Abstract. Introduction. Metabolic syndrome (MS) is characterized by lipid metabolism disorders, including increased triacylglycerols (TAG), total cholesterol, and low-density lipoproteins (LDL), along with decreased high-density lipoproteins (HDL). Molecular hydrogen (H 2 ) may influence lipid metabolism through antioxidant properties and regulation of metabolic pathways.

Objective. To study the effect of molecular hydrogen-enriched water on lipid profile parameters in rats with experimentally induced MS.

Materials and Methods. MS was induced in rats by prolonged feeding with a high-calorie diet. A subset of rats received water enriched with molecular hydrogen (0.6 ppm). Serum concentrations of TAG, total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL were measured. The effectiveness of H 2 intervention was assessed at 6, 12, and 20 weeks after the start of the experiment.

Results. Metabolic syndrome (MS) induced a progressive increase in triacylglycerol (TAG) levels: by 36 % in the 6-week group, 47 % in the 12-week group, and 64 % in the 20-week group compared to controls. H 2 intervention showed an age-dependent effect: changes were minimal in the 6-week group, TAG levels decreased by 9 % in the 12-week group, and by 28 % in the 20-week group relative to MS. Total cholesterol levels in MS animals increased by 57 % (6 weeks), 115 % (12 weeks), and 117 % (20 weeks). H 2 treatment significantly reduced total cholesterol by 23 % only in the 20-week group, while the effect in younger groups was negligible. LDL increased by 62 %, 145 %, and 133 % compared to controls, with H 2 reducing LDL by 20 % in the 12-week group and 29 % in the 20-week group. HDL decreased by 13–28 % under MS and were minimally affected by H 2 intervention.

Conclusion. MS in rats leads to significant lipid metabolism disturbances that worsen with age and disease duration. H 2 intervention partially normalizes TAG, total cholesterol, and LDL, especially during prolonged MS, while its effect on HDL is minimal. These findings support the potential of molecular hydrogen as a therapeutic agent for correcting an atherogenic lipid profile.

Keywords: Metabolic syndrome, TAG, cholesterol, LDL, HDL, molecular hydrogen

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