Hygienic and Morphological Aspects of Using the Aqueous Solution of Molecular Hydrogen in an Experimental Model of Hay Fever

Abstract

Introduction: The human body is exposed to numerous chemical and biological environmental factors. Post-exposure allergic reactions are becoming increasingly common. Interacting substances enhance each other’s health effects and aggravate allergy symptoms. Registration of a high pollen count resulting from a gradual increase in ambient temperatures leads to disappointing forecasts of a high prevalence of allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Evaluation of public health monitoring data on drinking water and food quality has revealed the significance of such pollutants as nitrates and nitrites. The interaction between pollen and nitrates has not been studied although it is of interest in terms of potential health effects of combined exposures. Objectives: To evaluate morphological changes in the quantitative composition of mast cells using an aqueous solution of molecular hydrogen in an experimental model of hay fever aggravated by exposure to chemical agents. Methods: Male Wistar rats were selected for experimental modeling of allergic rhinitis and 34 groups of six animals each were exposed to pollen and chemical agents during 55 days. To assess morphological changes in the nasal respiratory mucosa, we stained tissues with Giemsa solution and also applied a combined staining technique (Patent No. 2781558 dated October 13, 2022). Study limitations: Groups for comparison of methods of administration of the aqueous solution of molecular hydrogen against the saline solution were not included. Results: The cell morphology analysis revealed quantitative and qualitative changes in the animal groups with single and combined exposure to pollen and chemical agents and confirmed the therapeutic and prophylactic effect of the aqueous solution enriched with molecular hydrogen. Conclusion: The combined exposure to pollen allergens and nitrates and/or nitrites induces significant mast cell activation compared to control and single exposure groups. Therapeutic and preventive effects of molecular hydrogen down-regulate mast cell degranulation.