Hydrogen Water Protects Brain Function After Radiation Exposure
Mechanism of hydrogen-rich water alleviating radiation-induced cognitive impairment through PI3K/AKT/Caspase-9 pathway mediating anti-oxidation
Research hubs: Brain & Nervous System
- Evidence type
- Animal study (rat)
- Authors
- Mengya Liu, Yong Wang, Yuhao Wang, Huan Liu, Jianhua Li, Jianguo Li, Xiujun Qin
- Journal
- Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
- Year
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.1007/s11010-025-05350-8
- Study Type
- Rat
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Radiation-Induced Cognitive Impairment
- Body System
- Nervous System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
TL;DR
Drinking hydrogen-rich water reduces brain damage and improves memory and learning in rats exposed to radiation, likely by decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress and affecting certain cell survival pathways.
Key Finding
In irradiated rats, high-dose hydrogen-rich water improved memory performance and reduced brain cell death by activating protective cellular pathways and lowering oxidative stress markers.
Summary
This study tested whether hydrogen-rich water could protect rats' brains from damage caused by high-dose radiation. Researchers gave some irradiated rats hydrogen-rich water for 30 days and compared them to irradiated rats that received regular water. Rats receiving hydrogen-rich water showed better memory performance, less brain cell death, and lower levels of harmful molecules in their brains compared to the radiation-only group.
Practical Takeaway
While this rat study suggests hydrogen-rich water may have neuroprotective effects against radiation damage, it is a preliminary animal study and does not demonstrate safety or effectiveness in humans. Much more research, including human trials, would be needed before any health claims could be made for people exposed to radiation.
Abstract (excerpt)
Explore the mechanism by which the antioxidant effect of hydrogen-rich water alleviates radiation-induced cognitive impairment based on the PI3K/AKT/Caspase-9 signaling pathway. Male SD rats were randomly divided into control group (Control group), simple irradiation (IR) group, high-dose…