Hydrogen has been reported as a novel antioxidant to selectively reduce levels of toxic reactive-oxygen species (ROS). We investigated the effects of hydrogen-rich saline on the prevention of oxidative injuries in N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) induced rat model of preeclampsia (PE). Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 50) were randomized into five groups: non-pregnant; normal pregnancy; pregnancy + hydrogen saline, 5 ml/kg, intraperitoneal (i.p.); pregnancy + L-NAME, 60 mg/kg (i.p.); pregnancy + L-NAME + hydrogen saline rats. Terminations of pregnancy were performed on day 22 of gestation, when the placentas and kidneys were microscopically inspected; tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and malonyldialdehyde (MDA) were assessed; and the mean systolic BP, level of proteinuria, resorptions, and pups birth weights were recorded. It was found that the pups of hypertensive gravid rats treated with hydrogen-rich saline presented fewer number of resorptions than those of the group of pregnancy + L-NAME, 60 mg/kg i.p. (P < 0.05). Additionally, hydrogen-rich saline treatment decreased the blood and placental MDA, proteinuria and the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α, IL-1β in the placental tissues compared with those in L-NAME-treated rats (all P < 0.05). The mean systolic BP showed no significant difference except on day 22 of gestation (P < 0.05). The preventive administration of hydrogen significantly attenuated the severity of PE, which might be ascribed to a reduction in inflammation response and oxidative stress. It could be concluded that hydrogen can be an effective antioxidant in the management of PE.
Yang X, Guo L, Sun X, Chen X, Tong X. Protective effects of hydrogen-rich saline in preeclampsia rat model. Placenta. 2011 Sep;32(9):681-6.