Supplementation with hydrogen-producing composition confers beneficial effects on physiology and life span in Drosophila

Abstract Recently, molecular hydrogen (H 2 ) has become known as a new class of antioxidants and redox-modulating interventions. Effects of H 2 have been documented for many acute and chronic pathological conditions. The present study was aimed at determining the effect of hydrogen on the physiology and longevity of Drosophila . The flies were given a patented food supplement consisting of a mixture of inert salts with metallic magnesium, which reacted with acidic aqueous solutions, thereby releasing hydrogen gas. The supplementation with hydrogen-rich food prolonged the life span of the wild-type strain. To gain insights into the effect of hydrogen, we used previously generated mutant under-expressing redox-regulating enzymes, peroxiredoxins, in mitochondria. The hydrogen-releasing material lessened the severe shortening of life span of the mutant. Hydrogen also delayed the development of intestinal dysfunction caused by under-expression of peroxiredoxins in the intestinal epithelium. Hydrogen also averted a significant decrease in the mobility of mutant flies that under-expressed peroxiredoxins globally or in specific tissues. Together, the results showed that the introduction of hydrogen to aging or short-lived flies could increase their survival, delay the development of the intestinal barrier dysfunction and significantly improve physical activity.