# Molecular Hydrogen as a Medical Gas for the Treatment of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Possible Efficacy Based on a Literature Review.
> 筋痛性脳脊髄炎／慢性疲労症候群に対する分子状水素の医療ガスとしての可能性：文献レビューに基づく考察


## Abstract

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) presents with prolonged fatigue exceeding six months, physical weakness, disrupted sleep, and impaired cognition. Among the proposed pathophysiological mechanisms, mitochondrial dysfunction is considered central to the abnormal energy metabolism observed in this condition. Despite investigations into numerous candidate substances, no fully satisfactory intervention has emerged. This literature review examined how molecular hydrogen (H2) influences acute and chronic fatigue in animal models and healthy human subjects. H2 selectively scavenges hydroxyl radicals—among the most reactive oxidants—thereby attenuating mitochondrial dysfunction. Evidence from both preclinical and clinical studies indicates that H2 exerts ameliorative effects on fatigue-related outcomes. The authors propose that mitochondrial protection via hydroxyl radical elimination may underlie these benefits, and suggest that H2 gas warrants further clinical investigation as a candidate medical gas for ME/CFS.

### Mechanism

H2 selectively neutralizes hydroxyl radicals, the most potent reactive oxygen species, thereby reducing mitochondrial dysfunction and improving energy metabolism dysregulation associated with chronic fatigue.

## Bibliographic

- **Authors**: Hirano S, Ichikawa Y, Sato B, Takefuji Y, Satoh F
- **Journal**: Front Neurol
- **Year**: 2022
- **PMID**: [35493814](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35493814/)
- **DOI**: [10.3389/fneur.2022.841310](https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2022.841310)
- **PMC**: [PMC9042428](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9042428/)
- **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 35493814. https://h2-papers.org/en/papers/35493814
> **Source**: PubMed PMID [35493814](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35493814/)