The effect of a low dose hydrogen-oxygen mixture inhalation in midlife/older adults with hypertension: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial

Hydrogen-oxygen mixture inhalation as an adjunctive treatment to home-based exercise in older patients with knee osteoarthritis: an open-label, blinded-endpoint, randomized controlled trial

Objective

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a degenerative joint condition, leading to disability and diminished quality of life. Molecular hydrogen has been proven to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but few studies have investigated its effects on osteoarthritis. Our study aims to assess the therapeutic potential of hydrogen-oxygen mixture (H2-O2) inhalation for KOA.

Methods

In this randomized controlled trial, eligible elderly KOA patients were randomly assigned to either Group H or Group C. Both groups participated in a 12-week home-based exercise (HBE) program, which included knee-joint exercises and health education. Group H additionally received H2-O2 inhalation for 60 min per day over 2 weeks, while Group C did not. The primary outcome was measured using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Secondary outcomes included inflammation levels (hs-CRP, NLR, PLR, LMR), Chair Stand Test (CST), Timed Up and Go (TUG), 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36), Exercise Adherence Rating Scale (EARS), and adverse events.

Results

A total of 121 subjects were enrolled, with an average age of 81.2 years, and 80.2% were female. The between-group mean difference in the WOMAC total score was -5.2 (95% CI -12.1 to 1.7, P = 0.140) at week 12, with Group H showing an improvement of -22.9 (95% CI -26.3 to -19.6, P < 0.001) and Group C showing an improvement of -19.4 (95% CI -22.7 to -16.0, P < 0.001) compared to baseline, revealing a significant group × time interaction (F (3, 356.034) = 14.425, P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed between both groups at week 12 in CST, TUG, SF-36 scores, EARS scores, or the incidence of adverse events.

Conclusion

Although clinical significance was not achieved, H2-O2 inhalation alleviated KOA symptoms and enhanced functional activity in elderly patients undergoing the HBE program during the initial 2 weeks. However, its sustained effects on improving KOA symptoms were not observed.

Effectiveness and safety of hydrogen inhalation therapy as an additional treatment for hypertension in real-world practice: a retrospective, observational study in China

Aim

To evaluate the real-life effectiveness and safety of hydrogen inhalation (HI) therapy as an additional treatment in Chinese adults with hypertension.

Methods

This observational, retrospective clinical study included hypertensive patients receiving routine antihypertensives with or without HI initiation from 2018 to 2023. Participants were assigned to the HI group or non-HI group (control group) after propensity score matching. The changes in mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) level during the 24-week follow-up period in different groups were examined primarily. The secondary outcome was the changes in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and blood pressure (BP) control rate during the study. Several subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to confirm the robustness of our main findings. Adverse event (AE) was also assessed in patients of both groups.

Results

In total, we selected 2,364 patients into the analysis. Both mean SBP and DBP levels significantly decreased in the HI group compared to control group at each follow-up visit with the between group difference of -4.63 mm Hg (95% CI, -6.51 to -2.74) at week 8, -6.69 mm Hg (95% CI, -8.54 to -4.85) at week 16, -7.81 mm Hg (95% CI, -9.57 to -6.04) at week 24 for SBP, and -1.83 mm Hg (95% CI, -3.21 to -0.45) at week 8, -2.57 mm Hg (95% CI, -3.97 to -1.17) at week 16, -2.89 mm Hg (95% CI, -4.24 to -1.54) at week 24 for DBP. Patients in the HI group were more likely to attain controlled BP at the follow-up period with odds ratio of 1.44 (95% CI, 1.21-1.72) at week 8, 1.90 (95% CI, 1.59-2.27) at week 16, and 2.24 (95% CI, 1.87-2.68) at the end. The trends of subgroup and sensitivity analyses were mostly consistent with the main analysis. The incidences of AEs were similar between the HI group and control group with all p-value >0.05.

Conclusion

The HI therapy is related to significant amelioration in BP levels with acceptable safety profile in Chinese hypertensive adults after 24 weeks of treatment, building a clinical ground for further research to evaluate the antihypertensive effect of HI therapy.

Application of Electrolyzed Hydrogen Water for Management of Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis Treatment-Perspective View

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is globally on the rise, has become an urgent challenge from the perspective of public health, given its risk factors such as end-stage renal failure, cardiovascular diseases, and infections. The pathophysiology of CKD, including dialysis patients, is deeply associated with enhanced oxidative stress in both the kidneys and the entire body. Therefore, the introduction of a safe and widely applicable antioxidant therapy is expected as a measure against CKD. Electrolyzed hydrogen water (EHW) generated through the electrolysis of water has been confirmed to possess chemical antioxidant capabilities. In Japan, devices producing this water have become popular for household drinking water. In CKD model experiments conducted to date, drinking EHW has been shown to suppress the progression of kidney damage related to hypertension. Furthermore, clinical studies have reported that systemic oxidative stress in patients undergoing dialysis treatment using EHW is suppressed, leading to a reduction in the incidence of cardiovascular complications. In the future, considering EHW as one of the comprehensive measures against CKD holds significant importance. The medical utility of EHW is believed to be substantial, and further investigation is warranted.