Dihydrogen and Hepatic Function: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Molecular hydrogen (H2, dihydrogen) is an innovative experimental agent that could foster beneficial effects in a plethora of human conditions, including liver disorders. Recent trials demonstrated the positive effects of dihydrogen in several acute and chronic liver diseases, including chronic hepatitis B, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and liver cancer. Still, no systematic review or meta-analysis investigated the effects of dihydrogen intake on the hepatic function panel. For this report, we searched three relevant databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus) from inception until December 24, 2022, using PRISMA guidelines. A literature search yielded 365 publications in total. After removing duplicates and studies that did not meet the inclusion criteria, 12 studies (published from 2008 to 2022) were included in this analysis. We found that serum malondialdehyde levels were significantly decreased following dihydrogen intake (pooled standardized mean difference = − 0.97 [95% confidence interval [CI], from − 1.65 to − 0.19; P = 0.01), with results indicating a large effect of dihydrogen intervention. A strong trend for a reduction in the liver function tests (including aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase) has also been observed after dihydrogen administration (P < 0.20). Our findings suggested that dihydrogen can favorably affect the hepatic function panel; additional well-sampled interventional trials are highly warranted to corroborate our results.