Rheumatology

Humans

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Consumption of Water Containing a High Concentration of Molecular Hydrogen Reduces Oxidative Stress and Disease Activity in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Open-Label Pilot Study

Authors:
Ishibashi, T.; Sato, B.; Rikitake, M.; Seo, T.; Kurokawa, R.; Hara, Y.; Naritomi, Y.; Hara, H.; Nagao, T.

Source:
Medical Gas Research, Volume 2, Article 27 (2012)
DOI: 10.1186/2045-9912-2-27

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that leads to the destruction of bone and cartilage. Although the exact cause is unknown, hydroxyl radicals are suspected to play a major role in its pathogenesis. Molecular hydrogen (H₂) has been identified as a selective scavenger of these radicals. A method was developed to produce water with very high concentrations of H₂, potentially complementing standard RA treatments by reducing oxidative stress.

Methods

  • Participants: 20 patients diagnosed with RA.

  • Intervention: Patients consumed 530 ml/day of hydrogen-rich water (4–5 ppm H₂) for 4 weeks.

  • This was followed by a 4-week washout period, and then another 4 weeks of hydrogen-rich water consumption.

  • Primary endpoints:

    • Oxidative stress marker: Urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)

    • Disease activity: DAS28 score using C-reactive protein (CRP) levels

Results

  • H₂-rich water achieved higher H₂ concentrations in vivo than saturated water (1.6 ppm).

  • Urinary 8-OHdG levels decreased by 14.3% (p < 0.01).

  • DAS28 scores decreased significantly from 3.83 to 3.02 during the first drinking period (p < 0.01).

  • Even after the washout period, improvements were partially retained.

  • In the second drinking period, DAS28 scores further decreased from 2.83 to 2.26 (p < 0.01).

  • Five patients with early RA (disease duration <12 months and ACPA-negative) achieved clinical remission, and 4 became symptom-free by the end of the study.

  • Urinary 8-OHdG levels remained below baseline throughout.

Conclusions

The study suggests that molecular hydrogen (H₂) effectively reduces oxidative stress and improves disease activity in RA patients. Particularly in early-stage RA, high-concentration H₂ water may lead to remission or symptom-free states. These results warrant further clinical investigation.