Hyperbaric hydrogen therapy improves secondary brain injury after head trauma.
Yohei Otsuka, Satoshi Tomura, Terushige Toyooka, Satoru Takeuchi, Arata Tomiyama, Tomoko Omura, Daizoh Saito, Kojiro Wada · Undersea & hyperbaric medicine : journal of the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, Inc · 2023
Research-use notice
Independent study record
Each H2HUBB study page organizes source-linked research details for educational use. Interpretation should remain proportional to the study design, population, controls, and limitations.
H2HUBB TAKEAWAY
The partial pressure of hydrogen increases in proportion to the pressure, so hyperbaric hydrogen therapy (HBH2) is more effective than that at atmospheric pressure. 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
The partial pressure of hydrogen increases in proportion to the pressure, so hyperbaric hydrogen therapy (HBH2) is more effective than that at atmospheric pressure.
How Molecular Hydrogen Was Used
The TBI + HBH2 group received hyperbaric hydrogen therapy at 2 atmospheres for 90 minutes, at 30 minutes after TBI.
What the Researchers Found
The TBI + HBH2 group showed significantly less cerebral edema (p ≺ 0.05). Residual hippocampal neurons were significantly more numerous in the TBI + HBH2 group on day 28 (p ≺ 0.05). Neurological score and behavioral tests showed that the TBI + HBH2 group had significantly reduced hyperactivity on day 14 (p ≺ 0.01).
H₂ Mechanisms / Biological Findings
Oxidative stress is deeply involved in secondary brain injury, so molecular hydrogen therapy may be effective for TBI.
Authors’ Conclusion
The authors concluded that hyperbaric hydrogen therapy may be effective for posttraumatic secondary brain injury.