Recent Advances in Studies of Molecular Hydrogen against Sepsis.

Abstract

Sepsis is a life-threatening syndrome arising from a dysregulated host response to infection, leading to multi-organ dysfunction. Molecular hydrogen has attracted attention as a novel antioxidant capable of scavenging free radicals, with documented efficacy across conditions including infection, trauma, ischemia-reperfusion injury, metabolic disorders, and malignancies. This review examines the biological actions of molecular hydrogen relevant to sepsis, encompassing anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, anti-apoptotic, anti-shock, and autophagy-regulatory effects, all of which may reduce organ and barrier damage associated with sepsis. The current state of knowledge regarding underlying signaling pathways is discussed, and the review aims to provide a mechanistic framework for future investigation into hydrogen's role in sepsis management.

Mechanism

Molecular hydrogen is proposed to mitigate sepsis-induced organ and barrier injury by scavenging reactive oxygen species, suppressing inflammatory signaling cascades, and modulating apoptotic and autophagic pathways.