Tyler W. LeBaron, MSc., Ph.D.

MHI Founder and Executive Director

“While hydrogen’s antioxidant effects have been the primary focus of hundreds of studies since the 2007 Nature Medicine publication, I’m more intrigued by the studies suggesting that hydrogen regulates various signal transduction pathways. It is not surprising to me that hydrogen has therapeutic potential because we have always been exposed to it. For example, nearly 14 billion years ago, hydrogen was produced by the “Big Bang,” and 3.6 billion years ago the earth’s atmosphere was rich in hydrogen gas, which was essential in the genesis of life (e.g. hydrogenases, hydrogenosomes, mitochondria, etc.). Humans have developed a symbiotic relationship with hydrogen-producing bacteria. Perhaps an evolutionary reason that hydrogen has a biological effect is because we have been exposed to hydrogen gas since the dawn of time. Hydrogen was intimately involved in the origins of the universe, the genesis of life, and even the evolution of eukaryotes (plant and animal cells). I am extremely interested in knowing the primary targets and clinical effects of hydrogen gas.

Although the exact underlying molecular mechanisms and primary targets of hydrogen remain elusive, hydrogen may regulate these pathways via modifying lipid peroxidation cascades, protein phosphorylations, and gene expressions, resulting in anti-inflammatory, anti-allergy, and potential anti-aging benefits.

Due to the clinical significance of hydrogen, the goal of the science-based nonprofit Molecular Hydrogen Institute (MHI), is to help advance the research, education, and awareness of hydrogen as a therapeutic medical gas.”