The Potential Cardioprotective Effects of Hydrogen in Irradiated Mice

Abstract

Most ionizing radiation-induced damage is caused by hydroxyl radicals, and the selective reduction of hydroxyl by hydrogen in vitro has been demonstrated previously. Irradiation of the heart can cause chronic cardiac disease. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that hydrogen-rich water (pure water saturated with molecular hydrogen), which is easy to use, induces cardioprotection against ionizing irradiation injury in mice. In this paper, we demonstrate that hydrogen can protect myocardium degenera tion from radiation-induced injury, decrease myocardium malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxydeoxygua nosine (8-OHdG) levels, and increase myocardium endogenous antioxidants in vivo. We suggest that hydrogen has a cardioprotective effect against radiation induced injury.

Study details

Article type

Original Research

Disease / injury model

Radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD) in mice

Duration

100 days

Dose-dependent effect

No

Outcome

Positive

Findings

Hydrogen-rich water pretreatment significantly improved survival in irradiated mice, reduced myocardial degeneration and fibrosis, decreased myocardial MDA and 8-OHdG levels, and increased endogenous antioxidants (SOD, GSH), indicating a strong cardioprotective and radioprotective effect.