The evolution of molecular hydrogen: a noteworthy potential therapy with clinical significance

Abstract

Studies on molecular hydrogen have evolved tremendously from its humble beginnings and have continued to change throughout the years. Hydrogen is extremely unique since it has the capability to act at the cellular level. Hydrogen is qualified to cross the blood brain barrier, to enter the mitochondria, and even has the ability to translocate to the nucleus under certain conditions. Once in these ideal locations of the cell, previous studies have shown that hydrogen exerts antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties that are beneficial to the cell. Hydrogen is most commonly applied as a gas, water, saline, and can be applied in a variety of other mediums. There are also few side effects involving hydrogen, thus making hydrogen a perfect medical gas candidate for the convention of novel therapeutic strategies against cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, cancer, metabolic, and respiratory diseases and disorders. Although hydrogen appears to be faultless at times, there still are several deficiencies or snares that need to be investigated by future studies. This review article seeks to delve and comprehensively analyze the research and experiments that alludes to molecular hydrogen being a novel therapeutic treatment that medicine desperately needs.

Protective effect of intraportal infusion of hypothermic hydrogen-rich saline solution on hepatic warm ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat model

“…Cai et al, indicated that the apoptosis of neurons in newborn rats induced by hypoxia and ischemia is inhibited by inhalation of H2, as the ratio of Terminal-deoxynucleotidyl Transferase Mediated NickEnd Labeling (TUNEL) staining positive cells and the activity of caspase-3 and caspase-12 of the hippocampus and cortex was decreased (5) which was compatible with our finding about decrease of the activity of caspase-3 in hypothermic HRSS administrated groups. Also, studied showed that H2 can inhibit the TNF-α/NFκβ, Ras-ERK1/2-MEK1/2, and Akt/Gsk3b pathways which have been involved in apoptosis inflammatory responses, and gene regulation (10). So, further researches are required to clarify the exact mechanism and signaling pathway involved in the protective role of hydrogen in I/R injuries.…”

Hydrogen does not exert neuroprotective effects or improve functional outcomes in rats after intracerebral hemorrhage

“…Secondly, these studies used different methods of hydrogen administration. A concentration of less than 4% by volume hydrogen gas in air is reported to be safe (5). The present study used a concentration of hydrogen were assessed before, and at 24 and 72 hours after treatment.…”

“…Recently, strong clinical and experimental evidence has shown that hydrogen, administered by gas inhalation or ingestion of an aqueous hydrogen-containing solution, has potent protective cellular effects in various diseases (4,5,10,20,21,24,26,27), but without major adverse effects (5). Previous studies have shown that hydrogen has antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, antiinflammatory, and cytoprotective properties that are beneficial to the cell (5).…”

“…Hydrogen-rich saline injection has recently been used in many experimental studies and in many clinical studies (5,21,27) because of its ease of use. We previously reported administration of intravenous infusion of hydrogen-rich fluid in 38 patients with acute ischemic stroke, and adverse events included diarrhea in one patient and heart failure in one (21).…”

“…Hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrites are very strong ROS that react indiscriminately with nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins, resulting in DNA fragmentation, lipid peroxidation, and protein inactivation (4,5,10,20,21,24,26,27). edaravone (3-methyl-1-phenyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one) is a potent scavenger of hydroxyl radicals and is used for the treatment of ischemic stroke in Japan.…”