Structural and lipid peroxidation effects of lead on rat hippocampus and its attenuation by hydrogen rich water.

Abstract

This animal study examined whether hydrogen-rich water (HRW) could counteract hippocampal damage caused by chronic lead exposure in rats. Four groups received sodium acetate, HRW, lead acetate (LA), or LA combined with HRW for 8 weeks. Lead exposure elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) and depleted antioxidant enzymes—glutathione reductase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase—all of which were restored by HRW co-administration. Nitric oxide levels, already reduced by LA, were unaffected by HRW. Histological examination and p53-based immunohistochemistry revealed that HRW reversed lead-induced structural alterations and significantly reduced the apoptotic index in hippocampal neurons. These findings indicate that HRW exerts neuroprotective and anti-apoptotic actions against lead neurotoxicity through antioxidant mechanisms, independent of nitric oxide modulation.

Mechanism

HRW reduces lead-induced oxidative stress by normalizing elevated MDA and restoring glutathione reductase, catalase, and SOD activity, while suppressing p53-mediated apoptosis in hippocampal neurons without altering nitric oxide levels.