# Molecular hydrogen is a promising therapeutic agent for pulmonary disease.
> 分子状水素による肺疾患への保護効果：メカニズムと臨床的意義のレビュー


## Abstract

Molecular hydrogen exhibits biological activity across multiple organ systems, with documented anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties, as well as involvement in autophagy regulation and cell death pathways. The lungs, being the primary site of gas exchange, face continuous exposure to environmental irritants, making them susceptible to both acute and chronic injury. Respiratory diseases, including COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2, represent a substantial global health burden. A growing body of evidence indicates that hydrogen may confer protection against a spectrum of pulmonary conditions—acute lung injury, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, lung cancer, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and pulmonary fibrosis. This review consolidates current knowledge on the multifaceted functions of hydrogen and the mechanistic basis of its protective actions in these conditions, emphasizing pathogenic relevance and potential clinical applications.

### Mechanism

Hydrogen is proposed to protect pulmonary tissue by selectively scavenging reactive oxygen species, suppressing NF-κB-mediated inflammatory signaling, modulating autophagy flux, and regulating apoptotic pathways in lung cells.

## Bibliographic

- **Authors**: Fu Z, Zhang JH
- **Journal**: J Zhejiang Univ Sci B
- **Year**: 2022 (2022-02-15)
- **PMID**: [35187885](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35187885/)
- **DOI**: [10.1631/jzus.B2100420](https://doi.org/10.1631/jzus.B2100420)
- **PMC**: [PMC8861563](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8861563/)
- **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 35187885. https://h2-papers.org/en/papers/35187885
> **Source**: PubMed PMID [35187885](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35187885/)