Outcome

This study suggests that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) at pressures of 1.5-2.5 ATA for 7 days significantly increases brown adipose tissue (BAT) volumes and thermogenic protein levels (e.g. uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α)) in Sprague-Dawley rats. Enhanced radiolabeled glucose uptake and BAT development comparable to the effects of cold exposure were observed through 18F-FDG PET/CT analysis.

Introduction

Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy has garnered attention for its potential therapeutic effects across various medical conditions. This study investigates the efficacy of HBO therapy in enhancing brown adipose tissue (BAT) development which plays a crucial role in managing metabolic disorders particularly obesity and related syndromes. By exposing Sprague-Dawley rats to high-pressure oxygen (1.5-2.5 ATA) for seven consecutive days the researchers observed a significant increase in BAT volumes and thermogenic protein levels including uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α). Additionally 18F-FDG PET/CT analysis demonstrated enhanced radiolabeled glucose uptake and BAT development levels comparable to those induced by cold exposure. These findings suggest that HBO therapy could be a novel and effective method for stimulating BAT maturation offering a promising therapeutic approach for addressing metabolic disorders.

Results

The study demonstrated that hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy administered at pressures between 1.5 and 2.5 atmospheres absolute (ATA) over seven consecutive days led to a significant increase in brown adipose tissue (BAT) volumes and thermogenic protein levels in Sprague-Dawley rats. Specifically there was a notable elevation in the levels of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) both key markers associated with BAT thermogenic function.

Using 18F-FDG PET/CT analysis the research revealed enhanced radiolabeled glucose uptake indicating heightened metabolic activity within the BAT. This increase in glucose uptake and BAT development was found to be comparable to the effects observed following cold exposure a known stimulant for BAT activation and growth.

These findings collectively suggest that HBO therapy can effectively mimic the physiological conditions that promote BAT maturation and activity. The enhanced BAT development and function observed imply potential therapeutic benefits for HBO therapy in treating metabolic disorders such as obesity and metabolic syndrome by exploiting the thermogenic and energy-regulating properties of BAT.

In essence the study establishes HBO therapy as a promising method for promoting BAT maturation supporting its application as a novel intervention in the management of metabolic health conditions.

Conclusion

In conclusion this study underscores the promising potential of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) as a novel method for inducing brown adipose tissue (BAT) development and enhancing thermogenic protein levels in Sprague-Dawley rats. The exposure to high-pressure oxygen (1.5-2.5 ATA) for seven consecutive days led to significant increases in BAT volumes and thermogenic markers such as uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α). These changes were accompanied by elevated radiolabeled glucose uptake and BAT growth comparable to the effects of cold exposure as demonstrated by the 18F-FDG PET/CT analysis. These findings suggest that HBO therapy could be effectively harnessed to promote BAT maturation presenting a potential therapeutic strategy to combat metabolic disorders such as diet-induced obesity and metabolic syndrome. By broadening our understanding of HBO’s impact on metabolic health this study paves the way for future research to explore the clinical applications and mechanisms underpinning HBO therapy’s benefits in metabolic regulation.