Hydrogen inhalation during normoxic resuscitation improves neurological outcome in a rat model of cardiac arrest independently of targeted temperature management.
Kei Hayashida, Motoaki Sano, Naomi Kamimura, Takashi Yokota, Masaru Suzuki, Shigeo Ohta, Keiichi Fukuda, Shingo Hori · Circulation · 2014
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Independent study record
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H2HUBB TAKEAWAY
In rats, neuronal degeneration and microglial activation in a vulnerable brain region was suppressed by both TTM alone and H₂ inhalation alone, with the combined therapy of TTM and H₂ inhalation being most effective. These results are preclinical and suggest molecular hydrogen's therapeutic potential in the condition studied. Further human research is needed to establish clinical effectiveness.
What the Researchers Studied
Here, the researchers examine the effectiveness of this therapeutic approach when H₂ inhalation is begun on the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) under normoxic conditions, either alone or in combination with targeted temperature management (TTM).
How Molecular Hydrogen Was Used
The source material available to H2HUBB did not provide enough detail to identify the molecular hydrogen administration method.
What the Researchers Found
Five minutes after achieving ROSC, post-cardiac arrest rats were randomized into 4 groups: mechanically ventilated with 26% O₂ and normothermia (control); mechanically ventilated with 26% O₂, 1.3% H₂, and normothermia (H₂); mechanically ventilated with 26% O₂ and TTM (TTM); and mechanically ventilated with 26% O₂, 1.3% H₂, and TTM (TTM+H₂). Animal survival rate at 7 days after ROSC was 38.4% in the control group, 71.4% in the H₂ and TTM groups, and 85.7% in the TTM+H₂ group. Combined therapy of TTM and H₂ inhalation was superior to TTM alone in terms of neurological deficit scores at 24, 48, and 72 hours after ROSC, and motor activity at 7 days after ROSC.
H₂ Mechanisms / Biological Findings
The source material reviewed did not establish a specific molecular hydrogen mechanism for the reported findings.
Authors’ Conclusion
The authors concluded that H₂ inhalation was beneficial when begun after ROSC, even when delivered in the absence of hyperoxia. Combined TTM and H₂ inhalation was more effective than TTM alone.