Drinking Molecular Hydrogen Water Is Beneficial to Cardiovascular Function in Diet-Induced Obesity Mice

A comprehensive review of molecular hydrogen as a novel nutrition therapy in relieving oxidative stress and diseases: Mechanisms and perspectives

Oxidative stress is responsible for the pathogenesis of many diseases, and antioxidants are commonly included in their treatment protocols. Over the past two decades, numerous biomedical reports have revealed the therapeutic benefits of molecular hydrogen (H2) in relieving oxidation-related diseases. H2 has been found to have selective antioxidant properties against the most dangerous oxidants (hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite). H2 demonstrates numerous biologically therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-stress, anti-apoptotic, anti-allergic effects, signaling molecule functions, regulation of redox balance, modulation of antioxidant enzyme gene expression, improvement of blood vessel function, down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, stimulation of energy metabolism, and protection of the nervous system. Experimental and clinical studies have shown the potential use of hydrogen nutrition therapy for ameliorating various diseases, including cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic disorders, as well as obesity, gastrointestinal disorders, and brain and nervous system disorders. The administration methods of hydrogen include inhalation, hydrogen-rich water, hydrogen-rich saline, hydrogen-rich eye drops, and hydrogen-rich bathing. Hydrogen nutritional therapy can be applied to different diseases, and it offers a natural alternative to chemical and radiation therapies. This review covers the different administration methods and the latest experimental and clinical research on the potential applications of H2 in nutritional therapy for different diseases.

Therapeutic Potential of Molecular Hydrogen in Metabolic Diseases from Bench to Bedside

Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation have been implicated in the pathophysiology of metabolic diseases, including diabetes mellitus (DM), metabolic syndrome (MS), fatty liver (FL), atherosclerosis (AS), and obesity. Molecular hydrogen (H₂) has long been considered a physiologically inert gas. In the last two decades, accumulating evidence from pre-clinical and clinical studies has indicated that H₂ may act as an antioxidant to exert therapeutic and preventive effects on various disorders, including metabolic diseases. However, the mechanisms underlying the action of H₂ remain unclear. The purpose of this review was to (1) provide an overview of the current research on the potential effects of H₂ on metabolic diseases; (2) discuss the possible mechanisms underlying these effects, including the canonical anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects, as well as suppression of ER stress, activation of autophagy, improvement of mitochondrial function, regulation of gut microbiota, and other possible mechanisms. The potential target molecules of H₂ will also be discussed. With more high-quality clinical trials and in-depth mechanism research, it is believed that H₂ will eventually be applied to clinical practice in the future, to benefit more patients with metabolic disease.

The Effects of Hydrogen-Rich Water on Blood Lipid Profiles in Clinical Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Over the last two decades, a plethora of disease models and human studies have confirmed the beneficial effects of molecular hydrogen (H2), a simple biotherapeutic gas. Recent small-scale studies evaluating the effects of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) on various metabolic conditions pointed to advantageous effects of HRW in regulating blood lipid profiles. However, to the best of the authors' knowledge, no systematic review and/or meta-analysis (SRMA) were published considering HRW consumption and lipid/lipoprotein status. Therefore, the aim of this SRMA was to assess the effects of HRW consumption on blood lipid panel in clinical populations. The search strategy was designed using PRISMA guidelines, and the databases PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus were explored from inception until 4 October 2022. A total of seven studies satisfied all the eligibility criteria and were included in SRMA. The results for the pooled meta-analysis showed a significant reduction in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides after HRW intake (p = 0.01), with small to moderate effects (pooled SMD = -0.23 (from -0.40 to 0.05); pooled SMD = -0.22 (from -0.39 to 0.04); pooled SMD = -0.38 (from -0.59 to 0.18), respectively). Our findings indicate that drinking HRW can significantly improve lipid status in the clinical populations. Additional studies are warranted to further validate this connection.