Hydrogen Nanomicelles Heal Chemo-Induced Mouth Sores in Mice
Quercetin-carboxymethyl chitosan‑hydrogen nanomicelles for the treatment of chemotherapy induced oral mucositis in mice
Research hubs: Immune System · Skin & Dermatology System
- Evidence type
- Animal study (mouse)
- Authors
- Dongwei Chen, Shahab Uddin, Bozhao Wang, Hai Yao, Xueyan Que, Jian Li, Ling Xu
- Journal
- International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
- Year
- 2026
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.153863
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Chemotherapy-Induced Oral Mucositis
- Body System
- Oral/Gastrointestinal
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
TL;DR
A quercetin–hydrogen nanomicelle reduced oxidative stress and inflammation while improving oral mucosal repair in mice with chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis.
Key Finding
Mice with chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis treated with the hydrogen-quercetin nanoparticles showed nearly double the epithelial (mouth lining) thickness compared to untreated mice, along with significantly lower levels of inflammatory proteins TNF-α and IL-6.
Summary
This study tested a new nanoparticle (tiny engineered particle) delivery system that combined quercetin (a plant-based antioxidant) and molecular hydrogen to treat chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis — painful sores in the mouth caused by cancer treatment. Researchers built the particles using a material called carboxymethyl chitosan and tested them in mice given the chemotherapy drug 5-fluorouracil. The nanoparticles reduced inflammation, neutralized harmful molecules called free radicals, and helped the mouth's tissue lining heal compared to untreated mice.
Practical Takeaway
This is early-stage animal research and has not been tested in humans, so no conclusions can be drawn about benefits for people. The study suggests that combining molecular hydrogen with antioxidants in a specialized delivery system may support tissue healing and reduce inflammation in chemotherapy-related mouth sores, but clinical trials would be needed to know if this approach is safe or effective for cancer patients.
Abstract (excerpt)
Chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis (CIOM) is a debilitating adverse effect characterized by oxidative stress and inflammatory cascade-driven mucosal injury, yet current clinical interventions remain largely symptomatic and fail to address the underlying pathological mechanisms. This study aimed…