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

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.