Hydrogen Gas Reduces Brain Damage After Head Injury in Rats
- Authors
- Qing-Hui Zhao, Fei Xie, Da-Zhi Guo, Fang-Di Ju, Jin He, Ting-Ting Yao, Peng-Xiang Zhao, Shu-Yi Pan, Xue-Mei Ma
- Journal
- Brain Research
- Year
- 2020
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.147053
- Study Type
- Rat
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Body System
- Nervous System
TL;DR
Breathing in a 4% hydrogen mixture right after a traumatic brain injury can significantly help protect the brain and reduce damage.
Key Finding
Inhaling 4% hydrogen gas during the first 24 hours after traumatic brain injury reduced brain inflammation, decreased neuronal damage, and lowered pro-inflammatory markers in rats.
Summary
This rat study examined whether breathing hydrogen gas after a traumatic brain injury could reduce brain damage. Rats that inhaled 4% hydrogen gas during the first day after injury showed less inflammation in the brain, fewer damaged nerve cells, and lower levels of inflammatory chemicals compared to injured rats that did not receive hydrogen. The researchers concluded that hydrogen inhalation may protect the brain by reducing the activation of immune cells called microglia that contribute to brain inflammation.
Practical Takeaway
This is an early-stage animal study showing hydrogen inhalation may have neuroprotective potential for traumatic brain injury, but results cannot yet be applied to humans. The study does not include human trials, so it remains unclear whether these benefits would translate to people or what the optimal dosing and timing would be in clinical practice.
Abstract (excerpt)
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of mortality and disability worldwide. To date, therapies to treat any forms of TBI are still limited. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential neuroprotective effects of molecular hydrogen on TBI. Although it has been demonstrated that hydrogen…