Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Inhibits Growth-related Decrease in Muscle Oxidative Capacity of Rats with Metabolic Syndrome

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Biochemistry
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
• Muscle oxidative capacity plays a crucial role in overall metabolic health and energy expenditure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of mild hyperbaric oxygen (mHBO) on soleus muscle properties in rats with metabolic syndrome.
• To assess the impact of mHBO on metabolic markers and muscle oxidative function.

Main Methods:

• Metabolic syndrome rats were divided into normobaric (CP) and mild hyperbaric oxygen (CP-H) groups.
• Rats were exposed to 1.25 ATA with 36% oxygen for 3 hours daily for 16 weeks.
• Soleus muscle analysis included succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity, Pgc-1α mRNA levels, fiber type composition, and SDH staining intensity.

Main Results:

• The CP-H group exhibited significantly lower blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, lipids, insulin, and systolic blood pressure compared to the CP group.
• Mild hyperbaric oxygen increased adiponectin levels, SDH activity, and Pgc-1α mRNA levels in the soleus muscle.
• CP-H rats showed altered muscle fiber composition and increased SDH staining intensity in specific fiber types.

Conclusions:

• Mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy effectively mitigated metabolic dysregulation in rats with metabolic syndrome.
• The observed improvements are attributed to enhanced oxidative metabolism within the soleus muscle.
• mHBO shows promise in counteracting the detrimental effects of metabolic syndrome on muscle function and systemic health.