Hydrogen Gas Shrinks Deadly Brain Tumors in Animal Study
- Authors
- Meng-Yu Liu, Fei Xie, Yan Zhang, Ting-Ting Wang, Sheng-Nan Ma, Peng-Xiang Zhao, Xin Zhang, Tyler W. Lebaron, Xin-Long Yan, Xue-Mei Ma
- Journal
- Stem Cell Research & Therapy
- Year
- 2019
- DOI
- 10.1186/s13287-019-1241-x
- Study Type
- Rat
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Glioblastoma
- Body System
- Nervous System
TL;DR
Inhaling hydrogen gas significantly slowed down brain tumor growth and improved survival in animal models of glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer.
Key Finding
Hydrogen gas inhalation slowed glioblastoma growth and extended survival in animal models by triggering cancer stem cells to differentiate (mature) into regular cells.
Summary
Researchers tested whether inhaling hydrogen gas could slow the growth of glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor, using rat and mouse models. Animals that inhaled hydrogen gas twice daily showed slower tumor growth and lived longer than controls. The hydrogen appeared to work by pushing cancer stem cells (specialized tumor cells that can self-renew) to mature into regular cells, while also reducing markers of tumor growth and blood vessel formation.
Practical Takeaway
While these results are promising, this research was conducted only in animals (rats and mice), not humans. Much more research, including human clinical trials, would be needed before hydrogen could be considered a treatment for glioblastoma. This early evidence suggests hydrogen may warrant further investigation as a potential brain tumor therapy, but it should not be used as a substitute for standard medical treatment.
Abstract (excerpt)
Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common type of primary malignant brain tumor. Molecular hydrogen has been considered a preventive and therapeutic medical gas in many diseases including cancer. In our study, we sought to assess the potential role of molecular hydrogen on GBM. Methods…