Short-Lasting Supplementation with Molecular Hydrogen and Vitamin E Upregulates Myocardial Connexin-43 in Irradiated and Non-irradiated Rat Heart

In this study we aimed to explore whether supplementation with antioxidants, molecular H2 and vitamin E, may impact gap junction channel protein, connexin-43, in left ventricular tissue of irradiated rat hearts. Experiments were performed using 3-month-old male Wistar rats that were randomized into 6 groups. (1) Intact rats; (2) Intact rats treated with molecular H2 (4% H2 in inhalation chamber, 3 × 30 min per day) (3) intact rats supplemented with vitamin E (30 mg/kg body weight); (4) Irradiated rats after exposure to single dose of 10 Gy; (5) Irradiated rats treated with molecular H2; (6) Irradiated rats treated with vitamin E. Left heart myocardium was used for analysis, at 9 days after irradiation. Findings indicate that treatment with molecular H2 and vitamin E up-regulates connexin-43 and PKCε not only in irradiated but also in intact rat hearts. It is challenging for further research to elucidate mechanisms.