Hydrogen as a New Class of Radioprotective Agent

Abstract

It is well known that most of the ionizing radiation-induced damage is caused by hydroxyl radicals (·OH) follows radiolysis of H2O. Molecular hydrogen (H2) has antioxidant activities by selectively reducing ·OH and peroxynitrite(ONOO-). We firstly hypothesized and demonstrated the ra-dioprotective effect of H2 in vitro and in vivo, which was also repeated on different experimental animal models by different departments. A randomized, placebo-controlled study showed that consumption of hydrogen-rich water reduces the biological reaction to radiation-induced oxida-tive stress without compromising anti-tumor effects. These encouraging results suggested that H2 represents a potentially novel preventative strategy for radiation-induced oxidative injuries. H2 is explosive. Therefore, administration of hydrogen-rich solution (physiological saline/pure wa-ter/other solutions saturated with H2) may be more practical in daily life and more suitable for daily consumption. This review focuses on major scientific and clinical advances of hydrogen-rich solution/H2 as a new class of radioprotective agent.

Study details

Article type

Review

Disease / injury model

Radiation-induced injury (multiple organs, including cancer radiotherapy)

Dose comparison

Protective effects of hydrogen had a positive correlation with the concentrations of hydrogen used in cell and animal studies.

Dose-dependent effect

Yes

Outcome

Positive

Findings

Hydrogen (H2) demonstrates significant radioprotective effects in vitro, in animal models, and in a randomized clinical trial, reducing oxidative stress and tissue damage from ionizing radiation without compromising anti-tumor effects. H2 protects multiple organs (intestine, hematopoietic system, testis, skin, lung, cardiovascular system, brain) and improves quality of life in patients undergoing radiotherapy.