Effects of hydrogen-rich water on aging periodontal tissues in rats.

Abstract

Oxidative stress is a key contributor to age-associated inflammatory processes in periodontal tissues. This animal study examined whether long-term consumption of hydrogen-rich water could modify age-related oxidative and inflammatory changes in healthy rats. Male Fischer 344 rats (4 months old, n=12) were allocated to either a hydrogen-rich water group or a distilled water control group and maintained until 16 months of age. At the endpoint, periodontal oxidative damage was significantly lower in the hydrogen-rich water group compared with controls. However, interleukin-1β protein expression did not differ between groups. Notably, gene expression of NLRP3 inflammasome components was elevated in the hydrogen-rich water group relative to controls. These findings suggest that hydrogen-rich water consumption may reduce age-related oxidative damage in periodontal tissues, while its influence on inflammatory signaling pathways appears limited or complex.

Mechanism

Hydrogen-rich water scavenges reactive oxygen species in periodontal tissues, reducing age-related oxidative damage. However, NLRP3 inflammasome gene expression was upregulated without corresponding changes in IL-1β protein, suggesting the anti-inflammatory effect is limited or pathway-specific.