Therapeutic Potential of Molecular Hydrogen in Metabolic Diseases from Bench to Bedside

Abstract

Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation have been implicated in the pathophysiology of metabolic diseases, including diabetes mellitus (DM), metabolic syndrome (MS), fatty liver (FL), atherosclerosis (AS), and obesity. Molecular hydrogen (H2) has long been considered a physiologically inert gas. In the last two decades, accumulating evidence from pre-clinical and clinical studies has indicated that H2 may act as an antioxidant to exert therapeutic and preventive effects on various disorders, including metabolic diseases. However, the mechanisms underlying the action of H2 remain unclear. The purpose of this review was to (1) provide an overview of the current research on the potential effects of H2 on metabolic diseases; (2) discuss the possible mechanisms underlying these effects, including the canonical anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects, as well as suppression of ER stress, activation of autophagy, improvement of mitochondrial function, regulation of gut microbiota, and other possible mechanisms. The potential target molecules of H2 will also be discussed. With more high-quality clinical trials and in-depth mechanism research, it is believed that H2 will eventually be applied to clinical practice in the future, to benefit more patients with metabolic disease.

Application of Electrolyzed Hydrogen Water for Management of Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis Treatment—Perspective View

“…Up to now, no intervention studies with H 2 have been reported in CKD patients. However, regarding CKD risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus (DM), metabolic syndrome, and hypertension, six clinical trials were reported to explore the potentials of H 2 [89]. Among them, three studies may indicate the potential reno-protective effect, i.e., decreased oxidative stress marker and/or increased antioxidants in urine, by drinking hydrogen-rich water.…”

Hydrogen: A Rising Star in Gas Medicine as a Mitochondria-Targeting Nutrient via Activating Keap1-Nrf2 Antioxidant System

“…The protective effect of H 2 on diabetes and its complications may be associated with the inhibition of oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, activation of the mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium (Mito-K-ATP) pathway, etc. [107].…”

Hydrogen in Transplantation: Potential Applications and Therapeutic Implications

“…The latest findings in medical research regarding hydrogen unequivocally highlight substantial prospects for harnessing hydrogen as a therapeutic intervention. Extensive observations in both clinical and experimental studies distinctly demonstrate that hydrogen holds significant promise as an innovative therapy to address unmet patient needs across various etiologies [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]. Renowned for its antioxidant properties, hydrogen gas has emerged as a novel therapeutic agent with potential applications in various medical domains, including transplantation.…”