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

Abstract 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 H2 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 H2 saline therapy (DM H2 saline). Rats in DM H2 saline group were intraperitoneally injected with H2 saturated saline (5 mL/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 H2 sali...