Hydrogen Gas and Microalgae May Reduce Lung Damage in Sepsis in Lab Tests
Natural hydrogen gas and engineered microalgae prevent acute lung injury in sepsis
Research hubs: Respiratory System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (cell culture)
- Authors
- Yuanlin Wang, Qingqing Han, Lingling Liu, Shuai Wang, Yongfa Li, Zhanying Qian, Yi Jiang, Yonghao Yu
- Journal
- Materials Today Bio
- Year
- 2024
- PMID
- 39328786
- Study Type
- Cell Culture
- Delivery
- Gas (Sustained Release)
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 13 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Researchers developed a new nano-system using algae to deliver hydrogen gas and a plant compound to treat sepsis-related lung injury, showing promising results in reducing inflammation and protecting organs.
Key Finding
An engineered nano-system combining dihydroquercetin, ammonia borane, and Chlorella vulgaris reduced lung inflammation and organ damage in sepsis-infected mice by targeting ferroptosis and oxidative stress pathways.
Summary
Researchers created a tiny engineered particle system combining hydrogen-releasing compounds with a type of algae called Chlorella vulgaris to treat acute lung injury caused by sepsis (a life-threatening infection response). In laboratory and mouse studies, this nano-system reduced inflammation, oxidative stress (cellular damage from unstable molecules), and a type of cell death called ferroptosis, while protecting lung and organ function.
Practical Takeaway
This is early-stage research conducted in mice and cell cultures, not humans. While the results suggest this hydrogen-releasing nano-system may have therapeutic potential for sepsis-related lung injury, it remains experimental and far from clinical use. Much more research, including human trials, would be needed before any health claims could be made.
Abstract (excerpt)
Background: Hydrogen gas and microalgae both exist in the natural environment. We aimed to integrate hydrogen gas and biology nano microalgae together to expand the treatment options in sepsis. Methods: Phosphoproteomics, metabolomics and proteomics data were obtained from mice undergoing cecum…