Outcome

Mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) at a pressure of 1.25 atmospheres absolute (ata) with 36% oxygen significantly delays the development and progression of diabetes-induced cataracts in mice. The results showed that mice treated with HBOT had lower non-fasting and fasting blood glucose levels reduced oxidative stress levels as indicated by derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (dROMs) and decreased lens turbidity in both peripheral and central regions compared to untreated diabetic mice.

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus particularly Type 2 diabetes is often accompanied by various complications including cataract formation which significantly impacts the quality of life. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) has been considered for its potential therapeutic benefits in various conditions primarily due to its ability to enhance oxygen availability and reduce oxidative stress. This study investigates the effects of mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) at a pressure of 1.25 atmospheres absolute (ata) with 36% oxygen on diabetes-induced cataracts in mice. Over a 12-week period diabetic mice subjected to daily HBO treatments exhibited markedly lower blood glucose levels reduced oxidative stress and increased lens clarity compared to untreated diabetic mice. By focusing on oxidative metabolism and blood glucose regulation this research provides promising insights into the use of mild HBO therapy as an intervention for managing diabetes-related eye complications such as cataracts.

Results

The study investigated the impact of mild hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy on diabetes-induced cataract development in mice with Type 2 diabetes. Utilizing a pressure of 1.25 atmospheres absolute (ata) with 36% oxygen diabetic mice received hyperbaric oxygen for six hours daily over a period of 12 weeks.

The primary finding was a significant delay in cataract development in mice treated with HBO. Lens clarity improved in both the peripheral and central regions at various age checkpoints (12 16 and 32 weeks) compared to untreated diabetic mice. This suggests that HBO therapy can mitigate lens opacity typically associated with diabetic cataracts.

Blood glucose levels showed a marked reduction in the HBO-treated group. Both non-fasting and fasting blood glucose levels were significantly lower in the treated mice at the observed time points of 12 16 and 32 weeks. This indicates that mild HBO therapy may aid in more effective blood glucose regulation in diabetic conditions.

Additionally the levels of derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (dROMs) which serve as indicators of oxidative stress were lower in the HBO-treated group. Measurements at 16 and 32 weeks demonstrated reduced oxidative stress in these mice compared to the untreated group suggesting that HBO therapy helps in minimizing oxidative damage a critical factor in the progression of diabetes-related complications including cataracts.

In summary the findings highlight mild HBO therapy’s potential in delaying the onset and progression of cataracts in mice with Type 2 diabetes. This effect seems to be mediated through improved blood glucose control and reduced oxidative stress. These results propose mild HBO therapy as a promising non-invasive intervention for managing diabetes-induced ocular complications.

Conclusion

In conclusion this study demonstrates that mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) at 1.25 atmospheres with 36% oxygen significantly delays the development and progression of diabetes-induced cataracts in mice. The key findings indicate that HBOT treatment led to lower non-fasting and fasting blood glucose levels reduced oxidative stress and improved lens clarity relative to untreated diabetic mice. These results underscore the potential of mild HBOT as an effective non-invasive intervention for mitigating complications associated with Type 2 diabetes particularly cataract formation. Future research should consider exploring the broader applications long-term benefits and underlying mechanisms of HBOT in diabetic patients as well as its potential synergistic effects when combined with other therapeutic strategies.