Hydrogen Regulates Ulcerative Colitis by Affecting the Intestinal Redox Environment

Jiayi Li,1 Gang Huang,1 Juexin Wang,1 Sui Wang,1 Yanbo Yu1,2 1Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China; 2Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Yanbo Yu, Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-531-82166090, Email yuyanbo@email.sdu.edu.cnAbstract: The redox balance in the intestine plays an important role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis, and it is closely related to the intestinal mucosal barrier, intestinal inflammation, and the gut microbiota. Current research on the treatment of ulcerative colitis has focused on immune disorders, excessive inflammation, and oxidative stress. However, an imbalance in intestinal redox reaction plays a particularly critical role. Hydrogen is produced by some anaerobic bacteria via hydrogenases in the intestine. Increasing evidence suggests that hydrogen, as an inert gas, is crucial for immunity, inflammation, and oxidative stress and plays a protective role in ulcerative colitis. Hydrogen maintains the redox state balance in the intestine in ulcerative colitis and reduces damage to intestinal epithelial cells by exerting its selective antioxidant ability. Hydrogen also regulates the intestinal flora, reduces the harmful effects of bacteria on the intestinal epithelial barrier, promotes the restoration of normal anaerobic bacteria in the intestines, and ultimately improves the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier. The present review focuses on the therapeutic mechanisms of hydrogen-targeting ulcerative colitis.Plain Language Summary: The balance of oxidation-reduction is crucial for maintaining the overall health of the intestines. However, disruption of this equilibrium leads to the development of various diseases, such as ulcerative coliti