Prospects of molecular hydrogen in perioperative neuroprotection from basic research to clinical application

Abstract

Purpose of review: The current systematic review summarizes recent, basic clinical achievements regarding the neuroprotective effects of molecular hydrogen in distinct central nervous system conditions. Recent findings: Perioperative neuroprotection remains a major topic of clinical anesthesia. Various gaseous molecules have previously been explored as a feasible therapeutic option in neurological disorders. Among them, molecular hydrogen, which has emerged as a novel and potential therapy for perioperative neuroprotection, has received much attention. Summary: Fundamental and clinical evidence supports the antioxidant, antiinflammation, antiapoptosis and mitochondrial protective effects of hydrogen in the pathophysiology of nervous system diseases. The clinically preventive and therapeutic effects of hydrogen on different neural diseases, however, remain uncertain, and the lack of support by large randomized controlled trials has delayed its clinical application.

Study details

Article type

Systematic Review / Meta-Analysis

Disease / injury model

Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, traumatic brain injury, sepsis-associated encephalopathy, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury

Dose-dependent effect

No

Outcome

Positive

Findings

Molecular hydrogen demonstrates neuroprotective effects in various central nervous system diseases in both animal models and clinical studies, with evidence supporting its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and mitochondrial protective actions. However, large-scale randomized controlled trials are lacking, and the clinical efficacy remains to be fully established.