Protective Effects of Hydrogen Saline on Diabetic Retinopathy in a Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rat Model

Purpose: Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in the working population of the developed countries and also a significant cause of blindness in the elderly. This study aimed at examining the protective effect of H-2 saline on diabetic retinopathy in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. Methods: Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into 3 groups as follows: (1) nondiabetic control group (non-DM control); (2) diabetic control group (DM control); and (3) diabetic rats receiving H-2 saline therapy (DM H-2 saline). Rats in DM H-2 saline group were intraperitoneally injected with H-2 saturated saline (5mL/kg) every day for 4 weeks. Retinal vascular permeability was assessed by measuring Evans blue leakage into the retina. Retinal apoptosis was evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining and measuring caspase-3 activity. Retinal thickness was observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results: Our results showed that H-2 saline treatment could depress the caspase activity, reduce the retinal apoptosis, and vascular permeability. The H-2 saline could also prominently attenuate the retinal parenchyma thickening that resulted from diabetic retinopathy. Conclusions: Our preliminary studies indicated that H-2 saline may have potentials in the clinical treatment of diabetic retinopathy.