Objective: To investigate the effects of hydrogen-rich water (HGRW) on the structure and composition of intestinal microflora in mice fed high-fat diets (HFDs).
Materials and Methods : C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups: (1) normal diet (CD)-normal water (W); (2) CD-HGRW; (3) HFD-W; and (4) HFD-HGRW. After 12 weeks, we sampled fasting blood glucose, lipids, transaminases, and tissue oxidative stress levels and measured body weight. High-throughput sequencing technology was used to sequence the intestinal microflora and differences in intestinal microflora were compared by group, using bioinformatics analysis.
Results: Body weight, oral glucose tolerance, and blood glucose increased significantly in the HFD group compared with the CD group (P < 0.001), and malondialdehyde levels were significantly increased in the livers of mice fed a HFD (P < 0.05). Steatosis was seen in the liver parenchyma of the HFD group, and to a lesser degree in the HGRW group. The richness and diversity of intestinal flora only decreased significantly in the HFD group (P < 0.05). However, 24 genera and 26 species were significantly different between the HFD and CD subgroups of mice fed HGRW. Nine genera and five species were significantly different between the HGRW and W subgroups of mice fed a HFD. Correlations were confirmed for 10 physiological parameters; and were positively correlated with 17 genera in the HFD group; six genera were negatively correlated in the HGRW group. Importantly, Lactobacillus was closely related to tissue malondialdehyde levels.
Conclusion: Oral HGRW has beneficial effects against antioxidant stress and liver damage. It may improve the diversity and structure of the intestinal flora, enhancing the relative abundance of beneficial flora.