Hydrogen and Macrophage Polarization in Necrotizing Enterocolitis Mice
Hydrogen Promotes the M1 Macrophage Conversion During the Polarization of Macrophages in Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Research hubs: Digestive System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (mouse)
- Authors
- Shenghua Yu, ZhiBao Lv, Zhimei Gao, Jingyi Shi, Qingfeng Sheng, Lulu Zheng, Junmei Zhou, Xueli Wang
- Journal
- Frontiers in Pediatrics
- Year
- 2021
- PMID
- 34869093
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Delivery
- Water (Dissolved)
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 16 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Hydrogen gas can reduce the severity of a serious intestinal disease by decreasing inflammation-promoting cells and their activity.
Key Finding
Hydrogen water reduced intestinal inflammation severity in mice with necrotizing enterocolitis by suppressing pro-inflammatory immune cell activity and blocking a key inflammation-signaling protein (NF-κB p65) in the intestinal lining.
Summary
This mouse study investigated how hydrogen water might protect against necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a serious intestinal inflammation in newborns. Researchers found that hydrogen water reduced inflammation by changing how immune cells called macrophages behave—specifically, it reduced pro-inflammatory signals and decreased activity of a protein called NF-κB that triggers inflammation in the intestines.
Practical Takeaway
While this mouse study suggests hydrogen water may have anti-inflammatory effects relevant to intestinal disease, it is a preliminary laboratory finding that has not been tested in humans. The study's results cannot be directly applied to human health without further clinical research. Anyone considering hydrogen water for medical purposes should consult a healthcare provider.
Abstract (excerpt)
Background: Hydrogen is protective against intestinal injury in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), mainly through to alleviate inflammation response. The M1 macrophages can promote inflammation. We hypothesized that hydrogen would promote the M1 macrophages conversion during the polarization…