# Molecular hydrogen mitigates NEMP-induced male reproductive cells apoptosis via scavenging ROS.
> 分子状水素はROS消去を介してNEMP誘発性男性生殖細胞アポトーシスを軽減する


## Abstract

Nuclear electromagnetic pulse (NEMP) exposure poses a recognized public health concern, with documented adverse effects on male reproductive function. This in vitro study examined whether molecular hydrogen could protect two established male reproductive cell lines—GC-1 spermatogonial cells and TM-3 Leydig cells—from NEMP-induced damage. Cells were treated with hydrogen gas (75% H2, 20% O2, 5% CO2) for 1 hour following NEMP exposure. NEMP reduced cell viability and elevated apoptosis rates in both cell lines; however, hydrogen gas intervention significantly reversed these effects. Mechanistically, hydrogen suppressed ROS accumulation and restored mitochondrial membrane function, thereby attenuating oxidative stress and apoptosis. Transcriptomic sequencing identified alterations in antioxidant activity pathways, with Gstp2—a gene predicted to localize to mitochondria and promote glutathione transferase activity—emerging as a key transcriptional target. These findings suggest that molecular hydrogen exerts cytoprotective effects against NEMP through a mechanism distinct from conventional antioxidants.

### Mechanism

Molecular hydrogen selectively scavenges hydroxyl radicals, reducing ROS accumulation and restoring mitochondrial function. Transcriptomic data implicate Gstp2, a mitochondria-associated glutathione transferase gene, as a key mediator of the antioxidant response that suppresses NEMP-induced apoptosis.

## Bibliographic

- **Authors**: Ma L, Bao S, Yang X, Liu H, Xiao Y, Lin XM, et al.
- **Journal**: Electromagn Biol Med
- **Year**: 2025
- **PMID**: [40476593](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40476593/)
- **DOI**: [10.1080/15368378.2025.2513901](https://doi.org/10.1080/15368378.2025.2513901)
- **Study type**: in vitro study
- **Delivery route**: in vitro
- **Effect reported**: positive
- **H2 concentration**: 75%

## 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 40476593. https://h2-papers.org/en/papers/40476593
> **Source**: PubMed PMID [40476593](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40476593/)