LUNG – ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION-Study LinkScientific Research

Abstract:

Objective: Chronic paraquat (PQ) intoxication causes pulmonary fibrosis. PQ-induced pulmonary injury is caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are produced during the reduction-oxidation (redox) cycle. In addition, the hydrogen has antioxidative effects. The present study aimed to determine whether or not the intake of hydrogen water (HW) prevents pulmonary injury caused by chronic PQ intoxication.

Methods: PQ was administered to 10-week-old male C57BL/6 mice, and the mice were randomly assigned to either the HW group (PQ + HW group) or the tap water group (PQ group). After 3 weeks, the mice were assessed for pneumodynamic and histologic changes.

Results: Pneumodynamic analysis revealed that elastance (E) (P = 0.010) and hysteresivity (eta) (P = 0.048) were significantly lower in the PQ + HW group than that in the PQ group. Although no significant difference was observed in compliance, it tended to be higher in the PQ + HW group. Histologic findings showed that inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis were comparatively lower in the PQ + HW group.

Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that HW may prevent the development of PQinduced pulmonary injury.