Magnesium Implant Delivers Hydrogen Gas in Mice with Arthritis
An In Situ Depot for Continuous Evolution of Gaseous H<sub>2</sub> Mediated by a Magnesium Passivation/Activation Cycle for Treating Osteoarthritis
Research hubs: Musculoskeletal System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (mouse)
- Authors
- Wei-Lin Wan, Yu-Jung Lin, Po-Chien Shih, Yu-Ru Bow, Qinghua Cui, Yen Chang, Wei-Tso Chia, Hsing-Wen Sung
- Journal
- Angewandte Chemie International Edition
- Year
- 2018
- PMID
- 29923670
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Delivery
- Gas (Sustained Release)
- Dose
- Mg@PLGA microparticles intra-muscularly injected close to OA knee
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 82 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- Taiwan
TL;DR
Scientists have developed tiny particles that release hydrogen gas to reduce inflammation and slow down the damage in knee arthritis.
Key Finding
Magnesium-containing microparticles injected near arthritic joints in mice released therapeutic levels of hydrogen gas continuously, reducing inflammation and preventing cartilage destruction.
Summary
Researchers developed tiny particles made of magnesium and a biodegradable plastic that can be injected near an arthritic knee to continuously release hydrogen gas directly into the inflamed tissue. In a mouse model of osteoarthritis, this delivery system reduced inflammation and protected cartilage from damage, slowing the progression of the disease.
Practical Takeaway
This early-stage research in mice suggests a novel way to deliver hydrogen gas directly to inflamed joints, potentially overcoming the poor absorption of hydrogen when taken by mouth or inhaled. However, this is a laboratory study in animals only—human safety and effectiveness remain unknown, and this approach is not yet available as a treatment.
Abstract (excerpt)
Inflammation is involved in many human pathologies, including osteoarthritis (OA). Hydrogen (H2) is known to have anti‐inflammatory effects; however, the bioavailability of directly administered H2 gas is typically poor. Herein, a local delivery system that can provide a high therapeutic…