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Updated: May 22, 2026
14:11
Quantification of Hydrogen Concentrations in Surface and Interface Layers and Bulk Materials through Depth Profiling with Nuclear Reaction Analysis
Published on: March 29, 2016
Molecular hydrogen and radiation protection.
Yunhai Chuai1, Liren Qian, Xuejun Sun
1Department of Radiation Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
Free Radical Research
|April 28, 2012
Summary
Molecular hydrogen (H2) demonstrates therapeutic antioxidant properties by targeting harmful radicals. Studies show H2 protects against radiation-induced damage in cells, animals, and improves patient quality of life, suggesting its potential as a safe radioprotective agent.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Radiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Molecular hydrogen (H2) functions as a selective antioxidant, neutralizing damaging hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and peroxynitrite (ONOO-).
- Ionizing radiation (IR) induces oxidative stress and apoptosis primarily through •OH production from water radiolysis.
- Previous research indicated H2's protective effects against radiation in cellular and animal models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the radioprotective potential of molecular hydrogen (H2).
- To assess the efficacy and safety of H2 as an antioxidant therapy against radiation-induced damage.
- To investigate H2's impact on patient quality of life during radiotherapy.
Main Methods:
- In vitro and in vivo studies using irradiated cells and animal models.
- Administration of molecular hydrogen (H2) as a therapeutic intervention.
- A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial in patients undergoing radiotherapy for liver tumors.
Main Results:
- Molecular hydrogen (H2) demonstrated significant protective effects against radiation-induced damage in various experimental models.
- The therapeutic antioxidant action of H2 was confirmed through its selective reduction of reactive oxygen species.
- Clinical investigation revealed that H2 consumption improved the quality of life for patients receiving radiotherapy.
Conclusions:
- Molecular hydrogen (H2) exhibits promising efficacy as a radioprotective agent.
- H2 demonstrates a favorable safety profile, indicating low toxicity.
- These findings support the potential of H2 as a novel therapeutic strategy in radiation oncology.
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