Comparative study of the hyperbaric hyperoxygenation in ischemic colonic loops in rats

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Research
• Hyperbaric Medicine

Background:

• Intestinal ischemia can lead to significant tissue damage and compromise mechanical integrity.
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is explored for its potential to improve tissue oxygenation and healing.
• Evaluating HBOT's efficacy in mitigating ischemia-induced colonic injury is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on the mechanical resistance of ischemic colon in a rat model.
• To analyze and evaluate HBOT's impact on the structural integrity of the colon following induced ischemia.

Main Methods:

• Eighty rats were divided into four groups based on varying degrees of induced colon ischemia.
• Animals were further divided into subgroups: those receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy (100% O2 at 2 ATA for 120 min daily for 4 days) and control subgroups breathing ambient air.
• Mechanical resistance was assessed using a liquid distension pressure test to determine the rupture point of the intestinal loop.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant difference in mechanical resistance was observed among the groups based on the severity of induced ischemia (p=0.0001).
• However, no statistically significant difference was found in colonic mechanical resistance between the hyperbaric oxygen therapy subgroups and their respective control subgroups (p=0.3461).

Conclusions:

• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy did not demonstrate a significant improvement in the mechanical resistance of the induced ischemic colic loop in rats.
• The findings suggest that HBOT, under the tested conditions, does not enhance the resilience of ischemic colonic tissue in this animal model.