Effects of Hyperoxia on Aging Biomarkers: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The effects of short-term hyperoxia on age-related diseases and aging biomarkers have been reported in animal and human experiments using different protocols; however, the findings of the studies remain conflicting. In this systematic review, we summarized the existing reports in the effects of short-term hyperoxia on age-related diseases, hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), and other oxygen-sensitive transcription factors relevant to aging, telomere length, cellular senescence, and its side effects. This review was done as described in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. A systematic search was done in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library and from the references of selected articles to identify relevant studies until May 2021. Of the total 1,699 identified studies, 17 were included in this review. Most of the studies have shown significant effects of short-term hyperoxia on age-related diseases and aging biomarkers. The findings of the studies suggest the potential benefits of short-term hyperoxia in several clinical applications such as for patients undergoing stressful operations, restoration of cognitive function, and the treatment of severe traumatic brain injury. Short-term hyperoxia has significant effects in upregulation or downregulation of transcription factors relevant to aging such as HIF-1α, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B-cells (NF-kB), and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2) among others. Short-term hyperoxia also has significant effects to increase antioxidant enzymes, and increase telomere length and clearance of senescent cells. Some of the studies have also reported adverse consequences including mitochondrial DNA damage and nuclear cataract formation depending on the dose and duration of oxygen exposure. In conclusion, short-term hyperoxia could be a feasible treatment option to treat age-related disease and to slow aging because of its ability to increase antioxidant enzymes, significantly increase telomere length and clearance of senescent cells, and improve cognitive function, among others. The reported side effects of hyperoxia vary depending on the dose and duration of exposure. Therefore, it seems that additional studies for better understanding the beneficial effects of short-term hyperoxia and for minimizing side effects are necessary for optimal clinical application.

Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy and anti-aging Practice and Protocols

“…Similarly, additional research has corroborated these outcomes in aging skin, by expediting the proliferation of epidermal basal cells [25], in endothelial cells by stimulating the expression of antioxidants [1] and in the brain, where HBOT seems to enhance cerebral blood flow [26]. These collective findings suggest that HBOT possesses anti-aging properties [27].…”

Exploiting moderate hypoxia to benefit patients with brain disease: Molecular mechanisms and translational research in progress

“…81 Beneficial effects of normobaric hyperoxia for brain protection are considered to primarily result from improvements in brain metabolism and the resistance to cell damage. 82,83 Moderate normobaric hyperoxia (10 × 2 h at 37% O 2 ) in healthy volunteers apparently improves cognitive performance and increases blood levels of antioxidant enzymes and neurotrophic factors. 84 Advances in normobaric hyperoxia application, particularly derived from animal studies evaluating effects in experimental stroke and brain trauma, have recently been reviewed.…”

“…It has been suggested as a simple and widely accessible therapeutic strategy, associated with improved clinical outcomes in stroke patients 81 . Beneficial effects of normobaric hyperoxia for brain protection are considered to primarily result from improvements in brain metabolism and the resistance to cell damage 82,83 . Moderate normobaric hyperoxia (10 × 2 h at 37% O 2 ) in healthy volunteers apparently improves cognitive performance and increases blood levels of antioxidant enzymes and neurotrophic factors 84 .…”

A novel postharvest preservation technology of fruit—Intermittent high oxygen treatment: A case study on “Lingwu” long jujube

“…Moreover, some potential benefits of short-term high oxygen were reported in several clinical application, such as for patients undergoing stressful operations, restoration of cognitive function, and the treatment of severe traumatic brain injury. (Leach et al, 1998;Tessema et al, 2021). The short-term high oxygen treatment has been promoted as an approach to slow aging by increasing antioxidant enzymes and telomere length (Tessema et al, 2021).…”

“…(Leach et al, 1998;Tessema et al, 2021). The short-term high oxygen treatment has been promoted as an approach to slow aging by increasing antioxidant enzymes and telomere length (Tessema et al, 2021).…”