Molecular hydrogen and radiation protection

Molecular hydrogen (dihydrogen, H2) acts as a therapeutic antioxidant by selectively reducing hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and peroxynitrite (ONOO–). It has been well-known that ionising radiation (IR) causes oxidative damage and consequent apoptosis mainly due to the production of •OH that follows radiolysis of H2O. Our department reported the protective effect of H2 in irradiated cells and mice for the first time, and this effect is well repeated by us and another laboratory in different experimental animal models. A randomised, placebo-controlled investigation also showed consumption of H2 can improve the quality of life of patients treated with radiotherapy for liver tumours. These encouraging results suggested that H2 has a potential as a radioprotective agent with efficacy and non-toxicity.