Protective effect of hydrogen-rich water on spermatogenesis in high-fat diet obese rats

Obesity can impair spermatogenesis by various mechanisms such as decreased sperm concentration and increased oxidative DNA damage. Hydrogen-rich water (HRW) possesses therapeutic antioxidant properties that may help offer protection to sperm. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of HRW on spermatogenesis dysfunction in rats with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. In this experiment, thirty male Wistar Albino rats were divided into three groups. 1) Control group: fed a normal diet, 2) Obese group: fed a HFD (45 % fat), and 3) HFD + HRW group: fed a high-fat diet and received HRW. HRW (1.5 mM) was administered orally every day. After 16 weeks, blood and tissue samples (testis and epididymis) were collected for biochemical and histopathological analysis. Serum LH, FSH and testosterone and oxidative and antioxidative markers, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total thiol groups were measured in testis and epididymal tissues. The results showed that the HFD significantly increased food intake, body weight, and lee index, all of which were reduced in the HRW-treated obese group. Testis weight, sperm count, Serum LH and histological evaluation of testis including Sertoli and spermatogonia cell counts were significantly lower in the obese group but improved with HRW treatment. Additionally, HRW treatment increased the luminal diameter of seminiferous tubules, epididymal epithelia height, tissue SOD, and total thiol levels, while reducing MDA level in the testis. This study showed that administration of HRW can improve spermatogenesis in obese animals by reducing oxidative stress and ameliorating histological changes in the testis and epididymis, suggesting its potential benefits in combating high-fat diet-induced reproductive dysfunction.