Protective Effect of Molecular Hydrogen Following Different Routes of Administration on D-Galactose-Induced Aging Mice

Abstract

Background: Molecular hydrogen (H 2 ) has been recognized as an effective antioxidant with no or little side effects. While it is known that oxidative stress is closely associated with aging, the beneficial effect of H 2 on oxidative stress-related aging is still unclear. In this study, a mouse model of D-galactose-induced aging was employed to investigate the protective effects of H 2 . Methods: The mice were administrated of H 2 via different routes (4% H 2 inhalation, H 2 -rich water drinking, and H 2 -rich saline injection), the aging-related biomarkers in plasma and the oxidative stress in different tissues were measured. Results: The results showed that H 2 improved aging-related biomarkers, ie, total antioxidant capacity, advanced glycation end products, tumor necrosis factor-α, free fatty acids, and alanine aminotransferase in plasma. Furthermore, H 2 alleviated oxidative stress in the liver, brain, and heart by reducing the levels of lipid peroxidation and malondialdehyde and increasing the activity of superoxide dismutase. In addition, it seems that 4% H 2 inhalation was the most effective regarding the amount of H 2 taken up and in reducing the markers of oxidative stress in some of the tissues; however, the other routes of administration resulted in the same efficacy in most indicators. Conclusion: H 2 can prevent oxidative stress in D-galactose-induced aging mice when administered by different routes. Keywords: molecular hydrogen, administration routes, oxidative stress, aging, D-galactose