Hydrogen Protects Cells from Damage by Activating Key Survival Pathways
Hydrogen-rich medium protects mouse embryonic fibroblasts from oxidative stress by activating LKB1-AMPK-FoxO1 signal pathway
Research hubs: Oxidative Stress
This research was done on cells or tissue in a lab, not in people or animals.
- Evidence type
- Laboratory study (cells or tissue)
- Authors
- Jihyun Lee, Goowon Yang, Young-Joo Kim, Quynh Hoa Tran, Wonchae Choe, Insug Kang, Sung Soo Kim, Joohun Ha
- Journal
- Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
- Year
- 2017
- PMID
- 28743498
- Study Type
- Cell Culture
- Delivery
- Medium (Dissolved)
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 18 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- South Korea
TL;DR
Molecular hydrogen (H2) can act as an antioxidant and protect cells by activating a specific energy-regulating pathway without depleting energy stores.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-rich medium activated a cellular signaling pathway (LKB1-AMPK-FoxO1) that enhanced cells' natural antioxidant defenses and protected them from oxidative stress-induced damage.
Summary
Researchers exposed mouse embryonic fibroblasts (immature mouse cells) to hydrogen-rich medium and found that it protected the cells from oxidative stress (damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals). The protection worked by activating a cellular signaling pathway called LKB1-AMPK-FoxO1, which boosted the cells' natural antioxidant defenses and prevented cell death. This suggests hydrogen may work not just by directly neutralizing free radicals, but by triggering the cells' own protective mechanisms.
Practical Takeaway
This is a laboratory study in mouse cells only, so it does not directly demonstrate effects in humans. While the findings suggest hydrogen may work through cellular signaling pathways rather than simple free radical scavenging, much more research—including human studies—would be needed to determine whether hydrogen water could have similar protective effects in people.
Abstract (excerpt)
Persistent oxidative stress is recognized as a major cause of many pathological conditions as well as ageing. However, most clinical trials of dietary antioxidants have failed to produce successful outcomes in treating oxidative stress-induced diseases. Molecular hydrogen (H2) has recently received…