Biomedicines (Jan 2024)

Hydrogen in Transplantation: Potential Applications and Therapeutic Implications

  • Takafumi Obara,
  • Hiromichi Naito,
  • Tsuyoshi Nojima,
  • Takahiro Hirayama,
  • Takashi Hongo,
  • Kohei Ageta,
  • Toshiyuki Aokage,
  • Masaki Hisamura,
  • Tetsuya Yumoto,
  • Atsunori Nakao

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12010118
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12, no. 1
p. 118

Abstract

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Hydrogen gas, renowned for its antioxidant properties, has emerged as a novel therapeutic agent with applications across various medical domains, positioning it as a potential adjunct therapy in transplantation. Beyond its antioxidative properties, hydrogen also exerts anti-inflammatory effects by modulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and signaling pathways. Furthermore, hydrogen’s capacity to activate cytoprotective pathways bolsters cellular resilience against stressors. In recent decades, significant advancements have been made in the critical medical procedure of transplantation. However, persistent challenges such as ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and graft rejection continue to hinder transplant success rates. This comprehensive review explores the potential applications and therapeutic implications of hydrogen in transplantation, shedding light on its role in mitigating IRI, improving graft survival, and modulating immune responses. Through a meticulous analysis encompassing both preclinical and clinical studies, we aim to provide valuable insights into the promising utility of hydrogen as a complementary therapy in transplantation.

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