Comparison of hydrogen administration methods in the treatment of radiation-induced heart disease in rats.

Abstract

Male Wistar rats subjected to 10 Gy X-ray thoracic irradiation showed marked elevations in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), catalase, glutathione peroxidase activity, malondialdehyde, superoxide, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in blood plasma or cardiac tissue at 2 and 9 days post-exposure. Both oral intake of hydrogen-rich water (minimum 4 mg/L) and inhalation of 4% H2 gas restored these oxidative stress and inflammatory markers toward baseline values. The Nrf2/Keap1 antioxidative signaling pathway, which was activated by irradiation, was also normalized by both delivery routes. Cardiac damage was attenuated under both conditions, with H2 gas inhalation showing a more pronounced trend; however, the authors note that larger studies are required to achieve statistical significance and clarify underlying mechanisms.

Mechanism

H2 normalizes the irradiation-activated Nrf2/Keap1 antioxidative pathway, reducing lipid peroxidation products, superoxide levels, and TNF-alpha, thereby limiting oxidative and inflammatory damage to cardiac tissue.