Hydrogen-rich saline protects immunocytes from radiation-induced apoptosis

Background: Radiation often causes depletion of immunocytes in tissues and blood, which results in immunosuppression. Molecular hydrogen (H-2) has been shown in recent studies to have potential as a safe and effective radioprotective agent through scavenging free radicals. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that H-2 could protect immunocytes from ionizing radiation (IR). Material/Methods: H-2 was dissolved in physiological saline or medium using an apparatus produced by our department. A 2-[6-(4'-hydroxy) phenoxy-3H-xanthen-3-on-9-yl] benzoate (HPF) probe was used to detect intracellular hydroxyl radicals (center dot OH). Cell apoptosis was evaluated by annexin V-FITC and Propidium iodide (PI) staining as well as the caspase 3 activity. Finally, we examined the hematological changes using an automatic Sysmex XE 2100 hematology analyzer. Results: We demonstrated H-2-rich medium pretreatment reduced center dot OH level in AHH-1 cells. We also showed H-2 reduced radiation-induced apoptosis in thymocytes and splenocytes in living mice. Radiation-induced caspase 3 activation was also attenuated by H-2 treatment. Finally, we found that H-2 rescued the radiation-caused depletion of white blood cells (WBC) and platelets (PLT). Conclusions: This study suggests that H-2 protected the immune system and alleviated the hematological injury induced by IR.