Hydrogen Gas Protects Brain Cells in Parkinson's Disease Animal Studies
- Authors
- Kyota Fujita, Yusaku Nakabeppu, Mami Noda
- Journal
- Parkinsons Disease
- Year
- 2011
- DOI
- 10.4061/2011/307875
- Study Type
- clinical
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- Japan
- Health Condition
- Parkinson's Disease
- Body System
- Nervous System
TL;DR
Scientists found that hydrogen gas can protect brain cells from damage in animals with Parkinson's disease by reducing harmful stress in those cells, which means it might help slow down or prevent this disease in people someday.
Key Finding
Molecular hydrogen reduced oxidative stress and protected dopamine-producing neurons in two animal models of Parkinson's disease, suggesting it may have therapeutic potential for this neurodegenerative condition.
Summary
This study examined whether molecular hydrogen (a gas) could protect brain cells in animal models of Parkinson's disease. Researchers used two different toxins to create Parkinson's-like symptoms in animals and found that hydrogen reduced oxidative stress (a type of cellular damage) and protected dopamine-producing neurons in a brain region called the nigrostriatal pathway, which is damaged in Parkinson's disease.
Practical Takeaway
While these animal study results are promising, they represent early-stage research and have not been tested in humans with Parkinson's disease. Much more research, including human clinical trials, would be needed before hydrogen therapy could be considered a viable treatment option for Parkinson's patients.
Abstract (excerpt)
Since the first description of Parkinson's disease (PD) nearly two centuries ago, a number of studies have revealed the clinical symptoms, pathology, and therapeutic approaches to overcome this intractable neurodegenerative disease. 1-methy-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)…