Comparison of hydrogen administration methods in the treatment of radiation-induced heart disease in rats

Ionizing radiation is a known risk factor for the occurrence and
development of cardiovascular diseases, particularly in patients receiving
thoracic radiotherapy. This exposure leads to oxidative stress and
inflammation, which can damage cardiac tissue and vascular endothelium.
Molecular hydrogen (H2) has been recognized for its therapeutic potential,
including antioxidant effects. In this study, male Wistar rats were
irradiated with a dose of 10 Gy (X-rays) in the chest area. Two and nine
days post-irradiation, significant increases in lactate dehydrogenase
(LDH), catalase, glutathione peroxidase activity, malondialdehyde,
superoxide, and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels were observed in the
rat blood plasma or heart tissue. Administration of H2 either via drinking
H2-rich water (min. 4 mg/L) or inhaling H2 in air (4%), effectively
decreased oxidative stress, LDH, and inflammatory proteins to normal
levels. H2 also normalized the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor
2/Kelch-like ECH-associating protein 1 (Nrf2/Keap1) pathway, an important
antioxidative response regulator activated by irradiation. Based on these
results, we can conclude that H2 administration through both routes
mitigated heart damage caused by irradiation after two and nine days. The
mitigating effect was more pronounced with H2 gas inhalation, but further
research is needed for statistically relevant data and mechanistic
insights.