Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Neuroinflammation
HBOT and Neuroinflammation
Neuroinflammation is at the root of many conditions for which hyperbaric oxygen has been shown to be effective. Numerous peer-reviewed studies have documented that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) reduces neuroinflammation. This is accomplished through several mechanisms:
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Reduction of Proinflammatory Cytokines: HBOT decreases the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and TNFα. These cytokines play a significant role in the inflammatory response and their reduction helps in mitigating neuroinflammation.
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Decreased Astrogliosis and Microgliosis: HBOT attenuates the activation of astrocytes and microglia, which are key players in the neuroinflammatory process. By reducing astrogliosis and microgliosis, HBOT helps in lowering the overall inflammatory response in the brain.
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Enhanced Oxygen Delivery: By increasing the amount of oxygen delivered to brain tissues, HBOT helps in reducing hypoxia-induced inflammation. Adequate oxygenation supports cellular repair and reduces the inflammatory response triggered by low oxygen levels.
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Reduction of Secondary Cell Death: HBOT decreases the extent of secondary cell death, which is often associated with neuroinflammation. By preserving neuronal integrity, HBOT helps in reducing the inflammatory cascade that follows cell death.
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Modulation of Immune Response: HBOT has been shown to modulate the immune response, leading to a more controlled and less damaging inflammatory process. This includes the down-regulation of harmful immune activities that contribute to neuroinflammation.
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Gut-Brain Axis: Recent studies suggest that HBOT may also influence the gut-brain axis, reshaping gut microbiota and reducing gut-derived inflammation that can affect the brain.
The science supports HBOT reduces neuroinflammation by decreasing proinflammatory cytokines, attenuating astrogliosis and microgliosis, enhancing oxygen delivery, reducing secondary cell death, modulating the immune response, and potentially influencing the gut-brain axis. These combined effects contribute to its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties.