Hydrogen Compound Prevents Hearing Loss from Chemotherapy
- Authors
- Yibing Hu, Yihuan Zhang, Shufen Li, Yuan Yu, Jingjing Wang, Zihan Lou, Boya Zhang, Yazhi Xing, Zhengnong Chen
- Journal
- Neuroscience Bulletin
- Year
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.1007/s12264-025-01477-2
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity
- Body System
- Auditory
TL;DR
A hydrogen-releasing compound protected against chemotherapy-related hearing loss by reducing inflammation, cell death, and oxidative stress.
Key Finding
Magnesium hydride protected hearing and preserved inner ear cells in mice treated with cisplatin, working through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cell-protective mechanisms.
Summary
Cisplatin is a cancer drug that often causes permanent hearing loss as a side effect. In this mouse study, researchers tested whether magnesium hydride (a compound that releases hydrogen) could protect hearing. The treatment reduced damage to sound-sensing cells in the inner ear, decreased harmful molecules called free radicals, and reduced inflammation—all factors that contribute to cisplatin's hearing damage.
Practical Takeaway
While this animal study suggests hydrogen-releasing compounds may help prevent chemotherapy-related hearing loss, it is not yet evidence that hydrogen water would have the same effect in humans. The study used a specific compound (magnesium hydride) in mice, not the molecular hydrogen found in hydrogen water, so direct application to consumer hydrogen products is unclear. Clinical trials in humans would be needed before any recommendations could be made for cancer patients.
Abstract (excerpt)
Cisplatin is a widely-used chemotherapeutic agent, but its dose-limiting ototoxicity often results in irreversible hearing loss. The pathogenesis involves oxidative stress, apoptosis, DNA damage, and inflammatory responses, yet effective preventive strategies remain limited. Here, we demonstrate…