Preventive Effects of Drinking Hydrogen-Rich Water on Gingival Oxidative Stress and Alveolar Bone Resorption in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet.

Abstract

Obesity promotes oxidative stress in gingival tissue, contributing to alveolar bone loss. This animal study investigated whether hydrogen-rich water could counteract these effects in rats rendered obese by a high-fat diet. Male Fischer 344 rats (n = 18) were allocated to three groups: a standard diet with distilled water (control), a high-fat diet with distilled water, and a high-fat diet with hydrogen-rich water. Oxidative DNA damage was quantified via 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels in gingival tissue, and alveolar bone mineral density was assessed by micro-computed tomography. High-fat diet animals exhibited elevated gingival 8-OHdG and reduced alveolar bone density relative to controls. Rats receiving hydrogen-rich water showed attenuated body weight gain, lower gingival 8-OHdG concentrations, and less alveolar bone resorption, suggesting that hydrogen-rich water may limit obesity-associated periodontal deterioration.

Mechanism

Hydrogen-rich water appears to reduce oxidative DNA damage (8-OHdG) in gingival tissue, thereby limiting the obesity-driven cascade that leads to alveolar bone mineral density loss.