Hydrogen Gas Linked to Improved Brain Function During Sepsis in Mice
Molecular hydrogen attenuates sepsis-induced cognitive dysfunction through regulation of tau phosphorylation
Research hubs: Brain & Nervous System · Immune System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (mouse)
- Authors
- Bo Qi, Yu Song, Chen Chen, Lina Zhao, Wanjie Ma, Shuqi Meng, Xiaoli Zhuang, Huayi Lin, Jing Liang, Yan Cui, Keliang Xie
- Journal
- International Immunopharmacology
- Year
- 2023
- PMID
- 36538853
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Delivery
- Gas
- Dose
- 2% H2 inhalation for 60 min at 1 h and 6 h after surgery
- H₂ concentration
- 2%
- Duration
- 1 weeks
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 28 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Inhaling molecular hydrogen (H2) helps improve survival and brain function in mice with sepsis-related brain damage by reducing harmful protein changes and inflammation in the brain.
Key Finding
Mice with sepsis-induced cognitive dysfunction that received molecular hydrogen inhalation showed improved survival rates, better memory and learning ability, and reduced tau protein accumulation in the brain compared to untreated septic mice.
Summary
This study tested whether inhaling molecular hydrogen (H2) could help mice recover from cognitive problems caused by sepsis (a serious infection). Researchers found that mice treated with hydrogen gas showed improved memory and learning, survived longer, and had healthier brain cells in the hippocampus (the memory center of the brain). The protective effect appeared to work by reducing the buildup of a protein called tau, which damages brain cells during sepsis.
Practical Takeaway
While this mouse study suggests molecular hydrogen may protect the brain during severe infection, it is very early-stage research that has not been tested in humans. Anyone interested in hydrogen as a potential sepsis treatment should understand that animal studies often do not translate directly to human benefit, and clinical trials would be needed before any therapeutic claims could be made.
Abstract (excerpt)
Background: Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a cognitive dysfunction caused by sepsis. Hyperphosphorylated tau is considered to play a significant role in the progression of neurodegenerative disease and also contributes to cognitive dysfunction in septic mice. Molecular hydrogen (H2)…