Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) literature

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases telomere length and decreases immunosenescence in isolated blood cells: a prospective trial

This groundbreaking study examined whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) could affect two key markers of cellular aging—telomere length and cellular senescence—in healthy older adults. Thirty-five independently living adults (age 64+) underwent 60 daily HBOT sessions. Blood samples were collected at various points to measure changes.

The results were remarkable: telomere length in immune cells increased significantly (over 20%) following HBOT, with B cells showing the most dramatic improvement (up to 37.63%). Additionally, there was a significant decrease in senescent immune cells, with T helper cells decreasing by 37.30% and T-cytotoxic cells by 10.96%.

These findings suggest HBOT may have significant senolytic (senescent cell-clearing) effects and could potentially reverse aspects of cellular aging in older adults.

Cognitive enhancement of healthy older adults using hyperbaric oxygen: a randomized controlled trial

This study investigated whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) could improve cognitive function in healthy older adults. Many people over 60 worry about cognitive decline, making this research particularly relevant.

In this three-month randomized controlled trial, 63 healthy adults over age 64 were assigned to either receive HBOT treatment (33 participants) or serve as controls (30 participants). Researchers measured cognitive function and used specialized MRI imaging to assess cerebral blood flow.

The results showed significant improvements in overall cognitive function in the HBOT group compared to controls. The most notable enhancements were in attention and information processing speed - abilities that typically decline with age.

Brain imaging revealed increased blood flow in several key brain regions in the HBOT group, including areas responsible for higher-level thinking, motor planning, and information processing.

This study suggests that HBOT may effectively enhance cognitive abilities in healthy older adults by improving blood flow to important brain regions, potentially offering a new approach to support brain health during aging.

Study the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Egyptian autistic children: A clinical trial

This important study examined whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) could help Egyptian children with autism by improving blood flow to their brains.

Researchers have found that many children with autism have reduced blood flow to certain brain regions, inflammation in both the brain and gut, immune system irregularities, increased oxidative stress, and neurotransmitter abnormalities. Some of these issues, particularly reduced brain blood flow, have been linked to common autism symptoms like repetitive behaviors and communication difficulties.

In this study, 20 children diagnosed with autism received at least 20 HBOT sessions. During each 60-90 minute session, children breathed 100% oxygen at increased pressure (1.5 times normal atmospheric pressure) in a special chamber. For six of the children, brain perfusion MRI scans were taken before and after treatment to measure changes in blood flow.

The results showed a significant increase in blood flow to various brain regions after HBOT treatment. The researchers concluded that HBOT therapy appears beneficial for children with autism, noting improvements in language skills, awareness, behavior, and social interaction.

This suggests that by addressing the underlying issue of reduced brain blood flow, HBOT may help alleviate multiple symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder.