Hyperbaric oxygen therapy induces transcriptome changes in elderly: a prospective trial

Abstract

Introduction: Aging is characterized by the progressive loss of physiological capacity. Changes in gene expression can alter activity in defined age-related molecular pathways leading to cellular aging and increased aging disease susceptibility. The aim of the current study was to evaluate whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) affects gene expression in normal, non-pathological, aging adults. Methods: Thirty-five healthy independently living adults, aged 64 and older, were enrolled to receive 60 daily HBOT exposures. Whole blood samples were collected at baseline, at the 30th and 60th HBOT session, and 1–2 weeks following the last session. Differential gene expression analysis was performed. Results: Following 60 sessions of HBOT, 1342 genes and 570 genes were differently up- and downregulated (1912 total), respectively ( p < 0.01 FDR), compared to baseline. Out of which, five genes were downregulated with a >1.5-fold change: ABCA13 (FC = −2.28), DNAJ6 (FC = −2.16), HBG2 (FC = −1.56), PDXDC1 (FC = −1.53), RANBP17 (FC = −1.75). Two weeks post-HBOT, ABCA13 expression was significantly downregulated with a >1.5fold change (FC = −1.54, p = 0.008). In conclusion, for the first time in humans, the study provides direct evidence of HBOT is associated with transcriptome changes in whole-blood samples. Our results demonstrate significant changes in gene expression of normal aging population.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for healthy aging: From mechanisms to therapeutics

“…The fact that the therapeutic targets of HBOT overlap considerably with those of aging and age-related diseases is beginning to gain attention. In a recent prospective trial, HBOT was found to induce transcriptome changes in whole-blood samples from healthy aging subjects, with 1342 genes upregulated and 570 genes downregulated [ 21 ]. Changes in these age genetic signatures in vivo suggest remarkable effects of HBOT on the elderly, at least at the molecular level.…”

“…In recent years, HBOT has been used for various new medical conditions with protocols based on lower oxygen pressure (2 ATA or less) and more daily sessions (40–60 sessions) [ 194 ]. One specific emerging protocol, which utilizes repeated intermittent hyperbaric exposures, can lead to a series of changes in the aging populations including transcriptome changes [ 21 ], telomere elongation [ 42 ], cognitive enhancement [ 140 ], skin rejuvenation [ 27 ], and pulmonary function parameters improvement [ 194 ]. The protocol includes 60 daily HBOT sessions of 100% oxygen at 2 ATA for 90 min with intermittent air breaks.…”

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].…”

“…A particular emerging regimen, characterized by repeated intermittent exposure to hyperbaric conditions, has demonstrated the potential to induce a range of effects in aging individuals [3,29]. These effects encompass alterations in the transcriptome [30], extension of telomeres [22], enhanced cognitive function [26], rejuvenation of the skin [31], and improvement in pulmonary function parameters [28].…”

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: future prospects in regenerative therapy and anti-aging

“…HBOT works on the mechanism of effects of hyperoxic conditions and increased pressure, which acts on cellular levels and affects the epigenetic regulation of many critical genes. It is estimated that the combined effect of hyperoxic and hyperbaric conditions can alter the gene expression of nearly 40% of protein coding genes ( Hadanny et al, 2021 ). The overall effect of this epigenetic modulation results in physiological consequences in the form of anti-inflammatory effect, anti-apoptotic and regenerative functions.…”