Hydrogen Gas Inhalation May Protect Brain During Sepsis in Mice
Hydrogen alleviates sepsis-associated encephalopathy via ATG9B-dependent mitophagy
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
- Xiaoli Yu, Xiaofan Huang, Yu Song, Jianfeng Liu, Fei Huang, Jiatian Cui, Keliang Xie, Yan Cui
- Journal
- Molecular Medicine
- Year
- 2026
- PMID
- 42432483
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Delivery
- Gas
- Dose
- 2% H2 inhalation
- H₂ concentration
- 2% H2 gas
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 0 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Hydrogen inhalation improved survival and cognition in septic mice by enhancing ATG9B-dependent clearance of damaged mitochondria.
Key Finding
Mice with sepsis-induced brain injury that received hydrogen gas inhalation showed a 75% survival rate compared to 40% in untreated mice, along with reduced brain inflammation and preserved cognitive function.
Summary
This study tested whether inhaled hydrogen gas could protect the brain during sepsis (a life-threatening infection). Researchers induced sepsis in mice and gave some of them hydrogen gas to breathe. They found that hydrogen improved survival rates, reduced brain inflammation, and prevented cognitive problems. The study identified that hydrogen works by activating a cellular cleanup process called mitophagy (where cells remove damaged energy-producing structures called mitochondria), which protects brain cells from dying.
Practical Takeaway
While this is an early-stage animal study showing hydrogen gas may protect brain function during severe infection, it does not yet demonstrate whether these effects occur in humans. The findings suggest a potential mechanism worth investigating further, but much more research—including human trials—would be needed before hydrogen inhalation could be considered a treatment for sepsis-related cognitive problems.
Abstract (excerpt)
Background: Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a severe complication with high mortality and limited therapeutic options. Molecular hydrogen (H₂) has shown neuroprotective potential, but its mechanism remains elusive. Methods: SAE was induced in C57BL/6J mice by cecal ligation and puncture…