Hydrogen Gas Protects Lungs from Sepsis Damage in Mice Study
Hydrogen gas reduces HMGB1 release in lung tissues of septic mice in an Nrf2/HO-1-dependent pathway
Research hubs: Respiratory System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (mouse)
- Authors
- Yang Yu, Yongyan Yang, Man Yang, Chunyan Wang, Keliang Xie, Yong-Hao Yu
- Journal
- International Immunopharmacology
- Year
- 2019
- PMID
- 30660872
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Delivery
- Gas
- Dose
- 2% H2 gas inhalation for 60 min at 1 h and 6 h after surgery
- H₂ concentration
- 2% H2 gas
- Duration
- 1 weeks
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 81 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Breathing in 2% hydrogen gas helps mice survive and reduces lung damage from sepsis by affecting certain protective and harmful molecules, but this benefit depends on a specific gene called Nrf2.
Key Finding
Hydrogen gas inhalation improved survival rates and reduced lung injury in septic mice by activating a protein called Nrf2, which then boosted antioxidant defenses and reduced harmful inflammatory molecules.
Summary
Researchers tested whether inhaling hydrogen gas could protect the lungs of mice with sepsis (a life-threatening infection). They found that mice receiving hydrogen gas treatment had better survival rates, less lung swelling, and lower levels of harmful inflammatory molecules. The protective effect depended on a specific protein called Nrf2, which hydrogen gas activated to trigger the body's natural defense systems.
Practical Takeaway
This is an early-stage animal study showing hydrogen gas may help protect lungs during severe infection, but results from mouse models do not automatically translate to humans. Much more research, including human trials, would be needed before hydrogen gas could be considered a sepsis treatment. The study's reliance on a specific molecular pathway (Nrf2) also suggests effects may vary between individuals.
Abstract (excerpt)
Background: Lung injury is a vital contributor of mortality in septic patients. Our previous studies have found that molecular hydrogen (H2), which has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptosis effects, had a therapeutic effect on a septic animal model through increasing expression…