Hydrogen-rich Water Exerting a Protective Effect on Ovarian Reserve Function in a Mouse Model of Immune Premature Ovarian Failure Induced by Zona Pellucida 3.

Abstract

Premature ovarian failure (POF) impairs female fertility, and ovarian reserve function is a key determinant of reproductive capacity. Using a BALB/c mouse model of immune POF induced by zona pellucida glycoprotein 3 (ZP3) immunization, this study evaluated whether hydrogen-rich water could preserve ovarian reserve over a 5-week period. Fifty mice were allocated to four groups: control, hydrogen-rich water alone, ZP3-immunized with normal water, and ZP3-immunized with hydrogen-rich water. Serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels, granulosa cell (GC) apoptotic index (AI), and Bcl-2/Bax expression were assessed. ZP3-immunized mice receiving normal water showed markedly reduced AMH (5.41±0.91 ng/ml) and elevated GC apoptosis (21.30±1.74%). Hydrogen-rich water administration restored AMH to 15.03±2.75 ng/ml, reduced the GC apoptotic index to 11.24±0.58%, increased Bcl-2 expression, and lowered the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. These findings indicate that hydrogen-rich water can partially preserve ovarian reserve by suppressing granulosa cell apoptosis in this immune POF model.

Mechanism

Hydrogen-rich water appears to upregulate Bcl-2 expression and reduce the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in ovarian tissue, thereby suppressing granulosa cell apoptosis and preserving ovarian reserve function in an immune POF model.