Hydrogen Gas Reduces Fatty Liver Disease in Metabolic Syndrome Study
- Authors
- Boyan Liu, Junli Xue, Mengyu Zhang, Mingyue Wang, Tingting Ma, Min Zhao, Qianqian Gu, Shu-Cun Qin
- Journal
- Molecular Medicine Reports
- Year
- 2020
- DOI
- 10.3892/mmr.2020.11364
- Study Type
- Rat
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
- Body System
- Hepatic
TL;DR
Breathing in hydrogen gas can help reduce the symptoms of fatty liver disease caused by a high-fat and sugar diet in rats.
Key Finding
Hydrogen gas inhalation reduced liver fat accumulation and improved metabolic markers in rats with diet-induced fatty liver disease, with stronger effects at higher hydrogen concentrations.
Summary
Researchers gave rats a high-fat, high-sugar diet to create fatty liver disease, then had some rats breathe in hydrogen gas while others breathed regular air for 10 weeks. Rats that inhaled hydrogen gained less weight, had lower blood sugar levels, and developed less fat buildup in their livers compared to rats breathing regular air. The protective effect increased with higher hydrogen concentrations, suggesting a dose-dependent relationship.
Practical Takeaway
This is an early-stage animal study showing hydrogen inhalation may help protect against fatty liver disease in rats. However, results from animal models do not automatically translate to humans, and this study does not tell us whether hydrogen would be effective or safe for people with fatty liver disease. Human clinical trials would be needed before drawing any conclusions about potential health benefits.
Abstract (excerpt)
Hydrogen exhibits therapeutic and preventive effects against various diseases. The present study investigated the potential protective effect and dose‑dependent manner of hydrogen inhalation on high fat and fructose diet (HFFD)‑induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Sprague‑Dawley…