Hydrogen Gas Protects Lungs from Sepsis Damage in Mouse Study
Protective effects of hydrogen gas against sepsis-induced acute lung injury via regulation of mitochondrial function and dynamics
Research hubs: Respiratory System · Cardiovascular System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (mouse)
- Authors
- Aili Dong, Yang Yu, Yanyan Wang, Can Li, Hongguang Chen, Yingxue Bian, Peng Zhang, Yungang Zhao, Yonghao Yu, Ke-Liang Xie
- Journal
- International Immunopharmacology
- Year
- 2018
- PMID
- 30380511
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Delivery
- Gas
- Dose
- 2% H2 inhalation, assessed at 24 h after CLP or sham operations
- H₂ concentration
- 2% H2 gas
- Duration
- 1 day or less
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 62 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Breathing in 2% hydrogen gas helps improve lung health and energy production in cells during severe sepsis in mice.
Key Finding
Inhaling 2% hydrogen gas improved oxygen levels, restored energy production in lung cells, and reduced lung tissue damage in mice with sepsis-induced acute lung injury.
Summary
This study tested whether inhaling hydrogen gas could protect mouse lungs from damage caused by severe infection (sepsis). Researchers induced sepsis in mice and gave some of them 2% hydrogen gas to breathe while others did not. The hydrogen-treated mice showed better oxygen levels in their blood, healthier lung tissue, and improved function of mitochondria (the energy-producing structures inside cells) compared to untreated mice with sepsis.
Practical Takeaway
This is an early-stage animal study suggesting hydrogen gas may help protect lungs during severe infection by improving mitochondrial function. However, these results are from mice only and have not been tested in humans, so it is too early to draw conclusions about whether this would work as a treatment for sepsis in people.
Abstract (excerpt)
Background: Lungs are one of the most common target organs of sepsis [1]. Hydrogen gas (H2), which has selective anti-oxidative effects, can be effectively used to treat septic mice. Mitochondrial dysfunction and dynamics play important roles in sepsis-induced organ damage. Methods: By using cecal…