# Molecular hydrogen may enhance the production of testosterone hormone in male infertility through hormone signal modulation and redox balance.
> 分子状水素による男性不妊における酸化還元バランスとホルモンシグナル調節を介したテストステロン産生促進の仮説


## Abstract

Molecular hydrogen (H₂) functions as a selective scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and has also been identified as an intracellular signal modulator. Intra-testicular testosterone, produced by Leydig cells within the seminiferous tubules, is essential for spermatogenesis. While low levels of ROS are necessary for normal sperm function, excessive ROS disrupts the hormonal axis from the hypothalamus to the Leydig cells, reducing testosterone synthesis and impairing spermatogenesis. Superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical, and peroxynitrite can additionally damage DNA, lipids, and proteins, further compromising sperm integrity. H₂ is proposed to counteract these effects by modulating MAPK-downstream cAMP and calcium signaling pathways, thereby restoring redox balance and supporting testosterone production. This hypothesis suggests that H₂ may offer a mechanistic basis for addressing male infertility associated with oxidative stress.

### Mechanism

H₂ is hypothesized to modulate MAPK-downstream cAMP and calcium signaling to antagonize ROS-mediated disruption of the hypothalamus-to-Leydig-cell hormonal axis, thereby restoring redox balance and enhancing testosterone biosynthesis.

## Bibliographic

- **Authors**: Begum R, Bajgai J, Fadriquela A, Kim CS, Kim SS, Lee KJ
- **Journal**: Med Hypotheses
- **Year**: 2018
- **PMID**: [30396494](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30396494/)
- **DOI**: [10.1016/j.mehy.2018.09.001](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2018.09.001)
- **Study type**: other
- **Delivery route**: not specified
- **Effect reported**: not assessed

## Delivery context

The delivery route is not clearly identifiable from this paper. For hydrogen intake, inhalation is the most efficient route; inhalation, however, carries explosion risk (empirical LFL of 10%; high-concentration devices are not recommended).

## Safety notes

The delivery route is not clearly identifiable from this paper. For hydrogen intake, inhalation is the most efficient route; inhalation, however, carries explosion risk (empirical LFL of 10%; high-concentration devices 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)

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> **Cite as**: H2 Papers — PMID 30396494. https://h2-papers.org/en/papers/30396494
> **Source**: PubMed PMID [30396494](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30396494/)