# Electrolyzed Hydrogen Water Improves Chemosensitivity to Anticancer Drugs by Potently Suppressing Autophagy.
> 電解水素水によるオートファジー抑制を介した抗がん剤感受性の増強


## Abstract

Autophagy supports cancer cell survival by conferring tolerance to cellular stressors, including chemotherapeutic agents, thereby driving drug resistance. This study employed genome-wide RNA sequencing to identify a previously unrecognized role of electrolyzed hydrogen water (EHW) in suppressing autophagy via activation of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling. When EHW was combined with autophagy-activating anticancer agents—specifically 5-fluorouracil or paclitaxel—cell viability in cervical and colorectal cancer cell lines was significantly reduced compared with drug treatment alone. The investigators propose that both molecular hydrogen and trace elements present in EHW contribute to autophagy inhibition and the potentiation of anticancer effects. Unlike conventional autophagy inhibitors such as chloroquine, EHW carries a favorable safety profile, suggesting its potential utility as an adjuvant in cancer chemotherapy regimens.

### Mechanism

EHW activates mTORC1 signaling, thereby suppressing autophagy in cancer cells. This inhibition of the autophagic survival pathway potentiates the cytotoxic effects of 5-fluorouracil and paclitaxel. Both molecular hydrogen and trace elements within EHW are implicated in this mechanism.

## Bibliographic

- **Authors**: Yano S, Xie L, Li J, Sugaya Y, Miyauchi Y, Kabayama S, et al.
- **Journal**: J Cell Mol Med
- **Year**: 2026
- **PMID**: [41702867](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41702867/)
- **DOI**: [10.1111/jcmm.71011](https://doi.org/10.1111/jcmm.71011)
- **PMC**: [PMC12912942](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12912942/)
- **Study type**: in vitro study
- **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 41702867. https://h2-papers.org/en/papers/41702867
> **Source**: PubMed PMID [41702867](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41702867/)