Asgharzadeh F, Tarnava A, Mostafapour A, Khazaei M, LeBaron TW. Hydrogen-rich water exerts anti-tumor effects comparable to 5-fluorouracil in a colorectal cancer xenograft model.
World J Gastrointest Oncol 2022;
14:242-252. [PMID:
35116114 PMCID:
PMC8790422 DOI:
10.4251/wjgo.v14.i1.242]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. Tumor removal remains the preferred frontline treatment; however, effective non-surgical interventions remain a high priority. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a widely used chemotherapy agent, and molecular hydrogen (H2) has been recognized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, with research also suggesting its potential anti-tumor effects. Therefore, H2 dissolved in water [hydrogen-rich water (HRW)], with or without 5-FU, may present itself as a novel therapeutic for CRC.
AIM
To investigate the effects of HRW, with or without 5-FU, as a novel therapeutic for CRC.
METHODS
CRC was induced in the left flank of inbred Balb/c mice. A total of 24 mice bearing tumors were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6 per group) and treated as follows: (1) Control group; (2) 5-FU group that received intraperitoneal injection of 5-FU (5 mg/kg) every other day; (3) H2 group that received HRW, created and delivered via dissolving the H2-generating tablet in the animals' drinking water, with 200 μL also delivered by oral gavage; and (4) The combination group, H2 (administered in same way as for group three) combined with 5-FU administered same way as group two.
RESULTS
Administration of HRW + 5-FU significantly improved tumor weight, tumor size, collagen content and fibrosis as compared to the CRC control group. Specifically, HRW attenuated oxidative stress (OS) and potentiated antioxidant activity (AA), whereas 5-FU treatment exacerbated OS and blunted AA. The combination of HRW + 5-FU significantly reduced tumor weight and size, as well as reduced collagen deposition and the degree of fibrosis, while further increasing OS and decreasing AA compared to administration of 5-FU alone.
CONCLUSION
Administration of HRW, with or without 5-FU, may serve as a therapeutic for treating CRC.
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