Hydrogen Gas Protects Brain Cells from Damage and Death
Molecular hydrogen protects against oxidative stress-induced SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell death through the process of mitohormesis
Research hubs: Parkinson's Disease · Brain & Nervous System
This research was done on cells or tissue in a lab, not in people or animals.
- Evidence type
- Laboratory study (cells or tissue)
- Authors
- Yayoi Murakami, Masafumi Ito, Ikuroh Ohsawa
- Journal
- PLoS One
- Year
- 2017
- PMID
- 28467497
- Study Type
- Cell Culture
- Delivery
- Gas
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 104 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- Japan
TL;DR
Breathing in hydrogen gas or drinking hydrogen-rich water can protect the brain from damage by boosting energy production and the cell's defense system against stress.
Key Finding
Molecular hydrogen protected brain cells from oxidative stress-induced death when given as a pretreatment, working through both direct antioxidant action and by activating the cells' natural defense systems.
Summary
This laboratory study examined how molecular hydrogen (H2) protects brain cells from damage caused by oxidative stress (a harmful chemical imbalance in cells). Researchers treated cultured human brain cells with hydrogen gas and then exposed them to a damaging chemical. They found that hydrogen pretreatment protected cells from death by working in two ways: directly neutralizing harmful molecules and triggering the cells to produce their own protective enzymes.
Practical Takeaway
This is an early-stage laboratory study in cultured cells, not humans or animals, so its relevance to hydrogen water consumption remains unclear. The findings suggest hydrogen may help cells resist damage, but much more research—including animal and human studies—would be needed before drawing conclusions about health benefits for neurodegenerative disease prevention.
Abstract (excerpt)
Inhalation of molecular hydrogen (H2) gas ameliorates oxidative stress-induced acute injuries in the brain. Consumption of water nearly saturated with H2 also prevents chronic neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease in animal and clinical studies. However, the molecular mechanisms…