Hydrogen Gas Helps Lung Damage After Brain Injury in Rats
- Authors
- Ting-Ting Li, Tian Sun, Yue-Zhen Wang, Qiang Wan, Wen-Zhi Li, Wan-Chao Yang
- Journal
- European Journal of Pharmacology
- Year
- 2021
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174664
- Study Type
- Rat
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Body System
- Nervous System
TL;DR
Inhaling hydrogen gas can help rats recover from lung damage caused by traumatic brain injury by reducing inflammation and cell death.
Key Finding
Rats that inhaled 42% hydrogen gas daily showed significantly improved lung function and reduced markers of cell death and inflammation compared to injured rats that did not receive hydrogen treatment.
Summary
This study tested whether breathing hydrogen gas could help rats recover from lung injury caused by traumatic brain injury. Researchers gave some injured rats hydrogen gas to breathe for 1 hour daily and compared them to injured rats that didn't receive hydrogen. The hydrogen-treated rats showed better lung function, less fluid buildup in their lungs, and lower levels of proteins and chemicals associated with cell damage and inflammation.
Practical Takeaway
While this rat study suggests hydrogen gas may help reduce lung injury after brain trauma by decreasing inflammation and cell death, it is early-stage animal research only. Human studies would be needed to determine if these results apply to people, and this should not be considered a proven treatment for traumatic brain injury or lung injury at this time.
Abstract (excerpt)
Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) is a critical condition, and inflammation and apoptosis play essential roles. Molecular hydrogen (H2) exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. Our previous work has shown that 42% H2 can improve TBI. In the current…