Hydrogen Water Reduced Heart and Liver Injury in Rats
Hydrogen-Rich Saline Attenuates Cardiac and Hepatic Injury in Doxorubicin Rat Model by Inhibiting Inflammation and Apoptosis
Research hubs: Cardiovascular System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (rat)
- Authors
- Yunan Gao, Hongxiao Yang, Yanbin Fan, Lin Li, Jiahui Fang, Wei Yang
- Journal
- Mediators of Inflammation
- Year
- 2016
- PMID
- 28104928
- Study Type
- Rat
- Delivery
- Saline (Dissolved)
- Dose
- intraperitoneal injection of hydrogen-rich saline
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 59 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Injecting rats with hydrogen-rich saline can reduce heart and liver damage caused by the cancer drug doxorubicin.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-rich saline reduced doxorubicin-induced heart and liver damage in rats by decreasing oxidative stress (cellular damage from reactive molecules), inflammation, and cell death.
Summary
Researchers tested whether hydrogen-rich saline (a solution containing dissolved hydrogen gas) could protect rats from damage caused by doxorubicin, a powerful chemotherapy drug. They found that the hydrogen-rich saline reduced heart and liver damage, improved survival rates, and lowered markers of cell damage and inflammation in treated rats compared to those receiving only doxorubicin.
Practical Takeaway
This rat study suggests hydrogen-rich saline may help protect against chemotherapy side effects, but it is very early-stage research. Human studies would be needed to determine if these findings apply to cancer patients, and anyone undergoing chemotherapy should discuss any supplements with their oncologist before use.
Abstract (excerpt)
Doxorubicin (DOX) remains the most effective anticancer agent which is widely used in several adult and pediatric cancers, but its application is limited for its cardiotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. Hydrogen, as a selective antioxidant, is a promising potential therapeutic option for many diseases…