Hydrogen inhalation: A novel approach to alleviating allergic rhinitis symptoms by modulating nasal flora

Nan Wang, MSc; Qianzi Ma, MSc; Jiayuan Zhai, MSc; Yanlu Che, MSc; Junjie Liu, MSc; Tianwei Tang, MSc; Yanan Sun, PhD; Jingting Wang, PhD; Wanchao Yang, PhD

World Allergy Organization Journal (Oct 2024)

Hydrogen inhalation: A novel approach to alleviating allergic rhinitis symptoms by modulating nasal flora

Nan Wang, MSc,
Qianzi Ma, MSc,
Jiayuan Zhai, MSc,
Yanlu Che, MSc,
Junjie Liu, MSc,
Tianwei Tang, MSc,
Yanan Sun, PhD,
Jingting Wang, PhD,
Wanchao Yang, PhD

Affiliations

Nan Wang, MSc: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Qingdao Women and Children's Hospital, Qingdao, China; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
Qianzi Ma, MSc: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
Jiayuan Zhai, MSc: Department of Anesthesiology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
Yanlu Che, MSc: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
Junjie Liu, MSc: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
Tianwei Tang, MSc: Department of Anesthesiology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
Yanan Sun, PhD: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
Jingting Wang, PhD: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; Corresponding author.
Wanchao Yang, PhD: Department of Anesthesiology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; Corresponding author.

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 17, no. 10
p. 100970

Abstract

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Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an allergic reaction dominated by the Th2 immune response in the nasal mucosa. The bacterial infection process affects the balance between Th1 and Th2 immune responses, and the level of exposure to environmental flora is closely related to the development of AR. Hydrogen (H2) is a medical molecule with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to explore the possible mechanism of action of H2 on AR through its ability to regulate the balance of nasal flora. Methods: Serum eosinophil count (EOS), immunoglobulin E (IgE) concentration, visual analog scale (VAS), total nasal symptom score (TNSS), and rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ) were observed before and after hydrogen inhalation in AR patients. Skin prick test (SPT) was used to determine allergen sensitisation. Community composition and relative abundance of nasal flora were examined before and after hydrogen inhalation and in normal subjects using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results: There were no adverse reactions during and after hydrogen inhalation in AR patients, with a favorable safety profile and significant improvements in VAS, TNSS, EOS, and IgE (P < 0.05). Cavity flora 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed higher abundance of Ruminococcus and Erysipelotrichaceae flora in the nasal cavity of AR patients than in normal subjects, and their abundance could be down-regulated after H2 inhalation. H2 significantly increased the abundance of Blautia_faecis and negatively correlated with VAS, TNSS, EOS, and IgE. Conclusions: H2 may improve symptoms in AR patients by modulating the distribution of nasal flora. Trials with larger sample sizes are required to further test this hypothesis. Trial registration: This trial was registered in the China Clinical Trial Registry (Registration No. ChiCTR2200062253).

Published in World Allergy Organization Journal

ISSN: 1939-4551 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: Netherlands
LCC subjects: Medicine: Internal medicine: Specialties of internal medicine: Immunologic diseases. Allergy
Website: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/world-allergy-organization-journal

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