Abstract
Molecular hydrogen (H2) is now considered part of the suite of small molecules that can control cellular activity. As such, H2 has been suggested to be used in the therapy of diseases in humans and in plant science to enhance the growth and productivity of plants. Treatments of plants may involve the creation of hydrogen-rich water (HRW), which can then be applied to the foliage or roots systems of the plants. However, the molecular action of H2 remains elusive. It has been suggested that the presence of H2 may act as an antioxidant or on the antioxidant capacity of cells, perhaps through the scavenging of hydroxyl radicals. H2 may act through influencing heme oxygenase activity or through the interaction with reactive nitrogen species. However, controversy exists around all the mechanisms suggested. Here, the downstream mechanisms in which H2 may be involved are critically reviewed, with a particular emphasis on the H2 mitigation of stress responses. Hopefully, this review will provide insight that may inform future research in this area.
Highlights
Molecular hydrogen (H2) is recognized to have biochemical effects in both animals [1,2] and plants [3,4]
As they are sessile, have to endure and survive a wide range of stress challenges, both biotic and abiotic. These stresses include attack by pathogens [9] and insects [10], as well as heavy metals [11], extreme temperature [12], salt [13], and ultraviolet B light [14]. It has become apparent over many years of study that there are common molecular responses to such stresses, and these mechanisms often involve reactive oxygen species (ROS) [15] and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) [16]
The most prominent RNS is nitric oxide (NO), which is known to be involved in plant cell signalling processes [18]
Summary
Molecular hydrogen (H2) is recognized to have biochemical effects in both animals [1,2] and plants [3,4] It is a relatively inert gas, H2 appears to have profound effects on cell activity, which can be harnessed to help plant growth, survival, and productivity [5,6,7,8]. These stresses include attack by pathogens [9] and insects [10], as well as heavy metals [11], extreme temperature [12], salt [13], and ultraviolet B light [14] It has become apparent over many years of study that there are common molecular responses to such stresses, and these mechanisms often involve reactive oxygen species (ROS) [15] and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) [16]. It is hoped that this review will inform future research in this area of plant science
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