Hydrogen in Lab Tests on Bone Cell Formation
Treatment with hydrogen molecules prevents RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation associated with inhibition of ROS formation and inactivation of MAPK, AKT and NF-kappa B pathways in murine RAW264.7 cells
Research hubs: Musculoskeletal 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
- Dong-Zhu Li, Qing-Xiang Zhang, Xiao-Xian Dong, Huai-Dong Li, Xin Ma
- Journal
- Journal of Bone and Mineral Metabolism
- Year
- 2013
- PMID
- 24196871
- Study Type
- Cell Culture
- Delivery
- Medium (Dissolved)
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 58 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Hydrogen gas can help prevent the weakening of bones by blocking the development of bone-destroying cells.
Key Finding
Hydrogen molecules prevented the formation of bone-resorbing osteoclasts in laboratory cell cultures by reducing reactive oxygen species and suppressing multiple cellular signaling pathways involved in bone loss.
Summary
Researchers tested whether hydrogen molecules could prevent the formation of osteoclasts (cells that break down bone) in laboratory cell cultures. They found that hydrogen treatment blocked the development of these bone-eating cells and reduced their ability to damage bone. The hydrogen appeared to work by reducing harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species and by turning off several cellular signaling pathways that normally trigger osteoclast formation.
Practical Takeaway
This laboratory study suggests hydrogen may have potential for bone health, but it was conducted only in cell cultures, not in living organisms or humans. Much more research—including animal studies and human trials—would be needed before any conclusions could be drawn about hydrogen water's effects on bone health or osteoporosis prevention.
Abstract (excerpt)
The bone protective effects of the hydrogen molecule (H2) have been demonstrated in several osteoporosis models while the underlying molecular mechanism has remained unclear. Osteoclast differentiation is an important factor related to the pathogenesis of bone-loss related diseases. In this work…