Hydrogen Water Protects Brain from Radiation Damage in Study
- Authors
- Kai Xu, Ge Sun, Yuhao Wang, Hao Luo, Yong Wang, Mengya Liu, Huan Liu, Xiaoyu Lu, Xiujun Qin
- Journal
- Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy
- Year
- 2024
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116978
- Study Type
- Rat
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Radiation-Induced Brain Injury
- Body System
- Nervous System
TL;DR
A study found that memantine and hydrogen-rich water might help reduce brain damage caused by radiation therapy in rats.
Key Finding
In rats exposed to radiation, hydrogen-rich water and memantine both reduced brain damage and inflammatory markers, suggesting they may protect against radiation-induced brain injury.
Summary
Researchers tested whether hydrogen-rich water and a drug called memantine could protect rat brains from damage caused by radiation therapy. In a study of 40 rats, some received radiation alone while others received radiation plus one or both treatments. Rats treated with hydrogen-rich water and/or memantine showed less brain damage, reduced inflammation, and lower markers of cellular stress compared to rats that received only radiation.
Practical Takeaway
While these results are promising, this study was conducted only in rats, not humans. Before considering hydrogen-rich water as a protective measure during radiation therapy, much larger human studies would be needed to confirm safety and effectiveness. Anyone undergoing radiation therapy should discuss any supplements or experimental treatments with their medical team first.
Abstract
Radiation-induced brain injury (RIBI) is a significant challenge in radiotherapy for head and neck tumors, impacting patients' quality of life. In exploring potential treatments, this study focuses on memantine hydrochloride and hydrogen-rich water, hypothesized to mitigate RIBI through inhibiting the NLRP3/NLRC4/Caspase-1 pathway. In a controlled study involving 40 Sprague-Dawley rats, divided into five groups including a control and various treatment groups, we assessed the effects of these treatments on RIBI. Post-irradiation, all irradiated groups displayed symptoms like weight loss and salivation, with notable variations among different treatment approaches. Particularly, hydrogen-rich water showed a promising reduction in these symptoms. Histopathological analysis indicated substantial hippocampal damage in the radiation-only group, while the groups receiving memantine and/or hydrogen-rich water exhibited significant mitigation of such damage. Molecular studies, revealed a decrease in oxidative stress markers and an attenuated inflammatory response in the treatment groups. Immunohistochemistry further confirmed these molecular changes, suggesting the effectiveness of these agents. Echoing recent scientific inquiries into the protective roles of specific compounds against radiation-induced damages, our study adds to the growing body of evidence on the potential of memantine and hydrogen-rich water as novel therapeutic strategies for RIBI.