Effects of long‑term hydrogen intervention on the physiological function of rats

Abstract

The potential therapeutic effects of molecular hydrogen (H2) have now been confirmed in various human and animal-disease models. However, the effects of H2 on the physiological function in a normal state have been largely neglected. Hydrogen-rich water (HRW) intake and hydrogen inhalation (HI) are the most common used methods for hydrogen administration, the difference in the effects between HRW intake and HI remains elusive. In the present study, the body weight and 13 serum biochemical parameters were monitored during the six-month hydrogen intervention, all these parameters were significantly altered by oral intake of HRW or HI. Among the 13 parameters, the most striking alterations induced by hydrogen treatment were observed in serum myocardial enzymes spectrum. The results also showed that the changes in these parameters occurred at different time points, and the alterations in most of the parameters were much more significant in HI than HRW. The results of this study provides the basic data for the mechanism research and application of molecular hydrogen in the future.

Study details

Article type

Original Research

Disease / injury model

None (healthy rats)

Duration

6 months

Dose comparison

Both HRW and HI were administered at fixed concentrations (HRW >600 µM, HI 4% H2) and compared for their effects on physiological parameters.

Dose-dependent effect

No

Outcome

Neutral

Findings

Long-term hydrogen intervention (via hydrogen-rich water or hydrogen inhalation) significantly altered body weight and 13 serum biochemical parameters in healthy rats, with more pronounced effects observed in the hydrogen inhalation group. The most notable changes were in serum myocardial enzyme activities, and most alterations remained within the normal physiological range, suggesting no adverse health effects.