High-Dose Hydrogen Gas Protects Lungs from Sepsis Damage in Mice
- Authors
- Nan Zhao, Ruiqiang Sun, Yan Cui, Yu Song, Wanjie Ma, Yingning Li, Jing Liang, Guolin Wang, Yonghao Yu, Jiange Han, Keliang Xie
- Journal
- Journal of Personalized Medicine
- Year
- 2023
- DOI
- 10.3390/jpm13020244
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Sepsis
- Body System
- Respiratory
TL;DR
Breathing in high levels of hydrogen gas can help mice with sepsis survive longer and suffer less damage to their lungs, liver, and kidneys.
Key Finding
Mice with sepsis that inhaled 67% hydrogen gas had significantly improved survival rates and reduced acute lung injury compared to untreated septic mice, with the protective effect linked to reduced oxidative stress and improved mitochondrial function.
Summary
Researchers tested whether breathing high-concentration hydrogen gas could help mice recover from sepsis (a life-threatening infection response). Mice with severe sepsis that inhaled 67% hydrogen gas showed better survival rates, less lung damage, and improvements in liver and kidney function compared to untreated mice. The hydrogen appeared to work by reducing harmful molecules called oxidation products, decreasing inflammatory chemicals, and improving the function of mitochondria (the energy-producing structures inside cells).
Practical Takeaway
This is an early-stage animal study showing that high-concentration hydrogen inhalation may help protect lung tissue during severe infection in mice. However, these results are from mice only and have not been tested in humans, so it is unknown whether similar benefits would occur in people with sepsis. Much more research would be needed before hydrogen could be considered a treatment for sepsis in humans.
Abstract (excerpt)
Background: Multiple organ failure (MOF) is the main cause of early death in septic shock. Lungs are among the organs that are affected in MOF, resulting in acute lung injury. A large number of inflammatory factors and stress injury in sepsis can lead to alterations in mitochondrial dynamics…