Prospects of Hydrogen Medicine Based on Its Protective Effects on Mitochondrial Function

Mitochondria originated from aerobic bacteria in endosymbiosis. Through this symbiosis, eukaryotes acquired an efficient energy-producing system, but at the cost of exposure to oxidative stress from reactive oxygen species (ROS). Molecular hydrogen (H2) was recently identified as an antioxidant that selectively reduces ROS, such as hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite, which are strong oxidants, and its clinical applications are progressing. This paper investigated the efficacy of H2 on experimental models and several human chronic inflammatory diseases and demonstrated that its exerted effects via the protection of mitochondrial function. H2 protection may be exerted by regulation of mitochondrial ROS. Since mitochondrial dysfunction has been detected in many common diseases, such as metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases, the development of technologies and substances that protect or activate mitochondrial function will be necessary for the future of medicine. H2 may be positioned as a candidate in future medicine due to its effects on mitochondrial function.