Evaluating the safety and therapeutic efficacy of intravenous hydrogen nanobubble infusions in a hypercholesterolemic rat model

Abstract

Hydrogen has emerged as a promising candidate due to its antioxidant properties and potential to modulate electron flow, enhancing mitochondrial energy metabolism and reducing oxidative stress. In this study, hypercholesterolemia male Wistar rats were utilized to investigate the safety and efficacy of intravenous hydrogen nanobubble solution (HNB). The study assessed serum lipid levels, complete blood count, and organ health following HNB administration compared to positive (simvastatin) and negative controls. Bayesian statistics were used to validate the findings. The administration of HNB did not adversely affect the immediate survival of the rats on a high-fat diet (HFD), whereas simvastatin significantly reduced survival rates. It showed a dose-dependent immunomodulatory effect, reducing white blood cell, lymphocyte, and monocyte counts. It also influenced erythropoiesis, as indicated by increased red blood cell counts and hemoglobin levels. A significant elevation in platelet counts was observed, suggesting potential effects on platelet production or lifespan. The study also noted changes in liver enzyme levels, with HNB indicating potential hepatoprotective effects. Furthermore, HNB treatment decrease in mean fat droplet count, suggesting a mitigation of diet-induced hepatic steatosis. The findings suggest that HNB may serve as a protective agent against the deleterious effects of a high-fat diet, offering immunomodulatory and hepatoprotective benefits. This study provides a foundation for considering HNB as a potential therapeutic intervention for hypercholesterolemia and warrants further investigation into the long-term impacts of nanobubble treatment on diet-induced pathologies. The consistency of results across traditional statistical significance and Bayesian evidence strengthens the validity of the observed treatment-specific effects.