水素ガス吸入が敗血症誘発性神経炎症および認知障害に及ぼす影響:DNMT1・DNMT3aを介したBDNFプロモーターIVメチル化調節機序の解明
Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) contributes to both acute and persistent cognitive deficits. Using a cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) model in C57BL/6 mice, this study examined whether 2% hydrogen gas (H2) inhalation influences SAE through epigenetic regulation. H2 inhalation reduced hippocampal pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, HMGB1) and downregulated DNMT1 and DNMT3a expression without affecting DNMT3b. Quantitative methylation analysis revealed hypomethylation at 5 CpG sites within BDNF promoter IV, accompanied by elevated BDNF protein levels. Morris water maze assessments conducted from day 4 to day 10 post-surgery demonstrated shortened escape latency and increased platform crossings in H2-treated septic mice, indicating improved spatial memory. These findings suggest that H2 inhalation modulates hippocampal BDNF expression through DNMT1- and DNMT3a-dependent promoter IV methylation changes, thereby attenuating SAE-related cognitive impairment.
H2 inhalation suppresses DNMT1 and DNMT3a expression in the hippocampus, inducing hypomethylation at five CpG sites of BDNF promoter IV, which elevates BDNF levels and reduces neuroinflammation and cognitive deficits in septic mice.
For inhalation applications of molecular hydrogen, the lower flammability limit (LFL) deserves careful handling. The classical 4% figure applies to closed-system mixtures; the practical inhalation-environment threshold is 10%. Even pure-hydrogen output (the UFL 75% paradox) passes through the flammable range at the air–gas boundary. High-concentration (66% / 100%) inhalers are documented in the Japanese Consumer Affairs Agency accident-information database and are not recommended.
See also:
https://h2-papers.org/en/papers/33773206