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.
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.
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.