Hydrogen Water Improves Sperm Health in Thyroid Disorder Study
- Authors
- Mohammad Saroughi, Khatereh Kharazmi, Seyedeh Zahra Asghari, Akram Aminian, Seyedeh Elnaz Nazari, Elahe Eshtad, Alex Tarnava, Tyler W LeBaron, Majid Khazaei
- Journal
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Year
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.reprotox.2025.109146
- Study Type
- Rat
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- Iran
- Health Condition
- Hypothyroidism
- Body System
- Reproductive
TL;DR
Hydrogen-rich water improved sperm quality and hormone levels in hypothyroid rats by reducing oxidative stress and supporting testicular function.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-rich water improved sperm count, sperm motility, and testosterone levels in rats with hypothyroidism, while also reducing oxidative stress markers.
Summary
This study tested whether hydrogen-rich water could help restore reproductive function in rats with hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone). Researchers found that rats with hypothyroidism had lower sperm counts, reduced sperm movement, and lower testosterone levels. When these rats drank hydrogen-rich water for four weeks, their sperm parameters improved, testosterone levels increased, and markers of cellular damage (oxidative stress) decreased.
Practical Takeaway
This rat study suggests hydrogen-rich water may help counteract reproductive problems caused by low thyroid hormone by reducing cellular damage. However, this is early-stage animal research only—human studies are needed before any conclusions can be drawn about whether it would work in people with thyroid conditions.
Abstract
Hypothyroidism, characterized by insufficient thyroid hormone production, disrupts metabolic processes and impairs reproductive function. It is suggested that oxidative stress plays a key role in mediating the deleterious effects of hypothyroidism on testicular function and because of the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of hydrogen-rich water (HRW), this study aimed to evaluate the effects of HRW on spermatogenesis in rats with hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism. Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into control, hypothyroidism (hypo), hypo+HRW, subclinical hypothyroidism (sub hypo), and sub hypo+HRW groups. Hypothyroidism was induced using propylthiouracil. After induction of models and four weeks of treatment with HRW (twice daily, drinking water), serum levels of thyroid hormones, LH (luteinizing hormone), FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), and testosterone were measured. Testicular and epididymal weights, sperm parameters, and oxidative stress markers were evaluated. Hypothyroid rats exhibited significantly lower serum testosterone, with trends toward lower LH, and FSH, compared to controls. HRW treatment significantly increased serum LH and testosterone in the hypothyroid group. Histological analysis revealed reduced epithelial height in seminiferous tubules and lower Sertoli and Leydig cell counts in hypothyroid animals, HRW significantly improved Leydig cell counts and showed a nonsignificant upward trend in Sertoli cells. Sperm count and motility decreased in the hypothyroid group, while sperm motility decreased in both hypothyroid and subclinical hypothyroid groups. HRW administration enhanced these parameters. Additionally, HRW reduced MDA (malondialdehyde) levels and increased SOD (superoxide Dismutase) and catalase activities, indicating improved oxidative stress balance. HRW demonstrates potential as a therapeutic strategy for mitigating reproductive impairments associated with hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism by restoring oxidative stress balance, improving sperm count and enhancing hormonal profiles.