A study into the biological activity and therapeutic potential of molecular hydrogen and oxyhydrogen gases

Russell, Grace

Abstract

Molecular hydrogen (H2) and oxyhydrogen (66% H2/ 33% O2) gases can remediate the effects of numerous diseases in adults. By acting as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidative agent, it is reported that H2 administration can improve recovery through mitigating the hyperinflammatory response and reducing oxidative stress.

As the precise mechanisms of H2 activity are currently undefined, the lack of primary target identification, coupled with difficulties regarding administration methods (e.g., dosage and dosage frequencies, and long-term effects of treatments), there is a requirement for H2 research to evidence whether it should, and how it can reasonably and effectively, be incorporated into healthcare.

To better understand the molecular mechanism(s) behind the activity of H2, and to ascertain whether H2 can be utilised as an effective nutraceutical, this treatise investigates the modality of action, and effects of H2, using a range of bioinformatical, theoretical and empirical approaches. The question of how H2 may reach distal somatic sites, and the subsequent cellular effects are also discussed.

Before using oxyhydrogen gas to assess the effects of H2 on immortalised B-lymphocytes, nematodes and seeds; the gas-purity, flow-rate, and infusion limits of the HydroVitality™ alkaline water electrolyser were evaluated. Exposing cells to dissolved oxyhydrogen gas in cell media identified a trend of replicative inhibition of TK6-malignant cells with a single infusion. Further analysis detailed a significant increase in DNA in the Sub G1 phase, indicating increased apoptosis. Additionally, evidence described in this thesis identifies a possible evolutionary relationship between subunits of Complex 1 (mitochondria) and hydrogenase enzymes of ancient archaeal and bacterial species.

In conclusion, this study encompasses a range of theories incorporating the evolutionary requirement of H2, how H2 may interact at a molecular level in plants and humans, and the effect of H2 administration on malignant cells, by providing novel experimental protocols and innovative theories into the biological activity of H2.

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Mar 8, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 15, 2024
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/11768788
• Award Date: Aug 15, 2024