# A novel intervention of molecular hydrogen on the unbalance of the gut microbiome in opioid addiction: Experimental and human studies.
> オピオイド依存症における腸内マイクロバイオームの不均衡に対する水素分子の新たな介入：動物実験およびヒト研究


## Abstract

This study examined whether molecular hydrogen (H2) could modulate gut microbiota and reduce opioid-seeking behavior through the gut-brain axis. A morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) model was used in mice to assess acquisition, extinction, and reinstatement stages. Gut microbial diversity and composition were analyzed via 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and serum short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were quantified by GC-MS. H2 intervention accelerated extinction of morphine-associated behaviors and suppressed reinstatement. Alterations in gut microbiota composition were identified as a potential underlying mechanism. In a parallel human study involving opioid-addicted individuals, H2 intervention was associated with improvements in depression and anxiety symptoms alongside favorable shifts in gut microbial profiles. These findings suggest that H2 may act through gut microbiome modulation to reduce opioid addiction-related outcomes.

### Mechanism

H2 appears to reshape gut microbial diversity and composition, modulating short-chain fatty acid production and gut-brain axis signaling, thereby facilitating extinction of morphine-conditioned behaviors and suppressing reinstatement in both animal models and human subjects.

## Bibliographic

- **Authors**: Xie B, Wang Y, Lu Y, Wang M, Hui R, Yu HS, et al.
- **Journal**: Biomed Pharmacother
- **Year**: 2024
- **PMID**: [39116782](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39116782/)
- **DOI**: [10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117273](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117273)
- **Study type**: other
- **Delivery route**: mixed routes
- **Effect reported**: positive

## 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 39116782. https://h2-papers.org/en/papers/39116782
> **Source**: PubMed PMID [39116782](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39116782/)