Abstract: The oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines and apoptosis have been strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple diseases. Recently, more and more research findings have demonstrated that hydrogen-rich saline (HRS) has the anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects in vivo and in vitro, and can be used to treat multiple diseases, such as ischemia/reperfusion injury, stroke, neurodegeneration, sepsis, neuropathic pain and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome diseases. This article reviews the possible mechanism of HRS for the treatment of diseases.

Key words: apoptosis, oxidative stress, review, hydrogen-rich saline, inflammatory cytokines