Medical Gas Therapy for Tissue, Organ, and CNS Protection: A Systematic Review of Eﬀects, Mechanisms, and Challenges

Advanced Science, 2022 · DOI: 10.1002/advs.202104136 · Published: March 4, 2022

Pharmacology Neurology Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

Medical gas therapy involves using gases like carbon monoxide and xenon to protect tissues. These gases can help cells survive by regulating processes like oxidation, inﬂammation, and programmed cell death. The review highlights the need for more advanced research to validate how these gases work and ensure consistent results, especially in larger animal studies.

Study Duration

From January 1, 2000 – July 31, 2021

Participants

In vitro and in vivo studies

Evidence Level

Systematic Review

Key Findings

1
Medical gases like carbon monoxide (CO) and xenon (Xe) show promise in protecting tissues and improving function, particularly in the central nervous system (CNS), heart, retina, liver, kidneys, and lungs.
2
CO elicits neurorestoration by activating sGC/cGMP/MAPK signaling and crosstalk between HO-CO, HIF-1α/VEGF, and NOS pathways.
3
Xe rescues neurons through NMDA antagonism and PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α/ERK activation.

Research Summary

This systematic review supports the idea that medical gases can protect cells against common diseases by controlling oxidation, inﬂammation, and cell death. Carbon monoxide can help restore nerve function by influencing specific signaling pathways, while xenon protects neurons by blocking certain receptors and activating others. The review emphasizes the need for more research using advanced techniques to confirm how these gases work and to improve the reliability of outcomes.

Practical Implications

Novel Pharmaceutical Approach

Medical gases may offer a new way to treat critical organ failure and neurotrauma due to their broad and simultaneous effects on the body's balance.

Targeted Therapies

Understanding the specific mechanisms of action of medical gases can lead to the development of more targeted and effective therapies for various conditions.

Clinical Translation

Further research and validation are needed to translate the promising preclinical findings into clinical applications and standardized treatments.

Study Limitations

1
Limited number of neurotherapeutic investigations
2
Lack of published results from large in vivo models
3
Interstudy diﬀerences in experimental models, outcome measures, drug deliveries, and research designs

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