Hydrogen saline prevents selenite-induced cataract in rats

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential antioxidative effect and mechanism for the protective effects of hydrogen saline on selenite-induced cataract in rats. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rat pups were divided into the following groups: control (Group A), selenite induced (Group B), and selenite plus hydrogen saline treated (Group C). Rat pups in Groups B and C received a single subcutaneous injection of sodium selenite (25 μmol/kg bodyweight) on postnatal day 12. Group C also received an intraperitoneal injection of H2 saline (5 ml/kg bodyweight) daily from postnatal day 8 to postnatal day 17. The development of cataract was assessed weekly by slit-lamp examination for 2 weeks. After sacrifice, extricated lenses were analyzed for activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione S-transferase, levels of malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione (GSH), and total sulfhydryl contents. Results: The magnitude of lens opacification in Group B was significantly higher than in Group A (p<0.05), while Group C had less opacification than Group B (p<0.05). Compared with Group B, the mean activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione S-transferase, levels of GSH, and total sulfhydryl contents were higher, whereas the level of malondialdehyde was lower following treatment with hydrogen saline(p<0.05). Conclusions: This is an initial report showing that hydrogen saline can prevent selenite-induced cataract in rats. It acts via maintaining antioxidant enzymes and GSH, protecting the sulfhydryl group, and inhibiting lipid peroxidation.

Study details

Article type

Original Research

Disease / injury model

Selenite-induced cataract (oxidative stress model)

Duration

18 days

Dose comparison

The study used a fixed dose of hydrogen saline (5 ml/kg) and selenite (25 μmol/kg) and compared outcomes across groups, but did not test multiple doses.

Dose-dependent effect

No

Outcome

Positive

Findings

Hydrogen saline significantly reduced selenite-induced cataract formation in rats, restored antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, Gpx, GR, GST), increased GSH and total sulfhydryl content, and decreased malondialdehyde levels, indicating strong antioxidative and protective effects on the lens.