Molecular hydrogen: a therapeutic antioxidant and beyond.

Abstract

Research on molecular hydrogen (H2) in medicine has expanded substantially following an early landmark study demonstrating antioxidant and cytoprotective properties in a focal stroke animal model. Accumulated evidence indicates that H2 holds promise across a broad range of disease conditions, and the mechanistic basis extends well beyond simple hydroxyl radical scavenging. The absence of toxicity even at elevated concentrations, combined with rapid diffusion across cellular membranes, supports the feasibility of translating H2-based interventions into clinical settings for human patients.

Mechanism

H2 exerts cytoprotective effects through mechanisms beyond selective hydroxyl radical scavenging. Its rapid membrane diffusion and absence of toxicity at high concentrations underpin its broad biological activity.