New Hydrogen Device Improves Diabetes and Insulin Resistance in Mice
Zn-Fe primary battery-enabled controlled hydrogen release in stomach for improving insulin resistance in obesity-associated type 2 diabetes
Research hubs: Type 2 Diabetes · Metabolic Syndrome · Endocrine System · Digestive System
- Evidence type
- Animal study (mouse)
- Authors
- Boyan Liu, Peixun Lv, Xiaoyi Zhang, Chao Xia, xinru Liu, Jingyu Liu, Junli Xue, Qianjun He, Shucun Qin
- Journal
- Bioactive Materials
- Year
- 2023
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.11.003
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Body System
- Endocrine
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
TL;DR
Researchers developed a new method to deliver hydrogen gas to treat inflammation and insulin resistance in diabetic mice by using a special zinc-iron structure that releases hydrogen in the stomach over time.
Key Finding
A zinc-iron micro-device that releases hydrogen gas in the stomach accumulated hydrogen in insulin-resistance-related tissues at higher levels and for longer periods than hydrogen-rich water, significantly improving insulin resistance and reducing inflammation in obese diabetic mice.
Summary
Researchers developed a tiny device made of zinc and iron that releases hydrogen gas in the stomach when swallowed. In obese mice with type 2 diabetes, this device released hydrogen for about 3 hours—matching how long food stays in the stomach—allowing the hydrogen to reach liver, fat, and muscle tissues at higher levels than drinking hydrogen-rich water. The treatment reduced inflammation and improved insulin resistance (the body's difficulty using insulin) without causing visible harm.
Practical Takeaway
This early-stage research in mice suggests that controlled hydrogen delivery to the stomach may be more effective than current hydrogen water methods, but human studies are needed before any conclusions can be drawn about safety or effectiveness in people with type 2 diabetes. The device itself has not been tested in humans.
Abstract (excerpt)
Chronic systemic inflammation in obesity-associated type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a key inducing factor of insulin resistance (IR). Hydrogen molecule (H2) has been proved to be a safe and effective anti-inflammatory agent, but conventional H2 administration methods cannot provide a high dosage…