Transcriptomic and metabolomic studies on the protective effect of molecular hydrogen against nuclear electromagnetic pulse-induced brain damage.
Long Ma, Shuo Tian, Hai-Ling Zhang, Jing-Yi Wang, Jia-Wen Wang, Hong-Li Yan, Xu-Guang Hu, Qi Shao, Jia-Ming Guo · Frontiers in public health · 2023
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H2HUBB TAKEAWAY
In rats, the data from the elevated plus maze and the open field test showed that NEMP exposure elicited anxiety-like behavior in rats, which could be alleviated by H₂ treatment. 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 the researchers seek to assess the capability of molecular hydrogen to ameliorate brain damage induced by electromagnetic radiation.
How Molecular Hydrogen Was Used
Male wild-type rats were divided into four groups: the control group, the H₂ (Molecular hydrogen) group, the NEMP group and the NEMP+H₂ group. Rats in the H₂ group and the NEMP+H₂ group were fed with saturated hydrogen-rich water from 3 days before NEMP exposure (electromagnetic field intensity 400 kV/m, rising edge 20 ns and pulse width 200 ns) to the day of sacrifice.
What the Researchers Found
The data from the elevated plus maze and the open field test showed that NEMP exposure elicited anxiety-like behavior in rats, which could be alleviated by H₂ treatment. Histopathological results manifested that NEMP exposure-induced injuries of the neurons in the hippocampus and amygdala could be attenuated by H₂ treatment. And the combined analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics showed that H₂ has a significant impact on the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, synaptic vesicle cycle and synapse etc. It was indicated that the glutathione metabolic pathway played a vital role in the NEMP exposure-induced damage and the protective activity of H₂.
H₂ Mechanisms / Biological Findings
Molecular hydrogen can scavenge intracellular hydroxyl radicals, acting as an antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory agent.
Authors’ Conclusion
The authors concluded that H₂ is identified as a potent agent against NEMP exposure-induced brain damage and has the potential to be a promising electromagnetic radiation protectant.