Hydrogen Therapy Protects Gum Cells from Bacterial Damage
Protective effects of hydrogen-rich medium on lipopolysaccharides-induced injury in human periodontal ligament cells
Research hubs: Immune 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
- Min Zhou, Zuo-Lin Wang
- Journal
- West China Journal of Stomatology
- Year
- 2018
- PMID
- 29779270
- Study Type
- Cell Culture
- Delivery
- Medium (Dissolved)
- Dose
- hydrogen-rich medium
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 2 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Hydrogen-rich environments help human gum cells resist damage and live longer when exposed to harmful substances.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-rich medium significantly improved cell survival and reduced cell death in periodontal ligament cells exposed to bacterial toxin, while also enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity and reducing oxidative stress markers.
Summary
Researchers exposed human periodontal ligament cells (cells that support teeth) to a bacterial toxin called lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to simulate gum disease damage. They tested whether hydrogen-rich medium could protect these cells from injury. The hydrogen-rich medium improved cell survival, reduced cell death, and boosted the cells' natural antioxidant defenses (proteins that protect against harmful molecules).
Practical Takeaway
This is a laboratory study using isolated cells, not human testing, so it cannot yet demonstrate that hydrogen water would have these effects in the mouth or body. While the results are promising and suggest hydrogen may protect cells from bacterial toxin damage, much more research—including human studies—would be needed before drawing conclusions about hydrogen water's usefulness for gum health.
Abstract (excerpt)
Objective: In this study, lipopolysaccharides (LPS) was used to damage human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) and consequently investigate the protective effects of hydrogen on reducing oxidative stress and cell apoptosis rate. Methods: hPDLCs were isolated, and then cultured with normal…