QJM Advance Access originally published online on June 12, 2007
QJM 2007 100(7):451-459; doi:10.1093/qjmed/hcm045
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Hydrogen symbioses in evolution and disease
From the Divisions of Neurosciences and 1Medical Sciences, University of Birmingham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK
Address correspondence to Professor A.C. Williams, Division of Neurosciences, University of Birmingham, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham B15 2TH. email: adrian.williams{at}uhb.nhs.uk
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Hydrogen is the source of energy that unites the metabolisms and fuels the innovative potentials of all living organisms. Autotrophs use hydrogen emitted into hydrothermal vents, where symbiotic communities that share hydrogen thrive. On the surface, life developed using photons to cleave water, releasing hydrogen carried into a reverse Krebs cycle to produce carbohydrates, from which hydrogen and its constituent electron and proton are extracted. Fluctuant electrogenic power is harnessed by extensive exchanges and symbiotic sharing schemes of hydrogen sources and carriers. These communicate with electrostatic nuclear centres, forming a positive feedback loop. If the proton-motive circuitry fails from loss of Redox potential, premature ageing and all-category disease can result.