放射線防護剤としての分子状水素の臨床応用可能性に関する総説
Ionizing radiation causes two categories of biological damage: direct injury to DNA from absorbed radiation energy, and indirect injury mediated by free radicals—particularly hydroxyl radicals (•OH)—produced during water radiolysis. At low doses, indirect effects predominate, extending harm beyond DNA to non-DNA cellular targets. Molecular hydrogen (H₂) selectively neutralizes •OH, one of the most potent reactive oxygen species, positioning it as a candidate radioprotective agent. Evidence from animal models and clinical investigations indicates that H₂ exerts radioprotective effects with a favorable safety profile. This review consolidates published findings on H₂-mediated radioprotection and examines the underlying mechanisms, encompassing antioxidant activity, suppression of inflammatory signaling, inhibition of apoptotic pathways, and modulation of gene expression, thereby outlining the potential of H₂ as a clinically viable radioprotective strategy.
H₂ selectively scavenges hydroxyl radicals to reduce oxidative stress, while also suppressing inflammatory signaling, inhibiting apoptosis, and modulating gene expression to mitigate radiation-induced cellular damage.
This study combines multiple delivery routes. As a general principle, the most efficient route for routine hydrogen intake is inhalation. Inhalation carries explosion risk (empirical LFL of 10%; high-concentration devices are documented in the Consumer Affairs Agency accident database and are not recommended).
See also:
https://h2-papers.org/en/papers/33925430