Molecular Hydrogen: an Emerging Therapeutic Medical Gas for Brain Disorders

Abstract

Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are the main physiopathological changes involved in the initiation and progression of various neurodegenerative disorders or brain injuries. Since the landmark finding reported in 2007 found that hydrogen reduced the levels of peroxynitrite anions and hydroxyl free radicals in ischemic stroke, molecular hydrogen’s antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects have aroused widespread interest. Due to its excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory prop-erties, hydrogen therapy via different routes of administration exhibits great therapeutic potential for a wide range of brain disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, depression, anxiety, traumatic brain injury, ischemic stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. This paper reviews the routes for hydrogen administration, the effects of hydrogen on the previously mentioned brain disorders, and the primary mechanism underlying hydrogen’s neuroprotection. Finally, we discuss hydrogen therapy’s remaining issues and challenges in brain disorders. We conclude that understanding the exact molecular target, finding novel routes, and determining the optimal dosage for hydrogen administration is critical for future studies and applications.

Study details

Article type

Review

Disease / injury model

Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Multiple sclerosis, Ischemic stroke, Traumatic brain injury, Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, Depression, Anxiety

Dose-dependent effect

Yes

Outcome

Positive

Findings

Hydrogen therapy shows significant therapeutic potential for a wide range of brain disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, depression, anxiety, traumatic brain injury, ischemic stroke, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis, primarily through its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. The review highlights both preclinical and some clinical evidence supporting hydrogen's neuroprotective effects, though it also notes the need for further research to determine optimal administration routes, dosages, and mechanisms.