Molecular Hydrogen in the Treatment of Respiratory Diseases

Abstract

Molecular hydrogen is gaining increasing attention as an antioxidant, anti- inflammatory, and antiapoptotic agent. Once considered an inert gas, it reveals current therapeutic potential among others in inflammatory diseases, cancer, and sports medicine, among others. The present review aims to provide a consistent summary of the findings of the last twenty years on the use of molecular hydrogen in major respiratory diseases, including allergies, asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, lung injury of various origins, as well as cancer and infections of the respiratory tract. In addition, the basic mechanisms through which molecular hydrogen exercises its biological activity on the respiratory system are described.

Study details

Article type

Review

Disease / injury model

Allergies, Asthma, COPD, Pulmonary Fibrosis, Lung Injury (ALI/ARDS), Pulmonary Hypertension, Respiratory Infections (including COVID-19), Lung Cancer

Dose comparison

The review summarizes studies using a range of hydrogen concentrations (2-66% for inhalation, various concentrations for HRW and HRS), and discusses safety and efficacy at different doses.

Dose-dependent effect

Yes

Outcome

Positive

Findings

Molecular hydrogen demonstrates antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects, showing therapeutic potential in a wide range of respiratory diseases including allergies, asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, lung injury, cancer, and respiratory infections. Both animal and human studies indicate benefits such as reduced inflammation, oxidative stress, and improved clinical outcomes, with a favorable safety profile.