Hydrogen Gas Protects Brain Function During Sepsis in Mice Study
High-concentration hydrogen inhalation mitigates sepsis-associated encephalopathy in mice by improving mitochondrial dynamics
Research hubs: Brain & Nervous System · Immune System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (mouse)
- Authors
- Yan Cui, Shuqi Meng, Nannan Zhang, Jingya Liu, Lina Zheng, Wanjie Ma, Yu Song, Zhiwei Wang, Yuehao Shen, Jianfeng Liu, Keliang Xie
- Journal
- CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics
- Year
- 2024
- PMID
- 39258790
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Delivery
- Gas
- Dose
- 67% H2 inhalation for 1 hour at 1 and 6 hours post-surgery
- H₂ concentration
- 67% H2 gas
- Duration
- 1 weeks
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 20 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Breathing in a high concentration of hydrogen gas helps mice with sepsis-related brain damage survive longer and remember better by improving the health of their brain cell powerhouses.
Key Finding
Mice with sepsis that inhaled 67% hydrogen gas showed improved survival rates and better cognitive function, with evidence of restored mitochondrial health and reduced brain inflammation.
Summary
This study tested whether inhaling high-concentration hydrogen gas (67%) could protect the brains of mice with sepsis (a severe infection). Researchers found that mice given hydrogen inhalation had better survival rates, improved memory function, and showed signs of healthier brain cells. The protective effect appeared to work by improving how mitochondria (the energy-producing parts of cells) function and reducing harmful inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain.
Practical Takeaway
This is an early-stage animal study suggesting hydrogen gas inhalation may protect brain function during severe infections by improving cellular energy production. However, this research was conducted only in mice, and much more work—including human studies—would be needed before any conclusions could be drawn about hydrogen's usefulness for sepsis patients.
Abstract (excerpt)
Abstract Background Sepsis‐associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a neuronal injury with poor prognosis. Mitochondrial dysfunction is critical in SAE development, and hydrogen gas (H 2 ) has a protective effect on septic mice. This study aimed to investigate the effect of high concentration (67%) of H…