Radioprotective effect of hydrogen in cultured cells and mice

Abstract

It has been demonstrated that hydrogen can selectively reduce hydroxyl and peroxynitrite in vitro. Since most of the ionizing radiation-induced cellular damage is caused by hydroxyl radicals, this study was designed to test the hypoth- esis that hydrogen may be an effective radioprotective agent. This paper demonstrates that treating cells with hydrogen before irradiation could signifi cantly inhibit ionizing irradiation(IR)-induced Human Lymphocyte AHH-1 cells apopto- sis and increase cells viability in vitro. This paper also shows that hydrogen can protect gastrointestinal endothelia from radiation-induced injury, decrease plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) intestinal 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels and increase plasma endogenous antioxidants in vivo. It is suggested that hydrogen has a potential as an effective and safe radioprotective agent.

Study details

Article type

Original Research

Disease / injury model

Radiation-induced injury (gamma irradiation)

Duration

12 hours

Dose comparison

The study demonstrated a dose-dependent radioprotective effect of hydrogen in vitro, with higher concentrations of hydrogen-rich PBS leading to greater cell viability and reduced apoptosis after irradiation.

Dose-dependent effect

Yes

Outcome

Positive

Findings

Hydrogen-rich PBS/saline pre-treatment significantly protected cultured human lymphocyte AHH-1 cells from gamma radiation-induced apoptosis and increased cell viability in vitro. In vivo, hydrogen-rich saline protected mouse gastrointestinal tissue from radiation-induced injury, reduced oxidative stress markers (MDA, 8-OHdG), and increased endogenous antioxidants (SOD, GSH). The radioprotective effect was dose-dependent and hydrogen was safe and effective.