The healing effect of hydrogen-rich water on acute radiation-induced skin injury in rats.

Abstract

Using a rat model of acute radiation-induced skin injury established with a 44 Gy, 6 MeV electron beam, this study evaluated the wound-healing properties of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) at concentrations of 1.0 ppm and 2.0 ppm compared with distilled water. Both HRW groups showed significantly shorter healing times (P < 0.05). Tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) content and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were markedly reduced, while superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was elevated at weeks 1, 2, and 3 (P < 0.001). Epidermal growth factor (EGF) levels increased significantly at weeks 1 and 2 (P < 0.05). The 2.0 ppm group demonstrated superior healing rates and further reductions in IL-6 compared with the 1.0 ppm group, indicating a concentration-dependent response. These findings suggest that HRW promotes recovery from radiation-induced skin lesions through antioxidative and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Mechanism

HRW reduces oxidative stress by lowering MDA levels and enhancing SOD activity, suppresses inflammatory signaling via IL-6 reduction, and promotes tissue repair through upregulation of epidermal growth factor, collectively accelerating healing of radiation-induced skin wounds.