Hydrogen Gas Reduced Brain Damage After Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Rats
Hydrogen gas protects against delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning in a rat model
Research hubs: Brain & Nervous System · Cardiovascular System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (rat)
- Authors
- Meihua Shen, Yijun Zheng, Kaimin Zhu, Zhonghai Cai, Wenwu Liu, Xuejun Sun, Jiankang Liu, Duming Zhu
- Journal
- Neurological Research
- Year
- 2019
- PMID
- 31679470
- Study Type
- Rat
- Participants
- 36
- Delivery
- Gas
- Dose
- 67% H2 and 33% O2 at 3,000 mL/min for 90 min immediately after CO poisoning
- H₂ concentration
- 67% H2
- Duration
- 9 days
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 13 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Breathing high concentrations of hydrogen gas can significantly reduce brain damage and improve recovery after carbon monoxide poisoning in rats.
Key Finding
High-concentration hydrogen gas (67% H2) significantly reduced neurological damage and oxidative stress markers in rats with delayed brain complications from carbon monoxide poisoning, with effects mediated through activation of the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway.
Summary
This rat study tested whether high-concentration hydrogen gas (67% hydrogen mixed with oxygen) could protect the brain from damage caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. Rats exposed to carbon monoxide showed neurological problems, but those treated with hydrogen gas for 90 minutes after poisoning showed significant improvement in brain function and had lower levels of harmful molecules (oxidative stress markers) in their blood and brain tissue.
Practical Takeaway
While this rat study suggests hydrogen gas may have protective effects against carbon monoxide poisoning complications, it is a preliminary animal study and cannot be directly applied to humans. Any potential clinical use would require human trials to establish safety and effectiveness. This research does not support self-treatment with hydrogen gas for carbon monoxide exposure.
Abstract (excerpt)
Objective: The protective effects of 2%-4% hydrogen gas in delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning (DEACMP) have been previously reported. This study aimed to assess the neuroprotective effects of high concentration hydrogen (HCH) on DEACMP. Methods: A total of 36 male…