Therapeutic Effects of Noble Gases

Since the last century, it has been known that inert gasescan cause a range of physiological effects. The biological activityof inert gases is an extremely multifaceted phenomenon. Despitethe similarity of most physical and chemical characteristics, theydifferently influence many organs and tissues by interacting witha variety of protein targets. Xenon, krypton, and argon are nowknown to be capable of altering the functional state of the centralnervous system and correcting some psychoemotional disorders. In addition,noble gases act on the processes of apoptosis and cellular stressresponse, affect the immune status and various homeostatic parameters.The cytoprotective effects of helium on the cardiovascular and respiratorysystems have also been convincingly demonstrated. Thus, inert gasesare currently being considered as potential tools to correct variousdiseases. This review analyzes literature data on the physiologicaleffects of inert gases, as identified in biomedical studies on patients,as well as in cell culture and in vivo models. Each chapter is dedicatedto a particular gas of this group, starting from the most studied.For each of the inert gases (helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon,and radon), the physiological activity, possibility of being usedin medicine, and some known mechanisms of its action are considered.Moreover, the existing data are critically analyzed, and the keygaps to be filled in future research are highlighted.