Outcome

The study highlights the positive impacts of mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy (MHO) on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in obese rats. By subjecting the rats to 1266 hPa with 36% oxygen for 3 hours daily over 22 weeks researchers observed significant improvements in metabolic health and muscle function.

Introduction

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent chronic condition characterized by hyperglycemia and insulin resistance leading to various metabolic disorders and complications. This study investigates the effects of mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy (MHBOT) on obese rats with T2DM. The therapy involved exposing rats to a pressure of 1266 hPa with 36% oxygen for 3 hours daily over 22 weeks. The results indicated significant improvements in key health markers including reductions in fasting and non-fasting blood glucose levels HbA1c and triglyceride levels. Additionally the therapy increased the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (Pparδ/β and Pparγ) and the PPARγ coactivator-1α (Pgc-1α) mRNA in the soleus muscle alongside higher mRNA levels of myogenin (Myog) and myogenic factor 5 (Myf5). These molecular changes were associated with the maintenance of high-oxidative muscle fibers which are typically compromised in T2DM. The findings suggest that MHBOT can effectively inhibit the decline in skeletal muscle oxidative capacity and improve metabolic functions offering a promising approach to the management of diabetes by enhancing both glucose metabolism and muscle health.

Results

Mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy (1266 hPa with 36% oxygen for 3 hours daily over 22 weeks) demonstrated several notable improvements in obese rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The treated group (OLETF-MHO) exhibited significantly reduced fasting and non-fasting blood glucose levels as well as lower HbA1c and triglyceride levels compared to the control group (OLETF-NB). These outcomes indicate substantial improvements in overall glucose metabolism and lipid profile.

Molecular analysis of the soleus muscle revealed increased mRNA levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (Pparδ/β and Pparγ) and the PPARγ coactivator-1α (Pgc-1α) in the OLETF-MHO group. These markers are indicative of enhanced metabolic functionality and a higher oxidative capacity in muscle tissues. Additionally elevated levels of myogenin (Myog) and myogenic factor 5 (Myf5) mRNA in the same group suggested better muscle regeneration and function.

Structurally the soleus muscle in the OLETF-MHO group maintained a spectrum of high-oxidative muscle fibers including Type IIA and Type IIC alongside the low-oxidative Type I fibers. In contrast the OLETF-NB group exhibited a predominance of Type I fibers signifying a diminished oxidative capacity. This preservation of high-oxidative muscle fibers in treated rats highlights the potential of mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy to mitigate the typical decline in muscle oxidative capacity associated with T2DM.

Overall the data suggest that mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy can effectively lower blood glucose levels HbA1c and triglyceride levels while enhancing muscle oxidative capacity in obese rats with T2DM. These promising results could represent a viable therapeutic approach for managing diabetes focusing on both metabolic health and muscle function enhancement.

Conclusion

In conclusion this study underscores the promising effects of mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy (MHBOT) on managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in obese rats. The 22-week regimen of 1266 hPa pressure with 36% oxygen for 3 hours daily resulted in significant improvements in key health markers including reductions in fasting and non-fasting blood glucose HbA1c and triglyceride levels. Enhanced expression of crucial metabolic and muscle function genes such as Pparδ/β Pparγ and Pgc-1α in the soleus muscle was also observed alongside increased oxidative muscle fiber composition.

These findings suggest that MHBOT not only aids in glucose metabolism but also preserves muscle oxidative capacity—factors that are often compromised in T2DM. This dual benefit of improved metabolic function and muscle health presents MHBOT as a potential holistic approach for diabetes management. Future research should explore the translational potential of these findings in human subjects evaluate long-term effects and investigate the underlying mechanisms further to optimize therapeutic protocols for clinical use.