Hydrogen Gas Protects Kidneys from Cancer Drug Side Effects in Mice
- Authors
- Yan Tian, Huilan Su, Yunxi Chen, Xiaomeng Geng, Yafang Zhang, Yu Wang, Wenjie Tang, Weiping Fan, Jianjun Zhou, Youzhen Wei
- Journal
- Molecular Biology Reports
- Year
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.1007/s11033-025-10845-0
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity
- Body System
- Renal
TL;DR
Inhaling hydrogen gas protected the kidneys from chemotherapy damage by reducing inflammation and boosting beneficial ketone metabolism.
Key Finding
Molecular hydrogen gas protected mouse kidneys from cisplatin-induced damage by activating a metabolic pathway that produces β-hydroxybutyrate, which reduced inflammation and cell death in kidney tissue.
Summary
This study tested whether molecular hydrogen (H2 gas) could protect mouse kidneys from damage caused by cisplatin, a chemotherapy drug. Researchers found that H2 inhalation reduced kidney injury by decreasing inflammation and cell death. The protective effect appeared to work by activating a metabolic pathway that produces β-hydroxybutyrate, a compound that helps protect kidney tissue.
Practical Takeaway
This early-stage mouse study suggests H2 may help protect kidneys during chemotherapy, but it's important to note this research has not been tested in humans yet. The findings are preliminary and much more research would be needed before any clinical application. Anyone undergoing chemotherapy should discuss kidney protection strategies only with their oncology team.
Abstract (excerpt)
Background: Nephrotoxicity is a common adverse effect of many chemotherapeutic agents and represents a major dose-limiting factor in cancer treatment. Therefore, developing effective renoprotective strategies is urgently needed. Molecular hydrogen (H2) has emerged as a therapeutic agent with potent…