The Effects of Molecular Hydrogen Therapies on Fertility

Abstract

Human reproductive health is an integral part of personal well-being that can markedly impact upon individuals, couples, families and the wider society. It is estimated that infertility affects 13 to 15% of the world’s population and with parents often deciding to delay planning for pregnancy until later in life, age-related concerns about the viability of female oocytes, in partic ular, are at the forefront of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) research. It is well regarded that approximately 30% of human infertility is a result of female-related issues; 30% to males, and 30% to a combination of male and female problems. In 10% of cases, there is no recognizable cause. A common underlying factor in both female and male fertility is an increase in reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), whilst analysis of the etiopathogenesis of pregnancy reveals that excessive levels of ROS (which breach endogenous antioxidant capacity) are an impellent factor affecting reproduction. Molecular hydrogen (H2) is emerging as a novel therapeutic gas. H2 is an uncharged, non-polar, diatomic molecule with a low molecular weight (2.016 g/mol). Such characteristics make H2 favourable for use in medical contexts as they allow the com pound to diffuse through both cellular walls and phospholipid membranes including those that occur around organelles, the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondrion and the nucleus. Hydrogen therapies such as oxyhydrogen inhalation and consumption of hydrogen-rich water, act as novel and non-toxic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory treatments, with both clinical and empiri cal research confidently suggesting such therapies may be beneficial to human health, reproduction and prosperity. This mini-review focuses on the role of oxidative stress in conditions of the female and male reproductive systems and dis cusses the role of H2 as a suitable antioxidant able to remediate the sequelae of poor reproductive health.

Study details

Article type

Review

Outcome

Mixed

Findings

Molecular hydrogen therapies, including oxyhydrogen inhalation and hydrogen-rich water, show promise as non-toxic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory treatments that may improve both male and female fertility by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and improving reproductive hormone signaling and cellular health.