COVID-19に対する水素ガス吸入の臨床応用と作用機序：将来展望を含むレビュー
This review examines the biological properties and potential applications of molecular hydrogen (H₂) with particular emphasis on COVID-19 pneumonia. Because of its low molecular weight, H₂ diffuses readily across cell membranes and exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects. Key mechanisms include suppression of excess reactive oxygen species and modulation of nuclear transcription factors. Evidence from clinical trials and animal experiments indicates relevance across a spectrum of conditions such as sepsis, ischemia-reperfusion injury, pancreatitis, and respiratory disorders. Three principal delivery routes are discussed: gas inhalation, oral hydrogen-rich water, and intravenous hydrogen-rich saline. The review also addresses H₂ involvement in mitochondrial energy metabolism and regulated cell death pathways including apoptosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy. China's clinical guidelines recommending H₂ inhalation for COVID-19 pneumonia are noted, and the overall safety profile is considered favorable, though the precise molecular mechanisms remain incompletely characterized.
H₂ selectively scavenges excess reactive oxygen species and modulates nuclear transcription factors, producing anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects; it also influences mitochondrial energy metabolism and regulated cell death pathways including autophagy and pyroptosis.
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:
https://h2-papers.org/en/papers/37509530