed. Much more research, including human clinical trials, would be needed before hydrogen therapy could be considered a treatment for sepsis-related kidney injury in patients.
Abstract (excerpt)
Sepsis is a major cause of mortality among critical patients. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is the common complication in patients with sepsis, characterized by rapid deterioration of renal function. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of inhaling high concentration hydrogen on septic…