Hydrogen Protects Kidneys from Cancer Drug Damage in Mice
Molecular hydrogen alleviates nephrotoxicity induced by an anti-cancer drug cisplatin without compromising anti-tumor activity in mice
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (mouse)
- Authors
- Naomi Nakashima-Kamimura, Takashi Mori, Ikuroh Ohsawa, Sadamitsu Asoh, Shigeo Ohta
- Journal
- Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology
- Year
- 2009
- PMID
- 19148645
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Delivery
- Gas
- Dose
- Inhalation of 1% H2 in air; hydrogen water ad libitum (0.8 mM H2)
- H₂ concentration
- 1% H2 gas; 0.8 mM H2 in water
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- Japan
TL;DR
Breathing hydrogen gas or drinking hydrogen-rich water can reduce the harmful kidney side effects of the cancer drug cisplatin without affecting its ability to fight cancer.
Key Finding
In mice, molecular hydrogen administered as either inhaled gas or hydrogen water reduced kidney damage from cisplatin chemotherapy while preserving the drug's anti-tumor effectiveness.
Summary
Researchers tested whether molecular hydrogen (H₂)—a gas that acts as an antioxidant—could reduce kidney damage caused by cisplatin, a common cancer drug. In mice treated with cisplatin, those that either inhaled hydrogen gas or drank hydrogen-enriched water showed less kidney damage, better survival rates, and less weight loss compared to mice that didn't receive hydrogen. Importantly, hydrogen did not interfere with cisplatin's ability to fight cancer tumors.
Practical Takeaway
This animal study suggests hydrogen may help protect kidneys during cisplatin chemotherapy, but these results are from mice only and have not been tested in humans. Before considering hydrogen water as a complement to cancer treatment, patients would need human clinical trials to confirm safety and effectiveness, and should discuss any such approach with their oncologist.
Abstract (excerpt)
Cisplatin is a widely used anti-cancer drug in the treatment of a wide range of tumors; however, its application is limited by nephrotoxicity, which is affected by oxidative stress. We have reported that molecular hydrogen (H(2)) acts as an efficient antioxidant (Ohsawa et al. in Nat Med…