Hydrogen Research Study
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Preclinical animal evidenceAnimal studyhydrogen-rich water

Long-Term Neuroprotective Effects of Hydrogen-Rich Water and Memantine in Chronic Radiation-Induced Brain Injury: Behavioral, Histological, and Molecular Insights.

Kai Xu, Huan Liu, Yinhui Wang, Yushan He, Mengya Liu, Haili Lu, Yuhao Wang, Piye Niu, Xiujun Qin · Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) · 2025

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Independent study record

Each H2HUBB study page organizes source-linked research details for educational use. Interpretation should remain proportional to the study design, population, controls, and limitations.

H2HUBB Research Library branded molecular hydrogen research image
Primary topic Hydrogen Water Research
Evidence type Preclinical animal evidence
Publication type Animal study
Hydrogen method hydrogen-rich water

H2HUBB TAKEAWAY

HRW significantly improved anxiety-like behavior, memory, and learning performance compared to the IR group. These results are preclinical and suggest molecular hydrogen's therapeutic potential in the condition studied. Further human research is needed to establish clinical effectiveness.

What the Researchers Studied

The study examined male Sprague Dawley rats.

How Molecular Hydrogen Was Used

Molecular hydrogen was administered as hydrogen-rich water (hrw) has shown neuroprotective effects in acute brain injury, but its role in chronic radiation-induced brain injury (ribi) remains unclear.

What the Researchers Found

HRW significantly improved anxiety-like behavior, memory, and learning performance compared to the IR group. Histological results revealed that HRW reduced neuronal swelling, degeneration, and loss and enhanced dendritic spine density and neurogenesis. PET/CT imaging showed increased hippocampal glucose uptake in the IR group, which was alleviated by HRW treatment.

H₂ Mechanisms / Biological Findings

The source material reviewed did not establish a specific molecular hydrogen mechanism for the reported findings.

Authors’ Conclusion

The authors concluded that serum CD44 levels were also lower in treated rats, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for chronic RIBI.