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Can hyperbaric oxygenation therapy (HOT) modify the blood testosterone concentration?
G Passavanti1, P Tanasi, M Brauzzi
1Dpt of Urology Misericordia Hospital Grosseto, Italy.
Urologia
|October 5, 2010
Summary
Hyperbaric oxygenation therapy (HOT) significantly increased total testosterone (TT) levels in both male patients and healthy controls. This hormonal change may influence testosterone's role in healing and inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Therapeutic Modalities
Background:
- Testosterone influences inflammatory and healing processes.
- Hyperbaric oxygenation therapy (HOT) is used for various medical conditions.
- The effect of HOT on testosterone levels is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether hyperbaric oxygenation therapy (HOT) alters blood total testosterone (TT) concentrations.
- To assess these changes in male patients undergoing treatment for diverse pathologies and in healthy male volunteers.
Main Methods:
- Fourteen male patients with conditions like fractures, osteonecrosis, and diabetic foot received 4-23 HOT sessions.
- Six healthy male volunteers underwent 10 HOT sessions.
- Total testosterone levels were measured before the first and after the last HOT session.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant increase in testosterone levels was observed post-HOT in both patient and control groups (ANOVA, p<0.004).
- Patients showed significant recovery or marked improvement in their conditions following HOT.
Conclusions:
- Hyperbaric oxygenation therapy demonstrably elevates total testosterone levels in men.
- The underlying mechanisms and therapeutic implications of this testosterone increase warrant further investigation.
- Hormonal alterations induced by HOT may contribute to its effects on inflammation and healing.
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