Hydrogen Protects Male Fertility from Radiation Damage in Animal Study
- Authors
- Zhitao Jiang, Bo Xu, Mowen Yang, Zhaozhu Li, Yubo Zhang, Da-Peng Jiang
- Journal
- Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology
- Year
- 2013
- DOI
- 10.1111/bcpt.12016
- Study Type
- Rat
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Radiation-Induced Testicular Damage
- Body System
- Reproductive
TL;DR
Hydrogen-rich saline solution and WR-2721 may protect against testicular damage caused by radiation in rats.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-rich saline solution significantly reduced radiation-induced testicular damage in rats, including preserving sperm count and motility while reducing markers of cellular damage and cell death.
Summary
This study tested whether hydrogen-rich salt water could protect rat testicles from damage caused by gamma radiation. Rats exposed to radiation showed reduced sperm count, sperm movement, and testis size, along with signs of cell death and increased harmful molecules. When rats were given hydrogen-rich salt water before radiation, these harmful effects were reduced, and antioxidant (damage-fighting) enzymes were better preserved.
Practical Takeaway
This is early animal research showing hydrogen may help protect against radiation damage to reproductive tissue. However, this was only tested in rats, not humans, so it's unclear whether these results would apply to people. Much more research, including human studies, would be needed before hydrogen could be considered a protective treatment for radiation exposure.
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the possible protective role of hydrogen‐rich saline solution (HRSS) and WR‐2721 on the testicular damage induced by irradiation. Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups. Group I served as control group. Rats in group II were exposed to the irradiation. The animals in group III and IV were injected intraperitoneally with HRSS (5 ml/kg) and WR‐2721 (200 mg/kg), respectively, 15 min. before the start of gamma irradiation. Testis weight, testis dimensions, sperm count, sperm motility, apoptosis index and biochemical assays were assessed after a 4‐day initiation of irradiation. Testis weight, testis dimensions, sperm count, sperm motility in group II were significantly lower compared with those in the control group, whereas they were higher in the HRSS and WR‐2721 group. Apoptosis index was significantly increased in group II. Treatment of rats with HRSS and WR‐2721 significantly reduced the apoptosis index. On the other hand, irradiation markedly decreased activities of SOD. Activities of SOD were significantly improved when treated with HRSS and WR‐2721. Significant increase in the MDA level was observed in group II. MDA levels of group III and IV were significantly lowered when compared with group II. HRSS also played a significant role in the recovery of serum testosterone levels. The results from this experimental study suggest that hydrogen has a possible protective effect against radiation‐induced testicular damage.