Hydrogen Water Protects Against Radiation Damage to Intestines
- Authors
- Xiaochen Qiu, Kaisheng Dong, Jingzhi Guan, JianMiao He
- Journal
- International Immunopharmacology
- Year
- 2020
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106517
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Radiation-Induced Gastrointestinal Syndrome
- Body System
- Gastrointestinal
TL;DR
Hydrogen treatment can significantly protect the small intestine from damage caused by radiation.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-rich saline significantly reduced radiation-induced intestinal damage, improved intestinal function, and increased survival rates in mice, while also reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.
Summary
Researchers tested whether hydrogen could protect the small intestine from damage caused by radiation therapy. Using mice and laboratory intestinal cells, they found that hydrogen-rich saline reduced intestinal damage, improved intestinal function, increased survival rates, and decreased harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species that radiation produces. The protective effect appeared to work by preventing cells from dying through a specific cellular pathway.
Practical Takeaway
This animal study suggests hydrogen may help protect intestinal tissue from radiation damage, but it is early-stage research conducted only in mice and cell cultures—not humans. Anyone undergoing radiotherapy should discuss any potential protective strategies with their oncologist rather than self-treating, as the clinical relevance of these findings remains to be established in human trials.
Abstract (excerpt)
The small intestine is known to be particularly sensitive to radiation, and the major limiting factor of radiotherapy is the gastrointestinal syndrome that subsequently develops after its administration. The detrimental effects of radiation are mostly mediated via the overproduction of reactive…