A green, efficient and precise hydrogen therapy of cancer based on in vivo electrochemistry.
Guohua Qi, Bo Wang, Xiangfu Song, Haijuan Li, Yongdong Jin · National science review · 2020
Research-use notice
Independent study record
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H2HUBB TAKEAWAY
In a laboratory model, due to puncture positioning, the acidic tumor microenvironment and gas diffusion effect, the developed H₂ generation electrochemotherapy (H₂-ECT) strategy enables precise and large-scale tumor therapy, as demonstrated by in vivo treatment of diseased mice (glioma and breast cancers). These findings come from a laboratory model and suggest molecular hydrogen's biological potential. Further research is needed to determine clinical relevance.
What the Researchers Tested
In vitro cell-culture laboratory experiment.
How Molecular Hydrogen Was Used
By combined use of traditional Chinese acupuncture Fe needle electrode and in vivo electrochemistry, the researchers achieved in vivo H₂ generation in tumors in a controllable manner and exploited it for effective and green therapy of tumors for the first time. The cathodic acupuncture electrodes working under an applied voltage of ∼3 V (with minimal damage to the living body) undergo effective electrochemical reactions in the acidic tumor area that produce sufficient H₂ locally to cause cancer cells to burst and die. Due to puncture positioning, the acidic tumor microenvironment and gas diffusion effect, the developed H₂ generation electrochemotherapy (H₂-ECT) strategy enables precise and large-scale tumor therapy, as demonstrated by in vivo treatment of diseased mice (glioma and breast cancers).
What Molecular Hydrogen Changed
Due to puncture positioning, the acidic tumor microenvironment and gas diffusion effect, the developed H₂ generation electrochemotherapy (H₂-ECT) strategy enables precise and large-scale tumor therapy, as demonstrated by in vivo treatment of diseased mice (glioma and breast cancers).
Authors’ Conclusion
These findings come from a laboratory model and suggest molecular hydrogen's biological potential. Further research is needed to determine clinical relevance.