Hydrogen Gas Inhalation and Eye Inflammation in Mice
The Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Hydrogen Gas Inhalation and Its Influence on Laser-Induced Choroidal Neovascularization in a Mouse Model of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Research hubs: Eyes & Vision System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (mouse)
- Authors
- I-Chia Liang, Wen-Chin Ko, Yu-Jou Hsu, Yi-Ru Lin, Yun-Hsiang Chang, Xv-Hui Zong, Pei-Chen Lai, Der-Chen Chang, Chi-Feng Hung
- Journal
- International Journal of Molecular Sciences
- Year
- 2021
- PMID
- 34769482
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Delivery
- Gas
- Dose
- 21% oxygen, 42% hydrogen, and 37% nitrogen mixture for 2 h, 5 h, and 2.5 h twice every day
- H₂ concentration
- 42% hydrogen
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 14 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- Taiwan
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)…