Prospects of Hydrogen Medicine Based on Its Protective Effects on Mitochondrial Function

Abstract

Mitochondria originated from aerobic bacteria in endosymbiosis. Through this symbiosis, eukaryotes acquired an efficient energy-producing system, but at the cost of exposure to oxidative stress from reactive oxygen species (ROS). Molecular hydrogen (H2) was recently identified as an antioxidant that selectively reduces ROS, such as hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite, which are strong oxidants, and its clinical applications are progressing. This paper investigated the efficacy of H2 on experimental models and several human chronic inflammatory diseases and demonstrated that its exerted effects via the protection of mitochondrial function. H2 protection may be exerted by regulation of mitochondrial ROS. Since mitochondrial dysfunction has been detected in many common diseases, such as metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases, the development of technologies and substances that protect or activate mitochondrial function will be necessary for the future of medicine. H2 may be positioned as a candidate in future medicine due to its effects on mitochondrial function.

Study details

Article type

Review

Disease / injury model

Chronic inflammatory diseases, post-COVID-19, ME/CFS, and various experimental disease models (stroke, ALS, Alzheimer's, myocardial injury, hypertension, sepsis, diabetic neuropathy, liver injury)

Dose comparison

The article references studies that compare different doses and concentrations of hydrogen (e.g., in animal models and clinical studies), but notes that research on optimal doses and dosages for individual diseases is still in early stages.

Dose-dependent effect

Yes

Outcome

Positive

Findings

Hydrogen (H2) demonstrates protective effects on mitochondrial function, reducing oxidative stress and chronic inflammation in various experimental models and human chronic inflammatory diseases, including post-COVID-19 and ME/CFS. H2 acts by selectively scavenging strong oxidants like hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite, regulating mitochondrial ROS, and inhibiting inflammatory signaling pathways. The chapter highlights H2's potential as a candidate for future medicine due to its broad efficacy and safety profile.