Effects of Highly Oxygenated Water in a Hyperuricemia Rat Model

Abstract

Recent years have seen a rapidly rising number of oxygenated water brands that claim to impart health benefits and increase athletic performance by improving oxygen availability in the body. Drinks with higher dissolved oxygen concentrations have in recent times gained popularity as potential ergogenic aids, despite the lack of evidence regarding their efficacy. The aim of this study was to characterize oxygenated water and assess the improvement in uric acid metabolism while identifying performance enhancements in animals administered oxygenated water. Oxygenated water was characterized by hydrogen and oxygen nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Hyperuricemia in rats was induced by treatment with oxonic acid potassium salt, and the animals were given oxygenated drinking water before, during, or after oxonic acid treatment. Serum uric acid was measured to confirm the effects on uric acid metabolism. Following oxygenation, the full width at half maximum (FWHM) was reduced to 11.56 Hz and 64.16 Hz in the hydrogen and oxygen NMR spectra, respectively. Oxygenated water molecule clusters were reduced in size due to the reduction in FWHM. Oxygen concentration did not vary significantly with increased temperature. However, standing time played a critical role in the amount of oxygen dissolved in the water. The rat studies indicated that oxygenated water reduced serum uric acid levels and their rate of increase and enhanced uric acid metabolism. A significant improvement in uric acid metabolism and rate of increase in serum uric acid concentration was observed in hyperuricemic rats administered oxygenated water compared to that in rats administered regular water. High oxygen concentrations enhanced the rate of oxygen absorption, leading to increased glycolysis and mitochondrial protein synthesis. Therefore, oxygenated water is a potential adjuvant therapy or health food for treatment of hyperuricemia.