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Medical gases play a crucial role in modern medicine, impacting diagnostics, treatment, and life support for patients. Oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, nitrous oxide, and helium have long histories of use. In recent decades, scientists have turned their attention to hydrogen (H₂) due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, positioning hydrogen as a promising agent in the treatment of various diseases.
Key Medical Gases
1. Oxygen (O₂)
1.1 Role in the Body
Oxygen is arguably the most important medical gas, as it is essential for life. The body uses oxygen to produce energy at the cellular level through glucose oxidation. Oxygen is vital for the normal functioning of organs and tissues, and its deficiency (hypoxia) can cause serious damage to the body.
1.2 Medical Use
Oxygen therapy is used for conditions associated with hypoxia, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, heart failure, and during resuscitation efforts. It is also essential for maintaining adequate oxygenation during surgeries and mechanical ventilation.
1.3 Challenges
Despite its critical role, excessive oxygen can be harmful. Hyperoxia can cause cellular and tissue damage, which is especially concerning for newborns who receive oxygen through ventilators.
2. Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
2.1 Physiological Functions
Carbon dioxide is a metabolic byproduct and helps maintain the acid-base balance of the blood. It also stimulates the brain’s respiratory centers, regulating the rate and depth of breathing.
2.2 Medical Use
CO₂ is used in laparoscopy to create an artificial space in the abdominal cavity, improving the visibility of the surgical field. In low concentrations, carbon dioxide is used in respiratory therapy to stimulate breathing in patients with breathing disorders. It can also be used for diagnostic purposes, such as in lung function tests.
2.3 Challenges
High concentrations of carbon dioxide can lead to hypercapnia—a condition that causes respiratory depression, loss of consciousness, and can be fatal if left untreated.
3. Nitrogen (N₂)
3.1 Physiological Aspects
Nitrogen makes up about 78% of the atmosphere but plays a passive role in the human body. In medicine, nitrogen is used as an auxiliary gas.
3.2 Medical Use
Nitrogen is commonly used as an inert gas to create oxygen mixtures, especially in bariatric medicine and diving, where special breathing mixtures are required. It is also used to create hypoxic environments in experiments related to oxygen deficiency adaptation.
4. Helium (He)
4.1 Properties
Helium is a light, inert gas that does not participate in chemical reactions and has low density, making it especially useful in medicine.
4.2 Medical Use
Helium, mixed with oxygen (heliox), is used to treat patients with respiratory problems such as airway obstruction and asthma. Its lightness makes breathing easier, particularly in cases where there is resistance in the airways. Helium is also used in treating barotrauma and decompression sickness in divers.
5. Nitrous Oxide (N₂O)
5.1 Properties
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas,” has mild anesthetic and calming effects.
5.2 Medical Use
This gas is widely used in dentistry and surgery as a safe, fast-acting agent for short-term sedation. It induces euphoria and temporary pain relief. In combination with other anesthetics, N₂O is used for general anesthesia. One advantage of this gas is its rapid onset and precise dosage control.
6. Xenon (Xe)
6.1 Properties
Xenon is a noble gas with unique anesthetic properties. It is not metabolized in the body and is quickly eliminated.
6.2 Medical Use
Xenon is used in anesthesiology as a powerful inhalation anesthetic. It has minimal side effects and does not cause tissue damage. In recent years, xenon has also been investigated as a potential neuroprotective agent for stroke and traumatic brain injuries.
7. Hydrogen (H₂)
2.1 Antioxidant Properties of Hydrogen
One of the main reasons hydrogen is gaining attention in medicine is its antioxidant activity. Hydrogen can selectively neutralize hydroxyl radicals (OH•), which are among the most harmful free radicals in the body.
What do hydroxyl radicals do?
Hydroxyl radicals are the most reactive oxygen radicals known. UV radiation can cause the oxygen-oxygen bond to break, forming hydroxyl radicals. These highly toxic radicals can break covalent bonds in proteins and carbohydrates, cause lipid peroxidation, and damage cell membranes.
Unlike other antioxidants, hydrogen does not affect physiologically important molecules such as hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and nitric oxides (NO), making it safe for use.
Studies have shown that hydrogen reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in tissues, which is critical in the treatment of diseases related to tissue damage, such as strokes, heart attacks, and chronic inflammatory conditions.
2.2 Anti-inflammatory Action
In addition to its antioxidant properties, hydrogen has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. Hydrogen inhibits the production of cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, which play key roles in inflammatory responses.
This property opens new possibilities for using hydrogen in chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, and autoimmune disorders.
2.3 Methods of Hydrogen Application in Medicine
Inhalation Therapy
Inhalation of hydrogen is becoming one of the primary methods of introducing hydrogen into the body. Hydrogen easily passes through the alveoli in the lungs into the bloodstream, where it spreads throughout the body. Hydrogen inhalation may help in treating acute conditions such as strokes and heart attacks by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Hydrogen Water
Another promising way to use hydrogen is through consuming hydrogen-enriched water. Hydrogen is dissolved in water, and this water has antioxidant properties. Animal experiments and clinical studies suggest that consuming hydrogen water can reduce inflammation and improve metabolism, making it useful in treating metabolic diseases and even slowing the aging process.
Neuroprotection
Hydrogen has also shown promise as a neuroprotective agent. Several animal studies have shown that hydrogen reduces brain damage during strokes and head injuries. This makes it potentially useful in treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
2.4 Current Research and Perspectives
There is currently a vast amount of research focusing on the application of hydrogen in various medical fields. More than 2,000 scientific publications highlight its use in cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, oncology, and respiratory diseases.
Despite promising results, some practical challenges remain in using hydrogen, such as its low solubility in water and its flammability when mixed with oxygen. However, the development of new hydrogen delivery technologies may overcome these obstacles.
Additional Resources on the Topic:
- Overview of the Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties of Hydrogen
This article describes the mechanisms by which hydrogen exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, especially in the context of respiratory diseases and inflammatory processes.
Read the article on Frontiers. - Hydrogen Therapy: Clinical Studies and Results
A review of clinical studies related to the use of hydrogen in medicine. The article describes the prospects for its use in treating chronic diseases and as an adjunct to traditional therapies.
Read the article on MDPI. - Molecular Hydrogen: Current Knowledge of Mechanisms for Reducing Damage Caused by Free Radicals and Diseases
This article explores current and future directions for hydrogen use in medicine, focusing on its role in inflammation therapy, antioxidant properties, and potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Read the article on Oxford Academic. - Hydrogen Therapy for Lung Diseases
Hydrogen is used in treating respiratory diseases such as COPD and COVID-19 due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Read the article on Frontiers. - Hydrogen in the Treatment of Hypertension
Hydrogen may lower cortisol levels and exert antioxidant effects, which is particularly important for patients with hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
Read the article on Frontiers .
