Hydrogen Gas Helps Prevent Eye Disease in Mice Study

TL;DR

Breathing in hydrogen gas reduced eye damage and inflammation in mice with a condition that mimics a common cause of blindness in older people.

Key Finding

Hydrogen gas inhalation reduced eye leakage and suppressed inflammatory molecules and growth factors involved in abnormal blood vessel formation in mice with laser-induced macular degeneration, with effects increasing at higher doses.

Summary

This study tested whether inhaling hydrogen gas could help reduce damage in mice with a type of eye disease called neovascular age-related macular degeneration, which causes vision loss in older people. Researchers created the eye condition in mice using a laser, then had some mice breathe in hydrogen gas for different lengths of time. Mice that inhaled hydrogen gas showed less leakage in their eyes and had lower levels of inflammatory molecules (immune system signals that cause swelling and damage) compared to mice that didn't receive hydrogen.

Practical Takeaway

While these early results in mice suggest hydrogen gas inhalation may help reduce inflammation and abnormal blood vessel growth in a form of age-related macular degeneration, this is a preliminary animal study and much more research—including human trials—would be needed before any conclusions could be drawn for people. The findings are too early to guide any health decisions.

Abstract (excerpt)

Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness in the elderly. Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is the major pathologic feature of neovascular AMD. Oxidative damages and the ensuing chronic inflammation are representative of trigger events. Hydrogen gas (H2)…

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