Hydrogen Therapy Protects Lungs from Radiation Damage in Mice Study
Hydrogen therapy attenuates irradiation-induced lung damage by reducing oxidative stress
Research hubs: Oxidative Stress · Respiratory System
- Authors
- Yasuhiro Terasaki, Ikuroh Ohsawa, Mika Terasaki, Mikiko Takahashi, Shinobu Kunugi, Kang Dedong, Hirokazu Urushiyama, Shunsuke Amenomori, Mayuko Kaneko-Togashi, Naomi Kuwahara, Arimi Ishikawa, Naomi Kamimura, Shigeo Ohta, Yuh Fukuda
- Journal
- American Journal of Physiology-Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology
- Year
- 2011
- PMID
- 21764987
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Delivery
- Water (Dissolved)
- Dose
- 3% H2 gas inhalation and H2-enriched water drinking; cells treated with H2-rich PBS or medium
- H₂ concentration
- 3% H2 gas
- Duration
- 5 months
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 162 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- Japan
TL;DR
Molecular hydrogen (H2) can protect lung cells from damage caused by radiation exposure.
Key Finding
Hydrogen treatment reduced both immediate and long-term radiation damage to mouse lungs by lowering oxidative stress and preventing the development of lung fibrosis, with no observed toxicity.
Summary
Researchers tested whether molecular hydrogen (H₂)—a gas that acts as an antioxidant—could protect lung tissue from damage caused by radiation. They exposed human lung cells and mice to high-dose radiation, with some receiving hydrogen treatment through inhaled gas and drinking hydrogen-enriched water. Hydrogen reduced harmful molecules called free radicals in the cells and lungs, decreased cell death markers, and prevented the development of lung scarring (fibrosis) in mice up to 5 months after radiation exposure.
Practical Takeaway
While this animal study suggests hydrogen may help protect lungs from radiation damage, it is not yet clear whether these results would apply to humans. The research was conducted in mice and cell cultures, not in people undergoing actual radiation therapy. More human studies would be needed before hydrogen water could be recommended as a protective measure for radiation patients.
Abstract (excerpt)
Molecular hydrogen (H(2)) is an efficient antioxidant that diffuses rapidly across cell membranes, reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite, and suppresses oxidative stress-induced injury in several organs. ROS have been implicated in radiation-induced…