Molecular Hydrogen Protects against Various Tissue Injuries from Side Effects of Anticancer Drugs by Reducing
Shin-Ichi Hirano1, Yoshiyasu Takefuji2,3
1Independent Researcher, 5-8-1-207 Honson, Chigasaki 253-0042, Japan.
Abstract:
While drug therapy plays a crucial role in cancer treatment, many anticancer drugs, particularly cytotoxic and molecular-targeted drugs, cause severe side effects, which often limit the dosage of these drugs. Efforts have been made to alleviate these side effects by developing derivatives, analogues, and liposome formulations of existing anticancer drugs and by combining anticancer drugs with substances that reduce side effects. However, these approaches have not been sufficiently effective in reducing side effects. Molecular hydrogen (H2) has shown promise in this regard. It directly reduces reactive oxygen species, which have very strong oxidative capacity, and indirectly exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects by regulating gene expression. Its clinical application in various diseases has been expanded worldwide. Although H2 has been reported to reduce the side effects of anticancer drugs in animal studies and clinical trials, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Our comprehensive literature review revealed that H2 protects against tissue injuries induced by cisplatin, oxaliplatin, doxorubicin, bleomycin, and gefitinib. The underlying mechanisms involve reductions in oxidative stress and inflammation. H2 itself exhibits anticancer activity. Therefore, the combination of H2 and anticancer drugs has the potential to reduce the side effects of anticancer drugs and enhance their anticancer activities. This is an exciting prospect for future cancer treatments.
Insights
Molecular hydrogen (H2) may reduce severe side effects from cancer drugs like cisplatin and doxorubicin. This antioxidant may also boost anticancer drug efficacy, offering a promising new approach for cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biomedical Science
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cancer therapies, including cytotoxic and molecular-targeted drugs, often cause dose-limiting side effects.
- Existing strategies to mitigate these side effects have shown limited success.
- Molecular hydrogen (H2) is recognized for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on molecular hydrogen's role in mitigating anticancer drug side effects.
- To explore the potential mechanisms underlying H2's protective effects.
- To assess the combined potential of H2 and anticancer drugs for improved cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of studies investigating H2 and anticancer drug side effects.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms, including oxidative stress and inflammation pathways.
- Evaluation of H2's direct anticancer activity.
Main Results:
- H2 demonstrated protective effects against tissue injury induced by various anticancer drugs (cisplatin, oxaliplatin, doxorubicin, bleomycin, gefitinib).
- Key mechanisms involve the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation.
- H2 exhibits intrinsic anticancer properties.
Conclusions:
- Molecular hydrogen shows significant potential in reducing the adverse effects of chemotherapy.
- Combining H2 with anticancer agents may enhance treatment efficacy and reduce toxicity.
- Further research into H2-based cancer therapies is warranted.
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