Molecular hydrogen is comparable to sulfasalazine as a treatment for DSS-induced colitis in mice.

Abstract

An acute colitis model was established in mice by adding dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to drinking water for seven days. Animals were divided into five groups: normal, colitis control, hydrogen-rich water (HRW), sulfasalazine, and HRW plus sulfasalazine. HRW was prepared using a hydrogen-generating tablet dissolved in water and administered both ad libitum and via oral gavage (200 µL) from days 3 to 10. Both HRW and sulfasalazine significantly improved body weight, Disease Activity Index scores, mucosal integrity, crypt preservation, and spleen weight relative to untreated colitis controls. Reductions in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and restoration of redox markers—including total thiol content, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activity—were observed in both treatment groups. HRW showed a tendency to match or exceed the efficacy of sulfasalazine, and the combination regimen demonstrated an additive trend beyond either agent alone.

Mechanism

HRW is proposed to suppress colonic inflammation and oxidative stress by reducing high-sensitivity CRP levels and restoring antioxidant capacity, including total thiol content, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activity.