Hydrogen Water Improves Eye Blood Flow in Diabetic Mice
- Authors
- Ruri Sugiyama, Junya Hanaguri, Harumasa Yokota, Akifumi Kushiyama, Sakura Kushiyama, Takako Kikuchi, Tsutomu Igarashi, Masumi Iketani, Ikuroh Ohsawa, Seiyo Harino, Nakashizuka Hiroyuki, Satoru Yamagami, Taiji Nagaoka
- Journal
- Translational Vision Science & Technology
- Year
- 2024
- DOI
- 10.1167/tvst.13.10.36
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- Japan
- Health Condition
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Body System
- Cardiovascular
TL;DR
Drinking hydrogen-rich water helped improve blood flow in the eyes of diabetic mice and reduced signs of eye stress and damage.
Key Finding
Diabetic mice that drank hydrogen-rich water showed significantly improved retinal blood flow responses to light stimulation and oxygen exposure, along with reduced inflammation and oxidative stress markers in the eye tissue.
Summary
This study tested whether drinking hydrogen-enriched water could help improve blood flow problems in the eyes of diabetic mice. Researchers gave one group of diabetic mice regular water and another group hydrogen-rich water for several weeks, then measured how well blood vessels in the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye) responded to light stimulation and oxygen changes. The mice drinking hydrogen water showed better blood vessel responses and had less inflammation and oxidative stress (cellular damage from unstable molecules) in their eye tissue compared to the control group.
Practical Takeaway
This early evidence from animal studies suggests hydrogen water may help protect against eye blood flow problems in diabetes, but these results are from mice only and have not been tested in humans. Anyone with diabetes interested in this approach should consult their doctor, as this research is too preliminary to support any health claims or treatment decisions.
Abstract
Purpose: To examine the effects of hydrogen water on retinal blood flow (RBF) dysregulation in diabetes, we evaluated changes in RBF in response to flicker stimulation and systemic hyperoxia in diabetic mice. Methods: Twelve type 2 diabetic mice were divided into a group that received non-hydrogen water (n = 6, control group) and the other that received hydrogen-rich water (0.6-0.8 mM) (n = 6, HRW group) from six weeks of age. Body weight, blood glucose, intraocular pressure, and blood pressure were evaluated from eight to 14 weeks of age. RBF was measured in the vascular area of the optic disc as mean blur rate using laser speckle flowgraphy in the resting state and response to flicker stimulation and hyperoxia. We evaluated glial activation and oxidative stress based on immunofluorescence expression. Results: At 14 weeks, blood glucose level was significantly lower in the HRW group, though still elevated. RBF changes improved significantly in the HRW group compared with the control group from eight weeks of age and persisted throughout the study. Immunofluorescent expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein, particularly in the outer plexiform layer, was significantly decreased in the HRW group. Among oxidative stress markers, 3-nitrotyrosine was significantly suppressed in the HRW group. Conclusions: Hydrogen-rich water intake significantly improved RBF dysregulation in diabetic mice. Hydrogen may improve impaired neurovascular coupling function in diabetic mice by suppressing gliosis and oxidative stress in the retina. Translational relevance: This study highlights the potential of oral intake of hydrogen-rich water to mitigate retinal dysfunction in diabetic mice.