Ultrasonic exposure enhances the body's antioxidant capacity

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are deeply involved in aging and the onset of various diseases, and enhancing the body's antioxidant capacity is considered effective for prevention. This study investigated the effects of ultrasound (US) exposure as a novel non-invasive intervention on the body's antioxidant capacity. First, a single US exposure to the rat back transiently increased the scavenging activities of multiple radicals, including hydroxyl radical (^•OH), superoxide radical (O₂ ^•-), and singlet oxygen (¹O₂). Next, upon performing cyclic US exposure, the increase in antioxidant capacity persisted for over 24 ‍h, with the most multifaceted and pronounced effects observed at medium intensity (I_SPTA = 0.11 ‍W/cm²). Furthermore, long-term exposure for approximately one month revealed that biological antioxidant capacity was maintained at a high level. These results suggest that US exposure induces an oxidative stress response similar to exercise stimulation and may promote long-term adaptations such as antioxidant enzyme expression. This study is the first in the world to demonstrate enhanced antioxidant capacity in vivo through non-invasive intervention using US.