Hydrogen mediates suppression of colon inflammation induced by dextran sodium sulfate.

Abstract

A mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease was established by administering 5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in drinking water for 7 days. Animals received DSS alone, DSS combined with hydrogen-rich water, or hydrogen-rich water alone. At day 7, the DSS-only group exhibited significant body weight loss, elevated colitis scores, pathological colon shortening, and increased colonic levels of IL-12, TNF-α, and IL-1β. All of these parameters were markedly reduced in the group receiving hydrogen alongside DSS. Histological examination further confirmed that DSS-associated mucosal tissue destruction and macrophage infiltration were substantially diminished by hydrogen. These findings indicate that hydrogen-rich water can inhibit the progression of DSS-induced colitis in mice, likely through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Mechanism

Hydrogen's antioxidant activity is proposed to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine production (IL-12, TNF-α, IL-1β) and macrophage infiltration in colonic tissue, thereby limiting mucosal destruction in DSS-induced colitis.