Transcriptomic and metabolomic studies on the protective effect of molecular hydrogen against nuclear electromagnetic pulse-induced brain damage.

Abstract

Using a rat model exposed to nuclear electromagnetic pulse (NEMP; field intensity 400 kV/m, 20 ns rise time, 200 ns pulse width), this study examined whether hydrogen-rich water (HRW) administered from 3 days before exposure could reduce brain injury. Behavioral assessments one day post-exposure showed that NEMP-induced anxiety-like responses in the elevated plus maze and open field test were substantially reduced in HRW-treated animals. Histopathological examination at 7 days confirmed attenuation of neuronal damage in the hippocampus and amygdala. Transcriptomic profiling revealed marked disruption of microtubule-related gene expression following NEMP exposure. Combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis identified neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, the synaptic vesicle cycle, and glutathione metabolic pathways as central to both NEMP-induced damage and the protective action of molecular hydrogen.

Mechanism

Molecular hydrogen scavenges intracellular hydroxyl radicals and modulates the glutathione metabolic pathway, exerting antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, regulation of the synaptic vesicle cycle and neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions appears to contribute to neuroprotection against NEMP-induced injury.