THE EFFECT OF WATER ENRICHED WITH MOLECULAR HYDROGEN ON OXIDATIVE STRESS INDICATORS IN RATS WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME

Abstract

Introduction. Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a multifactorial condition that includes obesity, insulin resistance, arterial hypertension, and dyslipidemia. A key link in its pathogenesis is oxidative stress, which leads to damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA. In recent years, molecular hydrogen has attracted attention as a selective antioxidant with the potential to reduce the manifestations of oxidative imbalance. Objective. To determine the effect of molecular hydrogen-enriched water on oxidative stress indicators in rats with experimentally induced metabolic syndrome. Research methods. The study was conducted on 90 white male Wistar rats, divided into groups depending on the duration of the experiment (6, 12, and 20 weeks). MS was modeled by keeping the animals on a high-calorie diet. Some of the rats received water enriched with molecular hydrogen (0.6 ppm). The levels of 8-isoprostanes, protein carbonyls, and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were determined in blood serum using ELISA and spectrophotometry. Statistical analysis was performed using Student’s t-test and ANOVA at p ≤ 0.05. Results and discussion. In animals with MS, a significant increase in oxidative stress markers was observed: the level of 8-isoprostanes exceeded the control values by almost 2.7 times, protein carbonyls by 2.3 times, and 8-OHdG by two times (20th week of the experiment). The consumption of hydrogen-enriched water significantly reduced these indicators: the concentration of 8-isoprostanes decreased by 30 %, protein carbonyls by 25 %, and 8-OHdG by 32 % compared to animals without correction. The most pronounced effect was observed in the middle and late stages of the pathology, indicating the cumulative effect of molecular hydrogen. At the same time, the indicators did not reach control levels, indicating incomplete elimination of oxidative damage. Conclusions. MS is accompanied by a progressive accumulation of oxidative damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA. Water enriched with molecular hydrogen significantly reduces markers of oxidative stress, most effectively with prolonged use. The antioxidant effect of molecular hydrogen has a protective effect, which determines its promise as an additional agent in the complex therapy of MS.