Hydrogen therapy
Hydrogen therapy is the use of molecular hydrogen for therapeutic purposes. H2 has therapeutic benefits due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as due to its role as an inducer of Regulation of [gene expression|gene expression].
H2 is not cytotoxic or explosive below 4% concentration. H2 can rapidly cross cell membranes, including mitochondrial and nuclear membranes, as well as the blood–brain barrier.
H2 directly neutralizes hydroxyl radicals and directly scavenges peroxynitrite. H2 accumulates more in the lipid phase of cells and tissues than in the aqueous phase, where it can suppress lipid peroxidation of polyunsaturated fats.
H2 indirectly induces expression of antioxidant enzymes by activation of the Nrf2 transcription factor.
In a rat model of ischemia and reperfusion, inhalation of H2-gas markedly suppressed brain injury.
Clinical trials in human patients
In patients with metabolic syndrome, H2 was shown to protect against low-density lipoprotein oxidation, stimulated cholesterol efflux from macrophage foam cells, and protected endothelial cells from apoptosis. Lipid and glucose metabolism was significantly improved in patients with type 2 diabetes administered hydrogen-rich saline.Patients with rheumatoid arthritis given H2-water for four weeks showed significant improvement of symptoms.
Patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease administered 2.4% H2-containing steam showed significant reduced inflammation in the airways.
In a randomized double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial in which healthy adults drank H2-rich water for four weeks, subjects showed reduction of DNA damage and reduced markers of inflammation, but only in those over 30 years of age.
Clinical trials have shown the benefit of hydrogen therapy for traumatic brain injury, mild cognitive impairment, and symptom relief as well as neuronal improvement in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Hydrogen-rich water has demonstrated improvements in patients with liver disease, and has been shown to improve lipid and glucose metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes.