Hydrogen Saline Protects Ovaries from Chemotherapy Damage in Rats
Hydrogen-rich saline attenuates chemotherapy-induced ovarian injury via regulation of oxidative stress
Research hubs: Reproductive System · Endocrine System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (rat)
- Authors
- Xiaoyin Meng, Hongguang Chen, Guolin Wang, Yonghao Yu, Ke-Liang Xie
- Journal
- Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine
- Year
- 2015
- PMID
- 26668628
- Study Type
- Rat
- Participants
- 240
- Delivery
- Saline (Dissolved)
- Dose
- 10 ml/kg body weight hydrogen-rich saline intraperitoneally injected once daily for 2 weeks
- Duration
- 6 weeks
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 46 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Hydrogen-rich saline treatment can help protect rat ovaries from damage caused by the chemotherapy drug cisplatin.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-rich saline reduced chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage in rats by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity and reducing oxidative stress markers.
Summary
This study tested whether hydrogen-rich saline could protect rat ovaries from damage caused by cisplatin, a chemotherapy drug. Rats given cisplatin developed ovarian injury, but those also treated with hydrogen-rich saline showed reduced damage, better egg follicle development, and more balanced hormone levels. The protective effect appeared to work by reducing harmful molecules called oxidation products and boosting the body's natural antioxidant defenses.
Practical Takeaway
While this rat study suggests hydrogen-rich saline may help protect ovarian function during chemotherapy, it is early-stage animal research only. Human studies would be needed to determine if these findings apply to cancer patients. Anyone undergoing chemotherapy should discuss ovarian preservation options with their oncologist rather than relying on unproven treatments.
Abstract (excerpt)
Hydrogen has been reported to exert a therapeutic effect in several diseases due to its antioxidative, antiinflam-matory and anti-apoptotic properties. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether hydrogen-rich saline treatment could attenuate ovarian damage induced by cisplatin. A total…