Hydrogen Gas Prevents Bone Loss in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Study
- Authors
- Gang Wu, Lei Pan, Jing Sun, Guimin Chen, Shaohai Wang
- Journal
- Menopause
- Year
- 2019
- DOI
- 10.1097/GME.0000000000001310
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Osteoporosis
- Body System
- Skeletal
TL;DR
Hydrogen gas (H2) treatment significantly reduced bone loss and inflammation in mice with osteoporosis-like conditions.
Key Finding
Mice that inhaled hydrogen gas had more than 40% higher bone mineral density and trabecular bone volume compared to untreated mice with ovariectomy-induced bone loss, along with 50% lower levels of inflammatory molecules associated with bone breakdown.
Summary
Researchers tested whether hydrogen gas could help prevent bone loss in mice that had their ovaries removed (a model of postmenopausal osteoporosis). They found that mice breathing 60% hydrogen gas had significantly stronger bones and higher bone density than mice breathing regular air, and their levels of inflammatory molecules linked to bone loss were much lower. The hydrogen appeared to work by blocking a cellular pathway (NF-κB) that normally triggers bone-dissolving cells to become active.
Practical Takeaway
This mouse study suggests hydrogen gas may help prevent bone loss related to menopause, but it is early-stage research in animals only. Human studies would be needed to determine whether these results apply to people and whether inhaling hydrogen gas is a practical or safe treatment option for osteoporosis.
Abstract (excerpt)
AbstractObjectives:Osteoporosis is a prevalent condition among postmenopausal women, and lacks satisfactory therapeutic options. Hydrogen (H2) has been shown to be effective in alleviating many diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effects of H2on inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and bone loss…