Low-Flow Hydrogen Therapy Reaches Effective Blood Levels in Pigs
- Authors
- Motoaki Sano, Kohsuke Shirakawa, Yoshinori Katsumata, Genki Ichihara, Eiji Kobayashi
- Journal
- Journal of Clinical Medicine Research
- Year
- 2020
- DOI
- 10.14740/jocmr4323
- Study Type
- Pig
- Outcome
- Neutral
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- Japan
- Health Condition
- Whole Body Health
- Body System
- Cardiovascular
TL;DR
Breathing in pure hydrogen gas from a low-flow generator can effectively raise hydrogen levels in the blood, which may have therapeutic benefits.
Key Finding
Low-flow hydrogen gas delivery (250 mL/min) through a nasal cannula combined with an oxygen mask achieved blood hydrogen concentrations (1,190–1,740 nL/mL) that match levels used in prior research studies.
Summary
Researchers tested whether hydrogen gas delivered through a nasal cannula (a thin tube that delivers gas to the nose) at low flow rates could reach effective levels in the bloodstream. They gave three pigs hydrogen gas produced by a portable generator at 250 mL per minute while also delivering oxygen through a mask. They measured hydrogen levels in the pigs' arterial blood and found that the hydrogen concentrations achieved (1,190–1,740 nanoliters per milliliter) were comparable to levels used in previous studies.
Practical Takeaway
This animal study suggests that portable hydrogen generators may deliver therapeutically relevant hydrogen levels through a simple nasal cannula setup. However, this is a small preliminary study in pigs only, so it does not demonstrate safety or effectiveness in humans. Further clinical trials would be needed to determine whether these blood hydrogen levels produce any health benefits in people.
Abstract
Background: Molecular hydrogen (H2) is a biologically active gas that is widely used in the healthcare sector. In recent years, on-site H2 gas generators, which produce high-purity H2 by water electrolysis, have begun to be introduced in hospitals, clinics, beauty salons, and fitness clubs because of their ease of use. In general, these generators produce H2 at a low-flow rate, so physicians are concerned that an effective blood concentration of H2 may not be ensured when the gas is delivered through a nasal cannula. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate blood concentrations of H2 delivered from an H2 gas generator via a nasal cannula. Methods: We administered 100% H2, produced by an H2 gas generator, at a low-flow rate of 250 mL/min via a nasal cannula to three spontaneously breathing micro miniature pigs. An oxygen mask was placed over the nasal cannula to administer oxygen while minimizing H2 leakage, and a catheter was inserted into the carotid artery to monitor the arterial blood H2 concentration. Results: During the first hour of H2 inhalation, the mean (standard error (SE)) H2 concentrations and saturations in the arterial blood of the three pigs were 1,560 (413) nL/mL and 8.85% (2.34%); 1,190 (102) nL/mL and 6.74% (0.58%); and 1,740 (181) nL/mL and 9.88% (1.03%), respectively. These values are comparable to the concentration one would expect if 100% of the H2 released from the H2 gas generator is taken up by the body. Conclusions: Inhalation of 100% H2 produced by an H2 gas generator, even at low-flow rates, can increase blood H2 concentrations to levels that previous non-clinical and clinical studies demonstrated to be therapeutically effective. The combination of a nasal cannula and an oxygen mask is a convenient way to reduce H2 leakage while maintaining oxygenation.