# Molecular Hydrogen as a Neuroprotective Agent.
> 神経保護物質としての分子状水素：神経疾患研究における進展のレビュー


## Abstract

Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation underlie a broad range of neurological conditions. Molecular hydrogen (H2) has attracted attention for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, with administration routes in animal and clinical studies falling into three categories: gas inhalation, oral intake of H2-dissolved water, and infusion of H2-dissolved saline. This review surveys advances in H2 research across cerebrovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and neonatal brain injuries, highlighting the clinical potential of H2 for prevention and mitigation of these conditions. Candidate effector mechanisms are examined, including cell-signaling molecules and hormones involved in suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation. The authors note that identification of the direct molecular target of H2 remains an open question requiring further investigation.

### Mechanism

H2 exerts neuroprotective effects through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions; cell-signaling molecules and hormones that suppress oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are proposed as effectors, though the direct molecular target of H2 has not yet been identified.

## Bibliographic

- **Authors**: Iketani M, Ohsawa I
- **Journal**: Curr Neuropharmacol
- **Year**: 2017
- **PMID**: [27281176](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27281176/)
- **DOI**: [10.2174/1570159x14666160607205417](https://doi.org/10.2174/1570159x14666160607205417)
- **PMC**: [PMC5412697](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5412697/)
- **Study type**: review
- **Delivery route**: mixed routes
- **Effect reported**: not assessed

## Delivery context

This study combines multiple delivery routes. As a general principle, the most efficient route for routine hydrogen intake is inhalation. Inhalation carries explosion risk (empirical LFL of 10%; high-concentration devices are documented in the Consumer Affairs Agency accident database and are not recommended).

## Safety notes

This study combines multiple delivery routes. As a general principle, the most efficient route for routine hydrogen intake is inhalation. Inhalation carries explosion risk (empirical LFL of 10%; high-concentration devices are documented in the Consumer Affairs Agency accident database and are not recommended).

See also:
- [Inhalation concentration and LFL / UFL](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/inhalation-concentration)
- [Consumer Affairs Agency accident cases](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/accident-cases)
- [Inhalation safety threshold lineage](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/lineage)

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> **Cite as**: H2 Papers — PMID 27281176. https://h2-papers.org/en/papers/27281176
> **Source**: PubMed PMID [27281176](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27281176/)