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.

Study details

Article type

Review

Disease / injury model

Multiple (cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, cancer, metabolic, respiratory, neurodegenerative, diabetes, nephritis, etc.)

Dose-dependent effect

No

Outcome

Positive

Findings

Molecular hydrogen shows significant potential as a novel therapeutic agent due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and cytoprotective properties, with promising results in preclinical and some clinical studies for diseases such as cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, cancer, metabolic, and respiratory disorders. However, further research is needed to clarify mechanisms, optimal dosing, and administration methods.