Molecular Hydrogen: A New Protective Tool Against Radiation-Induced Toxicity

Radiation damage is defined as exposure to ionizing radiation causing a series of organ injuries over a specified period of time. In this study, we investigated the effect of the mediastinum irradiation of Wistar male rats in a single dose of 10 Gy and subsequent 9-day treatment with selected antioxidants (molecular hydrogen—H2, vitamin E, Laminaria digitata). Blood plasma biomarkers were analyzed to determine the extent of the irradiation effect on the kidney (creatinine, uric acid), liver (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase), metabolism (total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose), and cytotoxicity (lactate dehydrogenase). Increased levels of markers in the plasma of rats indicate a deterioration of the general condition of the organism 9 days after irradiation of the mediastinum. Administration of selected compounds reduced levels of selected parameters in plasma, which indicates their protective effect. Our results show that among the selected antioxidants, H2 appears to be the most effective radioprotectant in the observed period. We assume that H2 could represent a novel and clinically applicable agent against radiation-induced toxicity.