Hydrogen-rich water improves neurological functional recovery in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mice.

Abstract

Using the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS), this study examined the effects of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) administered both prophylactically and after disease onset. Prophylactic HRW at concentrations of 0.36 mM and 0.89 mM delayed EAE onset and lowered peak clinical scores. Post-onset administration of 0.89 mM HRW reduced disease severity, central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory cell infiltration, and demyelination. Mechanistically, HRW suppressed CD4+ T lymphocyte infiltration into the CNS and selectively inhibited Th17 cell differentiation while leaving Th1 cell populations unaffected. The authors note that HRW is non-toxic, low-cost, and capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, suggesting potential utility in MS management.

Mechanism

HRW appears to reduce CNS demyelination and inflammation by suppressing CD4+ T lymphocyte infiltration and selectively inhibiting Th17 cell differentiation, without altering Th1 cell populations.