More importantly, certain GSMs could serve as therapeutic agents in primary cancer, as well as in multidrug-resistant cancer treatment when used by directly or certain pharmaceutical formulations ( 9– 13). These gaseous molecules possess multiple critical functions in regulating cell biology in vivo via signal transduction ( 9). Gaseous signaling molecules (GSMs) refer to a group of gaseous molecules, such as oxygen ( 1), nitric oxide ( 2), carbon monoxide ( 3), hydrogen sulfide ( 4), sulfur dioxide ( 5, 6), ethylene ( 7, 8), etc.
The application of hydrogen gas in cancer treatment is still in its nascent stage, further mechanistic study and the development of portable instruments are warranted. In the current review, we summarize these studies and discuss the underlying mechanisms. Growing evidence has shown that hydrogen gas can either alleviate the side effects caused by conventional chemotherapeutics, or suppress the growth of cancer cells and xenograft tumor, suggesting its broad potent application in clinical therapy. Recently, hydrogen gas (formula: H 2) emerges as another GSM which possesses multiple bioactivities, including anti-inflammation, anti-reactive oxygen species, and anti-cancer.
Interestingly, through various administrations, these molecules also exhibit potential in cancer treatment. Gas signaling molecules (GSMs), composed of oxygen, carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, hydrogen sulfide, etc., play critical roles in regulating signal transduction and cellular homeostasis.