Hydrogen Gas Protects Against Sepsis by Improving Blood Vessel Function
Molecular hydrogen protects mice against polymicrobial sepsis by ameliorating endothelial dysfunction via an Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway
Research hubs: Cardiovascular System
- Authors
- Hong-Guang Chen, Keliang Xie, Huanzhi Han, Yuan Li, Lingling Liu, Tao Yang, Yong-Hao Yu
- Journal
- International Immunopharmacology
- Year
- 2015
- PMID
- 26253656
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Delivery
- Saline (Dissolved)
- H₂ concentration
- 0.3 mmol/L, 0.6 mmol/L
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 83 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Molecular hydrogen (H2) may protect blood vessel cells from inflammation and damage during sepsis by boosting the body's natural defense mechanisms.
Key Finding
Molecular hydrogen reduced inflammatory markers and improved blood vessel cell survival in sepsis by activating a protective cellular defense pathway called Nrf2/HO-1.
Summary
Researchers tested whether molecular hydrogen (H2) could protect against sepsis (a life-threatening infection response) by studying how it affects blood vessel cells and a mouse model of severe infection. They found that hydrogen-rich solutions reduced inflammation markers, improved cell survival, and activated a protective cellular pathway (Nrf2/HO-1) that helps cells defend themselves against damage.
Practical Takeaway
This early-stage mouse study suggests hydrogen may help protect blood vessels during severe infection, but it is not yet tested in humans. The findings are preliminary and would need human clinical trials before any therapeutic claims could be made about hydrogen water's effects on sepsis or infection-related conditions.
Abstract (excerpt)
Endothelial injury is a primary cause of sepsis and sepsis-induced organ damage. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) plays an essential role in endothelial cellular defenses against inflammation by activating nuclear factor E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2). We found that molecular hydrogen (H2) exerts…