Hydrogen Gas Linked to Reduced Sepsis Severity in Mice
Protective effects of hydrogen gas on murine polymicrobial sepsis via reducing oxidative stress and HMGB1 release
Research hubs: Immune System · Respiratory System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (mouse)
- Authors
- Ke-Liang Xie, Yonghao Yu, Yuping Pei, Lichao Hou, Shaoyang Chen, Lize Xiong, Guo-Lin Wang
- Journal
- Shock
- Year
- 2010
- PMID
- 19997046
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Delivery
- Gas
- Dose
- H2 inhalation starting at 1 and 6 h after cecal ligation and puncture
- H₂ concentration
- 2% H2 gas
- Duration
- 1 day or less
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 214 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Breathing in molecular hydrogen (H2) gas can significantly improve survival and reduce organ damage in mice with sepsis.
Key Finding
Hydrogen gas inhalation improved survival rates and significantly reduced multiple organ damage in septic mice, with benefits appearing to be dose- and time-dependent.
Summary
This study tested whether inhaling hydrogen gas could help mice with sepsis (a life-threatening infection response). Researchers found that mice given hydrogen gas had better survival rates and less damage to their lungs, liver, and other organs compared to untreated mice. The protective effect appeared to work by reducing harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species and lowering levels of a protein called HMGB1 that contributes to organ damage during sepsis.
Practical Takeaway
While this mouse study suggests hydrogen gas may have protective effects against sepsis-related organ damage, it is a preliminary animal study and does not establish safety or effectiveness in humans. Much more research, including human clinical trials, would be needed before hydrogen gas could be considered a viable sepsis treatment. Anyone with sepsis requires immediate medical care from healthcare professionals.
Abstract (excerpt)
Despite recent advances in antibiotic therapy and intensive care, sepsis is still considered to be the most common cause of death in intensive care units. Excessive production of reactive oxygen species plays an important role in the pathogenesis of sepsis. Recently, it has been suggested that…