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The effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on the pathophysiology of skin aging: a prospective clinical trial
Yafit Hachmo1, Amir Hadanny2,3,4, Sonia Mendelovic5
1Research and Development Unit, Shamir Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel.
Introduction:
Skin biopsies can be used to evaluate physiological effects of aging targeted intervention at the tissue/cellular levels. Recent clinical trials have shown that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can target aging hallmarks, including telomere shortening, senescent cells clearance and angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of HBOT on the skin of a normal, non-pathological, aging population.
Methods:
The study was performed as a prospective clinical trial. After signing informed consent and undergoing baseline evaluations, the subjects were assigned to a three-month control period followed by three months of HBOT daily sessions. Skin biopsies were taken at baseline, after three months of no intervention (control) and 1-2 weeks following the last HBOT session. Trichrome, Orecin, lipofuscin and CD31 staining were used to evaluate collagen fibers, elastic fibers, senescent cells and blood vessels, respectively.
Results:
Out of the cohort of 70 participants in the normal aging population study, thirteen male patients (age 68.07±2.5y) gave consent for repeated skin biopsies. Following HBOT, there was a significant increase in collagen density (p<0.001, effect size(es)=1.10), elastic fiber length (p<0.0001, es=2.71) and the number of blood vessels (p=0.02, es=1.00). There was a significant decrease in fiber fragmentation (p=0.012) and in tissue senescent cells (p=0.03, es=0.84) post-HBOT. No changes were noted in elastic fiber density or thickness.
Conclusions:
The study indicates, for the first time in humans, that HBOT can significantly modulate the pathophysiology of the skin aging in a healthy aging population. The demonstrated mechanisms include angiogenesis and senescent cell clearance.
Insights
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) rejuvenates aging skin by increasing collagen and elastic fibers and reducing senescent cells. This study shows HBOT effectively improves skin aging markers in healthy older adults.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology and Aging Research
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Hyperbaric Medicine
Background:
- Skin aging is characterized by structural and cellular changes, including collagen degradation, reduced elasticity, and accumulation of senescent cells.
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has emerged as a potential intervention targeting aging hallmarks at the cellular and tissue levels.
- Previous research suggests HBOT may influence telomere length, senescent cell clearance, and angiogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological effects of HBOT on skin aging in a healthy, non-pathological aging population.
- To evaluate HBOT's impact on key skin aging markers, including collagen, elastic fibers, and senescent cell presence.
- To assess the potential of HBOT as a therapeutic intervention for skin aging.
Main Methods:
- A prospective clinical trial involving 13 male participants aged 68.07±2.5 years.
- Participants underwent a three-month control period followed by three months of daily HBOT sessions.
- Skin biopsies were analyzed using Trichrome, Orecin, lipofuscin, and CD31 staining to assess collagen, elastic fibers, senescent cells, and blood vessels.
Main Results:
- Significant increases in collagen density (p<0.001), elastic fiber length (p<0.0001), and blood vessel count (p=0.02) were observed post-HBOT.
- A significant reduction in fiber fragmentation (p=0.012) and senescent cells (p=0.03) was noted.
- No significant changes were found in elastic fiber density or thickness.
Conclusions:
- HBOT significantly modulates skin aging pathophysiology in healthy aging individuals.
- The study provides the first human evidence that HBOT promotes skin rejuvenation through mechanisms like angiogenesis and senescent cell clearance.
- HBOT demonstrates potential as a non-invasive therapy to counteract visible signs of skin aging.
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