Medical Gases as Emerging Regulators of Paediatric Endocrine and Neurodevelopmental Pathways: A Mini‐Review

TL;DR

Medical gases like nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide may influence child development and hormone systems by regulating redox balance and cellular signals.

Contribution

This mini-review identifies novel roles of medical gases in pediatric endocrine and neurodevelopmental pathways.

Findings

Gasotransmitters modulate synaptic plasticity and neuroinflammation in neurodevelopmental disorders.

Medical gases influence metabolic regulation, bone biology, and pubertal control in children.

Gas-mediated pathways show potential for new diagnostics and therapies in pediatric health.

Abstract

Medical gases, including nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide and molecular hydrogen, have emerged as key regulators of redox balance and cellular signalling. This mini‐review examines their relevance to paediatric endocrine and neurodevelopmental pathways, domains particularly sensitive to oxidative and inflammatory disturbances.

We surveyed preclinical and clinical studies published between 2007 and 2025 on gas‐mediated regulation of metabolic–redox homeostasis, bone biology, pubertal control and neurodevelopment. Additional attention was given to conditions marked by oxidative stress, such as Klinefelter and Turner syndromes.

Evidence shows that gasotransmitters modulate synaptic plasticity, neurotransmission and neuroinflammation, influencing disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder and outcomes after perinatal hypoxia. They also participate in metabolic regulation, osteogenesis, osteoclast activity and hypothalamic control of puberty. These mechanistic insights highlight the emerging translational potential of gas‐mediated pathways in paediatric health.

Although paediatric clinical applications remain limited, advances in omics‐based profiling, mechanistic studies and biomaterial‐supported gas delivery are rapidly expanding the therapeutic horizon. Integrating gasotransmitter biology into paediatric endocrinology and neurodevelopment may support future diagnostic, preventive and targeted therapeutic strategies.

Research on medical gases in paediatric populations is needed because their roles in growth, metabolism, endocrine function and neurodevelopment remain poorly understood.

This mini‐review found that nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide and molecular hydrogen regulate redox balance, skeletal and pubertal development and neural plasticity.

These findings suggest that gas‐mediated pathways may support the development of new diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies for paediatric endocrine and neurodevelopmental disorders.