Hydrogen Gas Reduced Inflammation in Sepsis in Rats
Molecular hydrogen potentiates hypothermia and prevents hypotension and fever in LPS-induced systemic inflammation
Research hubs: Immune System · Cardiovascular System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (rat)
- Authors
- Eduardo A. Saramago, Gabriela S. Borges, Carlitos G. Singolani-Jr, Jonatas E. Nogueira, Renato N. Soriano, Evelin C. Cárnio, Luiz G.S. Branco
- Journal
- Brain, Behavior, and Immunity
- Year
- 2019
- PMID
- 30261305
- Study Type
- Rat
- Delivery
- Gas
- Dose
- 2% H2 inhalation for 360 minutes
- H₂ concentration
- 2% H2
- Duration
- 1 day or less
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 45 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- Brazil
TL;DR
Inflammation and fever in rats were reduced by inhaling molecular hydrogen, which also helped to balance immune responses and body temperature during severe infection.
Key Finding
Inhaled molecular hydrogen reduced inflammatory markers and prevented fever in mild inflammation, while preventing dangerous drops in blood pressure during severe inflammation in rats exposed to bacterial toxins.
Summary
Researchers tested whether inhaled molecular hydrogen (H2) could help rats' bodies respond better to a severe bacterial toxin (lipopolysaccharide) that triggers whole-body inflammation. They found that hydrogen inhalation reduced inflammatory chemicals in the blood, prevented fever in mild cases, and prevented dangerous drops in blood pressure during severe inflammation—likely by reducing the production of certain signaling molecules in the body.
Practical Takeaway
This is an animal study only, so results cannot yet be applied to humans. Early evidence suggests hydrogen may influence inflammatory responses and fever regulation, but human studies would be needed to determine if these effects occur in people or have any clinical benefit for sepsis or inflammatory conditions.
Abstract (excerpt)
Molecular hydrogen (H2) exerts anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Here we tested the hypothesis that H2 modulates cardiovascular, inflammatory, and thermoregulatory changes in systemic inflammation (SI) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at different doses (0.1 or 1.5…