Hydrogen Gas Shows Promise for Protecting Newborn Brain Damage
- Authors
- Yinmon Htun, Shinji Nakamura, Takashi Kusaka
- Journal
- Pediatric Research
- Year
- 2020
- DOI
- 10.1038/s41390-020-0998-z
- Study Type
- clinical
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- Japan
- Health Condition
- Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy
- Body System
- Nervous System
TL;DR
Scientists found that a special gas called hydrogen might help protect babies' brains when they don't get enough oxygen at birth, and it works even better when combined with cooling treatments that doctors already use. This matters because it could be a new way to prevent brain damage in newborns facing this dangerous condition.
Key Finding
Animal studies demonstrate that hydrogen gas shows neuroprotective effects in newborn models of brain injury from oxygen deprivation, with benefits observed both in the short and long term, particularly when combined with therapeutic cooling.
Summary
This review examined research on hydrogen gas as a potential treatment for neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), a serious condition where newborns' brains are damaged due to lack of oxygen and blood flow. Hydrogen gas has antioxidative properties (meaning it can neutralize harmful molecules called free radicals that damage cells). Studies in animals show that hydrogen gas, used alone or combined with cooling therapy (the current standard treatment), may protect brain cells from damage both immediately and long-term.
Practical Takeaway
While this review indicates hydrogen gas has shown promise in animal models of neonatal brain injury and has been verified as safe in studies, it is important to note this is a review of translational research—meaning mostly animal studies—not a completed clinical trial in newborns. Significant additional research is needed to establish safe dosing and optimal use in human infants before hydrogen therapy could become a standard treatment.
Abstract
Numerous studies have examined the potential use of therapeutic gases for the treatment of various neurological disorders. Hydrogen gas, a promising neuroprotective agent, has been a focus of study due to its potent antioxidative properties. In translational research into adult diseases, hydrogen has been shown to be neuroprotective in disorders such as cerebral ischemia and traumatic brain injury, and in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Animal and human studies have verified the safety and feasibility of molecular hydrogen. However, despite extensive research on its efficacy in adults, only a few studies have investigated its application in pediatric and neonatal medicine. Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is characterized by damage to neurons and other cells of the nervous system. One of the major contributing factors is excessive exposure to oxidative stress. Current research interest in HIE is shifting toward new neuroprotective agents, as single agents or as adjuncts to therapeutic hypothermia. Here, we review therapeutic gases, particularly hydrogen, and their potentials and limitations in the treatment of HIE in newborns. IMPACT: Translational animal models of neonatal HIE are a current focus of research into the therapeutic usefulness of various gases. Hydrogen ventilation as a single agent or in combination with therapeutic hypothermia shows short- and long-term neuroprotection in neonatal translational HIE models. The optimal target severity for therapeutic interventions should be well established to improve outcomes.