Hyperbaric oxygen treatment on keloid tumor immune gene expression

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Dermatology
• Hyperbaric Medicine

Background:

• Hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) influences keloid recurrence and symptoms.
• Understanding HBOT's mechanism in keloids requires studying its effect on tumor immune gene expression and cell infiltration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of HBOT on keloid immune gene expression.
• To analyze changes in immune cell infiltration following HBOT in keloid tissue.

Main Methods:

• Keloid tissue samples were collected from patients receiving HBOT before surgery (HK group) and a control group (K group).
• Tumor gene expression was analyzed using the Oncomine Immune Response Research Assay kit.
• Immune cell infiltration was assessed using CIBERSORT deconvolution and immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Main Results:

• HBOT altered gene expression, with 178 upregulated and 217 downregulated genes identified.
• Key genes like ITGAM, IL-4, PTPRC, and CD80 showed significantly downregulated expression in the HK group.
• Significant differences in immune cell infiltration were observed, with higher CD4+ T cell infiltration in the HK group via IHC.

Conclusions:

• HBOT modulates gene expression and immune cell infiltration in keloids.
• Activated CD4+ T cells are identified as a potential key regulatory immune cell in HBOT's effect on keloids.