Molecular hydrogen and radiation protection

Abstract

Molecular hydrogen (dihydrogen, H₂) acts as a therapeutic antioxidant by selectively reducing hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and peroxynitrite (ONOO–). It has been well-known that ionising radiation (IR) causes oxidative damage and consequent apoptosis mainly due to the production of •OH that follows radiolysis of H₂O. Our department reported the protective effect of H₂ in irradiated cells and mice for the first time, and this effect is well repeated by us and another laboratory in different experimental animal models. A randomised, placebo-controlled investigation also showed consumption of H₂ can improve the quality of life of patients treated with radiotherapy for liver tumours. These encouraging results suggested that H₂ has a potential as a radioprotective agent with efficacy and non-toxicity.

Keywords::

• hydrogen
• hydroxyl radical
• ionising radiation
• radioprotectant