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Effect of hyperbaric oxygen treatment in a rat model of abdominal aortic aneurysm
Abstract:
Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Experimental studies have demonstrated that hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy decreases MMP levels in different tissues. However, the effect of HBO2 therapy on AAA has yet to be investigated. This study aimed to examine the effects of HBO2 on MMPs in an experimental AAA model. The model was implemented with CaCl2 in 12-week-old male Wistar albino rats. The rats were randomized into four groups: Group I: received NaCl (n = 6) (Sham group); Group II: received NaCl and were treated with HBO2 (n = 6); Group III: received CaCl2 (n = 6); and Group IV: received CaCl2 and were treated with HBO2 (n = 6). HBO2 therapy was applied for five of seven days over a period of six weeks. Although in the CaCl2 groups, aortic diameters were significantly higher than the NaCl groups (p < 0.05), there was no difference between pre- and post-HBO2 in the CaCl2 groups (p > 0.05). In the CaCl2 group, the MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels were significantly higher than those in the NaCl group (p < 0.05). HBO2 therapy had no statistically significant effect on the MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels in Groups III and IV. However, it was observed that both levels clearly decreased in Group IV. In conclusion, the study suggested that HBO2 may have favorable effects on MMP levels.
Insights
Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy showed potential in reducing matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) levels, specifically MMP-2 and MMP-9, in an experimental abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) model. While not statistically significant, HBO2 therapy demonstrated a clear decrease in MMP levels in treated rats with AAA.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Biomedical Engineering
- Experimental Pathology
Background:
- Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are key contributors to abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) development.
- Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy is known to reduce MMP levels in various tissues.
- The impact of HBO2 therapy on AAA pathophysiology remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of HBO2 therapy on MMP levels in an experimental model of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).
Main Methods:
- An experimental AAA model was induced using CaCl2 in male Wistar albino rats.
- Rats were divided into four groups: sham, sham with HBO2, AAA, and AAA with HBO2.
- HBO2 therapy was administered for five days a week over six weeks.
Main Results:
- CaCl2-induced AAA groups exhibited significantly larger aortic diameters compared to control groups.
- MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels were significantly elevated in the AAA group versus the control group.
- HBO2 therapy did not yield statistically significant changes in MMP levels in AAA rats, though a notable decrease was observed in the HBO2-treated AAA group.
Conclusions:
- HBO2 therapy may exert beneficial effects on MMP levels in the context of abdominal aortic aneurysms.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms and clinical relevance of HBO2 in AAA treatment.
