Hydrogen Water Reduces Psoriasis Inflammation in Mouse Study
- Authors
- Yubing Wu, Xiaoyu Wang, Yunqing Sun, Yuanyuan Duan, Min Zhang, Hong Sang, Pan Yu, Qingtao Kong
- Journal
- Clinical and Experimental Immunology
- Year
- 2026
- DOI
- 10.1093/cei/uxaf081
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Psoriasis
- Body System
- Integumentary
TL;DR
Hydrogen reduced psoriasis severity by slowing excessive skin cell growth and lowering inflammation and oxidative stress.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-rich water suppressed psoriasis-like skin inflammation in mice by blocking the cGAS-STING signaling pathway and reducing reactive oxygen species and inflammatory cytokines.
Summary
Researchers used mice with psoriasis-like skin inflammation to study how hydrogen-rich water might help treat the condition. They found that hydrogen reduced skin inflammation by blocking a specific cellular signaling pathway (called cGAS-STING) that was overactive in psoriasis, while also decreasing harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species and inflammatory chemicals. The treatment also slowed the excessive growth of skin cells that characterizes psoriasis.
Practical Takeaway
This mouse study provides early evidence that hydrogen water may work against psoriasis through a specific cellular mechanism, but human studies are needed to confirm whether these results apply to people. The findings are promising but preliminary, and anyone with psoriasis should consult their doctor before considering hydrogen water as a treatment.
Abstract
Psoriasis is a chronic disease caused by abnormal immune system response, which is characterized by excessive keratinocyte proliferation and the activation of cytokine signaling pathways. In a previous study, we demonstrated in a psoriasis mouse model that hydrogen-rich water, an effective reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, significantly improves disease severity. However, the precise molecular mechanism by which hydrogen helps in psoriasis treatment remains inadequately understood. This study assessed the role of hydrogen in suppressing keratinocyte hyperproliferation. We observed that the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase-stimulator of interferon gene signaling was activated in psoriasis-like skin inflammation, which was dramatically inhibited by hydrogen treatment both in vitro and in vivo. Consistently, hydrogen decreased proliferative marker expression, including BCL2, BAX, and Ki-67, and significantly reduced ROS and inflammatory cytokines production. Our study suggests that molecular hydrogen could function as a potential treatment for psoriasis.