EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF THE CARDIOPROTECTIVE POTENTIAL OF MOLECULAR HYDROGEN

Abstract

Introduction. The search for effective agents to mitigate the adverse effects of anticancer drugs remains highly relevant, given the growing number of patients with oncological diseases. Anthracycline antibiotics are among the most effective chemotherapeutic agents; however, their clinical use is often limited due to their known cardiotoxicity. Aim of the study. To investigate the cardioprotective potential of molecular hydrogen in a model of subchronic doxorubicin (DOX) toxicity. Materials and Methods. The study was conducted on rats divided into four groups: a control group; groups 2 and 3 received DOX (5 mg/kg once weekly, cumulative dose of 20 mg/kg); and groups 3 and 4 consumed molecular hydrogen-enriched water ad libitum. Parameters assessed included mortality rate, cardiac structural alterations, and serum biomarkers such as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine phosphokinase-MB (CPK-MB), and cardiac troponin I (cTnI). Results and Discussion. Doxorubicin administration led to marked cardiac remodelling, including a 43.7% (p<0.001) increase in left ventricular wall dilation and a 40.7% rise in planimetric index. Histologically, significant cardiomyocyte alterations were observed, including myocytolysis, contraction band necrosis, and fibre fragmentation. These changes were accompanied by elevated serum levels of LDH (1.55-fold, p<0.001), CPK-MB (1.76-fold, p<0.001), and cTnI (8.3-fold, p<0.001). Hydrogen-rich water intake reduced animal mortality from 32% to 20%, significantly decreased biochemical markers of cardiac injury, partially restored myocardial morphology, and stimulated regenerative processes. These effects included reduced interstitial oedema, fewer zones of myocytolysis and contraction, and improved vascular integrity. Conclusions. The results demonstrate that molecular hydrogen exhibits cardioprotective properties and reduces mortality in animals exposed to doxorubicin.