The Molecular Biological Mechanism of Hydrogen Therapy and Its Application in Spinal Cord Injury

Hydrogen, a novel biomedical molecule, is being researched for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic effects, showing promise in treating various diseases, including spinal cord injury. This review explores the potential molecular mechanisms of hydrogen therapy in treating spinal cord injury, aiming to understand its medical value and offer new options for adjuvant treatment. Hydrogen is now recognized as being the fourth signaling gas molecule after Nitric Oxide (NO), Carbon monoxide (CO), and Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and is considered a novel medical gas molecule.

• 1
  Hydrogen exhibits selective antioxidant action by eliminating excessive harmful free radicals and alleviating cellular damage, thereby promoting recovery from conditions such as cerebral ischemia.
• 2
  Hydrogen possesses anti-inflammatory effects by reducing the generation of inflammatory factors and increasing the release of anti-inflammatory factors, impacting various inflammatory mediators.
• 3
  Hydrogen can promote cell protection, mitochondrial biogenesis, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generation, an increased NAD(+)/NADH ratio, Phase II enzymes for cell protection, heat shock proteins, and sirtuins, among other effects.