The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential protective role of molecular hydrogen (H2) against (12)C(6+) heavy ion radiation, which is a major hazard for space travel and has been also widely used in heavy ion radiotherapy. H2 was dissolved in Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) 1640 medium under high pressure (0.4 Mpa) to a saturated level. A 2-[6-(4′-hydroxy) phenoxy-3H-xanthen-3-on-9-yl] benzoate (HPF) probe and a 2′,7′-Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (H2DCFH-DA) fluorescent dye were used to measure the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. Cell apoptosis were determined by double-staining with Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate (Annexin V-FITC) and propidium iodide (PI) as well as a Hoechst 33342 staining method alternatively. Subsequently, cell cycle analysis was performed using a PI staining method and the expression of apoptotic protein was examined by Western blot. In this study, authors demonstrated H2 reduced ROS level in Human lymphocyte AHH-1 cells as well as in the radiolysis of water. Data also showed H2 attenuated (12)C(6+) radiation- induced cell apoptosis and also alleviated radiation-induced G2/M cell cycle arrest. Heavy ion radiation-induced Caspase 3 activation was also inhibited by H2 treatment. In conclusion, these data showed that H2 attenuated (12)C(6+) radiation-induced cell apoptosis through reducing the ROS level and modulating apoptotic molecules, thus indicating the potential of H2 as a safe and effective radioprotectant.
Yang Y, Gao F, Zhang H, Hunag Y, Zhang P, Liu C, et al. Molecular hydrogen protects human lymphocyte AHH-1 cells against (12)C(6+) heavy ion radiation. Int J Radiat Biol. 2013 Dec;89(12):1003-8.