Hydrogen Gas Protects Gut from Severe Infection Damage in Mice
Hydrogen Gas Alleviates the Intestinal Injury Caused by Severe Sepsis in Mice by Increasing the Expression of Heme Oxygenase-1
Research hubs: Immune System · Cardiovascular System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (mouse)
- Authors
- Yuan Li, Qi Li, Hongguang Chen, Tao Wang, Lingling Liu, Guolin Wang, Keliang Xie, Yong-Hao Yu
- Journal
- Shock
- Year
- 2015
- PMID
- 25895145
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Delivery
- Gas
- Dose
- 2% H2 inhalation for 1 hour at 1 hour and 6 hours after CLP
- H₂ concentration
- 2% H2 gas
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 35 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Inhaling hydrogen gas reduces organ damage in mice with severe sepsis by influencing protective proteins in the body.
Key Finding
Inhaled hydrogen gas reduced intestinal injury and cell death in mice with severe sepsis by increasing levels of a protective protein (heme oxygenase-1), and blocking this protein eliminated hydrogen's protective effects.
Summary
This mouse study tested whether inhaled hydrogen gas could protect the intestines from damage caused by severe sepsis (a life-threatening infection). Researchers induced sepsis in mice and gave some of them hydrogen gas to breathe. Hydrogen gas reduced intestinal damage, lowered markers of inflammation and cell death, and worked by increasing production of a protective protein called heme oxygenase-1 in the intestines.
Practical Takeaway
This early-stage animal study suggests hydrogen gas may help protect organs during severe sepsis, but it was conducted only in mice and used a specific inhalation protocol. Much more research, including human trials, would be needed before hydrogen could be considered a treatment for sepsis in people.
Abstract (excerpt)
Hydrogen gas (H2) has antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects and may have beneficial effects in severe sepsis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanisms underlying these protective effects. Male Institute for Cancer Research mice were randomized into 6 groups…