# Hydrogen-rich water enhances cadmium tolerance in Chinese cabbage by reducing cadmium uptake and increasing antioxidant capacities.
> 水素水がハクサイのカドミウム耐性を高めるメカニズム：吸収抑制と抗酸化能向上の観点から


## Abstract

This study investigated how hydrogen-rich water (HRW) at 50% saturation mitigates cadmium (Cd) toxicity in Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris spp. chinensis L.). HRW application markedly reduced Cd accumulation in both roots and shoots, as confirmed by histochemical staining. At the molecular level, HRW suppressed Cd-induced upregulation of IRT1 and Nramp1, genes responsible for Cd absorption, while simultaneously enhancing expression of HMA3, which sequesters Cd into root vacuoles. Expression of HMA2 and HMA4, involved in Cd translocation to the xylem, was also downregulated under HRW co-treatment. Antioxidant enzyme activities—including superoxide dismutase, guaiacol peroxidase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase—were elevated by HRW. Consistent with these findings, levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) declined, indicating reduced oxidative damage. Collectively, the data indicate that HRW-mediated improvement in Cd tolerance operates through dual mechanisms: limiting Cd entry and bolstering antioxidant defenses.

### Mechanism

HRW suppresses expression of Cd uptake genes (IRT1, Nramp1) and enhances vacuolar sequestration via HMA3, reducing Cd accumulation. Concurrently, it activates antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, APX, GPX) to scavenge ROS and limit oxidative damage.

## Bibliographic

- **Authors**: Wu QF, Su N, Cai J, Shen Z, Cui J
- **Journal**: J Plant Physiol
- **Year**: 2015 (2015-03-01)
- **PMID**: [25543863](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25543863/)
- **DOI**: [10.1016/j.jplph.2014.09.017](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jplph.2014.09.017)
- **Study type**: other
- **Delivery route**: in vitro
- **Effect reported**: positive

## Delivery context

This is basic research at the cellular or molecular level. For human application, inhalation is the most promising delivery route, but inhalation carries explosion risk and concentration matters (empirical LFL of 10%; high-concentration devices are not recommended).

## Safety notes

This is basic research at the cellular or molecular level. For human application, inhalation is the most promising delivery route, but inhalation carries explosion risk and concentration matters (empirical LFL of 10%; high-concentration devices are not recommended).

See also:
- [Inhalation concentration and LFL / UFL](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/inhalation-concentration)
- [Consumer Affairs Agency accident cases](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/accident-cases)
- [Inhalation safety threshold lineage](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/lineage)

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> **Cite as**: H2 Papers — PMID 25543863. https://h2-papers.org/en/papers/25543863
> **Source**: PubMed PMID [25543863](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25543863/)