Hydrogen Inhalation Therapy Reduces Harmful Free Radicals in Blood
- Authors
- Mohamed Chair, Hashem Al Aani, Sevda Lafci Fahrioglu, Cherif Ben Hamda, Umut Fahrioglu, Tamer Degheidy
- Journal
- Free Radical Biology and Medicine
- Year
- 2024
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.07.010
- Study Type
- Human
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- United Arab Emirates
- Health Condition
- Oxidative Stress
- Body System
- Cardiovascular
TL;DR
Breathing in hydrogen gas significantly lowered harmful oxygen-related molecules in the blood of people with high levels, suggesting it could help reduce oxidative stress.
Key Finding
Hydrogen inhalation therapy significantly reduced blood reactive oxygen species levels in participants with elevated ROS, with reductions observed both immediately after treatment and 24 hours later.
Summary
This study tested whether breathing hydrogen gas could reduce harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the blood. Thirty-seven people with high ROS levels either received hydrogen inhalation therapy or no treatment. The group that received hydrogen showed lower ROS levels immediately after treatment and again 24 hours later, compared to the control group.
Practical Takeaway
This small human study suggests hydrogen inhalation may help reduce oxidative stress markers in the blood. However, the study size is limited and important details like exact sample sizes and treatment duration are not reported, so more research is needed to understand whether this translates to real health benefits.
Abstract
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) play a key role in physiological processes. However, the imbalance between ROS and antioxidants in favor of the former causes oxidative stress linked to numerous pathologies. Due to its unique attributes, including distinguished permeability and selective antioxidant capability, molecular hydrogen (H2) has become an essential therapeutic agent. Hydrogen Inhalation Therapy (HIT) has come to light as a promising strategy to counteract oxidative stress. In this randomized controlled study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of HIT in reducing blood ROS levels. 37 participants with elevated ROS levels (d-ROMs value > 350 U.CARR) were enrolled in the study. Participants were divided into test and control groups. The test group participants received HIT, and then their blood ROS levels were measured immediately post-treatment and after 24 h. Their results were compared to those of the control group participants who did not undergo HIT. The test group demonstrated a significant reduction in blood ROS levels after the treatment. These findings suggested the efficacy of HIT in reducing oxidative stress.