Molecular hydrogen increases resilience to stress in mice.
Qiang Gao, Han Song, Xiao-Ting Wang, Ying Liang, Yan-Jie Xi, Yuan Gao, Qing-Jun Guo, Tyler LeBaron, Yi-Xiao Luo, Shuang-Cheng Li, Xi Yin, Hai-Shui Shi, Yu-Xia Ma · Scientific reports · 2017
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
In mice, repeated inhalation of hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas [67%:33% (V/V)] significantly decreased both the acute and chronic stress-induced depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors of mice, assessed by tail suspension test (TST), forced swimming test (FST), novelty suppressed feeding (NSF) test, and open field test (OFT). These preclinical findings add evidence supporting molecular hydrogen's therapeutic potential within the outcomes and biological pathways measured in this model.
What the Findings Mean
H2HUBB reviewed how inhaled hydrogen gas affected the outcomes measured in mice. Repeated inhalation of hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas [67%:33% (V/V)] significantly decreased both the acute and chronic stress-induced depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors of mice, assessed by tail suspension test (TST), forced swimming test (FST), novelty suppressed feeding (NSF) test, and open field test (OFT).
What the Researchers Studied
The researchers studied mice. The study used a preclinical animal experiment. The comparison condition was control condition or baseline measurements.
What Effects Did Molecular Hydrogen Have?
Source-reported hydrogen concentration: 33% source-reported H₂ gas concentration; Source-reported hydrogen exposure: 33% source-reported H₂ gas concentration; 180 minutes/day; reported treatment duration: 28 days. Repeated inhalation of hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas [67%:33% (V/V)] significantly decreased both the acute and chronic stress-induced depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors of mice, assessed by tail suspension test (TST), forced swimming test (FST), novelty suppressed feeding (NSF) test, and open field test (OFT). The authors concluded that this indicates that the enhanced resilience to stress by repeated hydrogen inhalation may be associated with modulation of the HPA axis activity and the immune system. Research from Nagata and colleagues showed that continuous consumption of hydrogen water reduced oxidative stress in the brain, and prevented the stress-induced decline in learning and memory caused by chronic physical restraint in mice, highlighting the potential application of hydrogen in cognitive-impairment and stress-related disorders 34. The authors' present results showed that the concentration of hydrogen in the hippocampus and blood of mice exposed to H₂ /O₂ mixture gas was significantly increased.
Why These Findings Matter
These preclinical findings add evidence supporting molecular hydrogen's therapeutic potential within the outcomes and biological pathways measured in this model.
How Strong Is This Evidence?
This is preclinical animal evidence from a preclinical animal experiment. It is most informative for the disease model, mechanisms, biomarkers, and outcomes directly measured in the study.
Technical Study Details
H2HUBB classifies this publication as animal study with preclinical animal evidence. The research population or model was mice. The study used a preclinical animal experiment. The hydrogen delivery method was inhaled hydrogen gas. The source-reported hydrogen concentration was 33% source-reported H₂ gas concentration. The reported treatment duration was 28 days.
Limitations and Safety
Safety information: Considering the comparable efficiency to prescription medication with no reported side effects, the high safety profile and ease of administration, molecular hydrogen should be further developed as a new strategy for preventing stress-related disorders, including depression and anxiety in the future.
Original Study and H2HUBB Research Context
H2HUBB presents this source-grounded research record as one contribution to the broader molecular-hydrogen evidence base.