Therapeutic Potential of Hydrogen-Rich Water on Muscle Atrophy Caused by Immobilization in a Mouse Model.

Abstract

Skeletal muscle atrophy reduces quality of life and functional capacity. Using a unilateral hind limb splint immobilization model in 36 male Balb/C mice, this study compared control, atrophy, and hydrogen-rich water (HRW)-supplemented groups over a 7-day immobilization phase and a 10-day recovery phase. Outcomes included gastrocnemius and soleus muscle mass, limb grip strength, cross-sectional area (CSA), muscle fiber size, histopathological fibrosis, serum troponin I, intramuscular IL-6, TNF-α, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and mRNA expression of NF-κB, BAX, and Beclin-1. HRW administration was associated with significantly greater muscle mass and grip strength during both phases, along with increased CSA, reduced fibrosis, lower serum troponin I, and decreased inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. These effects were most pronounced during the atrophy phase, suggesting that HRW may attenuate immobilization-induced muscle wasting.

Mechanism

HRW intake was associated with reduced mRNA expression of NF-κB, BAX, and Beclin-1, alongside decreased IL-6, TNF-α, and MDA levels, suggesting that suppression of inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy collectively attenuates skeletal muscle atrophy.