Protective effects of hydrogen gas against sepsis-induced acute lung injury via regulation of mitochondrial function and dynamics

Lungs are one of the most common target organs of sepsis [1]. Hydrogen gas (H2), which has selective anti-oxidative effects, can be effectively used to treat septic mice. Mitochondrial dysfunction and dynamics play important roles in sepsis-induced organ damage. By using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), a classic septic model, we explored the role of 2% H2 treatment in sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI) linked to mitochondrial function and dynamics. We randomized male Institute for Cancer Research (ICR) mice into 4 groups: sham, sham + H2, CLP and CLP + H2. At 24 h after CLP or sham operations, we used histological examination and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to observe lung slices. We analyzed oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2), mitochondrial-membrane potential (MMP), adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, respiration control ratio (RCR) and mitochondrial-respiration complex activities (I and II) using commercial kits, and dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) and mitofusin-2 (MFN2) using Western blot. Therapy with 2% H2 increased PaO2/FiO2 ratios, MMP and ATP levels, RCR, complex I activity and MFN2 expression but decreased histological score and Drp1 levels in the presence of sepsis. These data indicated that inhalation of 2% H2 to regulate mitochondrial function and dynamics may be a promising therapeutic strategy for lung injuries induced by severe sepsis. •H2 protects against sepsis-induced lung injury in vivo.•H2 can ameliorate ALI via regulation of mitochondrial function.•H2 can improve mitochondrial dynamics in septic mice.