Endothelial Dysfunction and Cardiovascular Disease: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy as an Emerging Therapeutic Modality?

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Endothelial Biology
• Hyperbaric Medicine

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death worldwide, often linked to endothelial dysfunction and damage to the endothelial glycocalyx.
• Risk factors such as diabetes, obesity, and chronic kidney disease exacerbate endothelial dysfunction, leading to conditions like atherosclerosis and hypertension.
• Maintaining vascular homeostasis is critical for preventing CVD and associated thrombo-inflammatory conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review the role of the vascular endothelium and glycocalyx in cardiovascular health.
• To summarize the therapeutic potential of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for cardiovascular risk factors and diseases.
• To explore the mechanisms and evidence behind HBOT's effects on endothelial function and cardiovascular outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Literature review synthesizing current evidence on endothelial function and cardiovascular disease.
• Analysis of studies investigating the mechanisms of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).
• Examination of HBOT's impact on angiogenesis, immune modulation, antioxidant defenses, stem cell activity, and cardiovascular risk factors.

Main Results:

• HBOT demonstrates potential benefits by promoting angiogenesis, exhibiting antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects, enhancing antioxidant defenses, and stimulating stem cell activity.
• Evidence suggests HBOT can improve endothelial dysfunction, cardiac function, atherosclerosis, plaque stability, and endothelial integrity.
• HBOT may alleviate cardiovascular risk factors including hypertension, aging effects, obesity, and dysregulated glucose metabolism, while also benefiting ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Conclusions:

• HBOT offers significant therapeutic potential for cardiovascular diseases by improving endothelial function and mitigating risk factors.
• Understanding HBOT's molecular mechanisms and effects on vascular homeostasis can guide innovative treatment strategies.
• Further research is needed to balance HBOT's benefits against potential risks like oxidative stress and oxygen toxicity.