[Research progress on the preventive and therapeutic effects of hydrogen in oxidative stress-induced pulmonary diseases]

Oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and cell apoptosis play important roles in the occurrence, development, and outcome of many diseases, including some lung diseases. During ischemia, hypoxia, or inflammation, the body produces excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), which non-selectively react with nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins, leading to cellular oxidative damage. Traditional antioxidants exhibit limitations due to their non-specific actions and safety concerns, whereas hydrogen (H₂), as a novel selective antioxidant, can readily cross the blood-brain barrier and blood-tissue barriers to rapidly reach target tissues, effectively eliminating ROS. Beyond its antioxidant properties, H₂ possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and autophagy-regulating effects. This review summarizes recent research findings on the therapeutic application of H₂ in oxidative stress-related pulmonary diseases, aiming to provide theoretical foundations and research directions for the clinical application of H₂ in the prevention and treatment of lung diseases.