Preventive and Therapeutic Application of Molecular Hydrogen in Situations With Excessive Production of Free Radicals

Abstract

Excessive production of oxygen free radicals has been regarded as a causative common denominator of many pathological processes in the animal kingdom. Hydroxyl and nitrosyl radicals represent the major cause of the destruction of biomolecules either by a direct reaction or by triggering a chain reaction of free radicals. Scavenging of free radicals may act preventively or therapeutically. A number of substances that preferentially react with free radicals can serve as scavengers, thus increasing the internal capacity/activity of endogenous antioxidants and protecting cells and tissues against oxidative damage. Molecular hydrogen (H2) reacts with strong oxidants, such as hydroxyl and nitrosyl radicals, in the cells, that enables utilization of its potential for preventive and therapeutic applications. H2 rapidly diffuses into tissues and cells without affecting metabolic redox reactions and signaling reactive species. H2 reduces oxidative stress also by regulating gene expression, and functions as an anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic agent. There is a growing body of evidence based on the results of animal experiments and clinical observations that H2 may represent an effective antioxidant for the prevention of oxidative stress-related diseases. Application of molecular hydrogen in situations with excessive production of free radicals, in particular, hydroxyl and nitrosyl radicals is relatively simple and effective, therefore, it deserves special attention.

Study details

Article type

Review

Disease / injury model

Oxidative stress-related diseases (e.g., cardiovascular diseases, ischemia/reperfusion injury, radiation injury, rheumatoid arthritis, neurodegenerative diseases)

Dose comparison

The review notes that different concentrations and delivery methods (e.g., 1-4% H2 gas inhalation, hydrogen-rich water up to 0.8 mM) have been used, and discusses the lack of clear dose-response effects and challenges in maintaining high concentrations.

Dose-dependent effect

No

Outcome

Positive

Findings

Molecular hydrogen (H2) acts as a selective antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and signal modulatory agent, providing preventive and therapeutic benefits in situations with excessive free radical production, especially hydroxyl and nitrosyl radicals. Evidence from animal and clinical studies supports its efficacy in reducing oxidative stress and related pathologies.