Subcutaneous injection of hydrogen gas is a novel effective treatment for type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Abstract Aims/Introduction In previous studies, hydrogen gas (H2) administration has clearly shown effectiveness in inhibiting diabetes. Here, we evaluated whether subcutaneous injection of H2 shows enhanced efficacy against type 2 diabetes mellitus induced in mice by a high‐fat diet and low‐dose streptozotocin treatment. Material and Methods H2 was injected subcutaneously at a dose of 1 mL/mouse/week for 4 weeks. Type 2 diabetes mellitus‐associated parameters were then evaluated to determine the effectiveness of subcutaneous H2 administration. Results: The bodyweight of H2‐treated mice did not change over the course of the experiment. Compared with the untreated control animals, glucose, insulin, low‐density lipoprotein and triglyceride levels in the serum were significantly lower in treated mice, whereas high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol in the serum was significantly higher. Glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity were both improved in H2‐treated mice. Diabetic nephropathy analysis showed significant reductions in urine volume, urinary total protein and β2‐microglobulin, kidney/bodyweight ratio, and kidney fibrosis associated with subcutaneous injection of H2. Conclusions: Subcutaneous injection of H2 significantly improves type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy‐related outcomes in a mouse model, supporting further consideration of subcutaneous injection as a novel and effective route of clinical H2 administration.