The Multiple Applications and Possible Mechanisms of the Hyperbaric Oxygenation Therapy

Hyperbaric Oxygenation Therapy (HBOT) is used as an adjunctive method for multiple diseases. The method meets the routine treating and is non-invasive, as well as provides 100% pure oxygen (O2), which is at above-normal atmospheric pressure in a specialized chamber. It is well known that in the condition of O2 deficiency, it will induce a series of adverse events. In order to prevent the injury induced by anoxia, the capability of offering pressurized O2 by HBOT seems involuntary and significant. In recent years, HBOT displays particular therapeutic efficacy in some degree, and it is thought to be beneficial to the conditions of angiogenesis, tissue ischemia and hypoxia, nerve system disease, diabetic complications, malignancies, Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and chronic radiation-induced injury. Single and combination HBOT are both applied in previous studies, and the manuscript is to review the current applications and possible mechanisms of HBOT. The applicability and validity of HBOT for clinical treatment remain controversial, even though it is regarded as an adjunct to conventional medical treatment with many other clinical benefits. There also exists a negative side effect of accepting pressurized O2, such as oxidative stress injury, DNA damage, cellular metabolic, activating of coagulation, endothelial dysfunction, acute neurotoxicity and pulmonary toxicity. Then it is imperative to comprehensively consider the advantages and disadvantages of HBOT in order to obtain a satisfying therapeutic outcome.