Molecular hydrogen: a preventive and therapeutic medical gas for various diseases

// Li Ge 1 , Ming Yang 2 , Na-Na Yang 3 , Xin-Xin Yin 2 and Wen-Gang Song 4 1 Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Taishan Medical University, Tai-an City 271000, Shandong Province, PR China 2 Department of Clinical Medicine, Taishan Medical University, Tai-an City 271000, Shandong Province, PR China 3 Key Laboratory of Atherosclerosis in Universities of Shandong, Taishan Medical University, Institute of Atherosclerosis, Taishan Medical University, Tai-an City 271000, Shandong Province, PR China 4 Department of medical immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Taishan Medical University, Tai-an City 271000, Shandong Province, PR China Correspondence to: Wen-Gang Song, email: [email protected] Keywords: molecular hydrogen, selective anti-oxidation, gaseous signal modulator, preventive and therapeutic applications Received: April 27, 2017      Accepted: August 26, 2017      Published: September 21, 2017 ABSTRACT Since the 2007 discovery that molecular hydrogen (H 2 ) has selective antioxidant properties, multiple studies have shown that H 2 has beneficial effects in diverse animal models and human disease. This review discusses H 2 biological effects and potential mechanisms of action in various diseases, including metabolic syndrome, organ injury, and cancer; describes effective H 2 delivery approaches; and summarizes recent progress toward H 2 applications in human medicine. We also discuss remaining questions in H 2 therapy, and conclude with an appeal for a greater role for H 2 in the prevention and treatment of human ailments that are currently major global health burdens. This review makes a case for supporting hydrogen medicine in human disease prevention and therapy.