1. HBOT
increases Stem Cell Growth:
According
to a study to be published in the American Journal of Physiology-Heart and
Circulation Physiology, a typical course of hyperbaric oxygen treatments
increases by eight-fold the number of stem cells circulating in a patient's
body. Stem cells, also called progenitor cells are crucial to injury repair.
Stem cells exist in the bone marrow of human beings and animals and are capable
of changing their nature to become part of many different organs and tissues. In
response to injury, these cells move from the bone marrow to the injured sites,
where they differentiate into cells that assist in the healing process. The
movement, or mobilization, of stem cells can be triggered by a variety of
stimuli -- including pharmaceutical agents and hyperbaric oxygen treatments.
Where as drugs are associated with a host of side effects, hyperbaric oxygen
treatments carry a significantly lower risk of such effects. "This is the
safest way clinically to increase stem cell circulation, far safer than any of
the pharmaceutical options," said Stephen Thom, MD, Ph.D., Professor of
Emergency Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and
lead author of the study. "This study provides information on the fundamental
mechanisms for hyperbaric oxygen and offers a new theoretical therapeutic
option for mobilizing stem cells." (Sciencedaily.com)
2. HBOT significantly reduces swelling:
Dilation
or blood vessel widening following damage to tissue results in decreased blood
flow. That increase in blood flow couples with revascular permeability
(movement of fluid in and out of blood vessels) to increase protein and fluids
outside blood vessels reducing tissue swelling. HBOT significantly reduces
swelling, and reduces the pain associated with it. As the oxygen supply
reduces, blood flow increases which will only serve to exacerbate the swelling
and impede the inflammatory process that assists the commencement of healing.
Hyperbaric
oxygen therapy reduces vascular vasodilation and permeability by increasing the
oxygen content within the blood.
3. HBOT
significantly reduces edema:
The
development of edema (swelling) is caused by a number of factors such as an
increase in local blood flow and also damage to local blood and lymphatic
vessels. The pressure exerted by edema on surrounding structures can compromise
circulation. When this pressure approaches or exceeds that in the blood
vessels, then blood flow will slow or cease altogether. Swelling also
contributes to tissue hypoxia (a shortage of oxygen in the tissues) by
increasing the distance between the capillary (smallest blood vessels) and the
cells, which impedes cell function, metabolism and the inflammatory process by
increasing the diffusion distance (movement of particles from an area of high
concentration to an area of low concentration).
Hyperbaric
oxygen therapy is able to combat the increased distance for oxygen diffusion
from blood vessel to cells by increasing the oxygen content within the blood
which will result in an increased oxygen delivery to cells and tissues,
shortening the inflammatory process, thereby speeding the healing and repair of
tissues.
4. HBOT
significantly shortens the inflammatory process:
The
bodies initial response to any injury involves inflammation. Inflammation is
the process by which cells such as phagocytes (white blood cells) gain access
to the damaged/injured tissues to prevent infection and enable healing to
commence. Decreased oxygen supply greatly impacts the inflammatory process as
the cells involved in inflammation are oxygen dependent. Should oxygen supply
be decreased, the inflammatory process and healing will be impaired.
Increased
oxygen availability promotes vasoconstriction when blood vessels in the body
become smaller which causes fluid reabsorption and helps reduce edema while
keeping the tissue well oxygenated. This supports the cells of the inflammatory
process in removing cell debris and micro-organisms that impede infection.
White blood cells have an increase in cellular energy that speeds up their
activity and reduces the time of the inflammatory process.
5. HBOT
improves range of motion:
Following hyperbaric oxygen therapy, swelling is
also decreased and resolved more rapidly. As a result, pain will be less
allowing for the return of range of motion as the healing process gains
momentum and inflammation is decreased.
6. HBOT
increases the production of collagen:
Following
the initial healing process of the inflammatory response and the prevention or
removal of infection, comes the next chapter in tissue/wound healing. Collagen
is the connective tissue developed and laid down by fibroblasts, the repair
cells of the body. Collagen acts as a base layer in the healing wound and
assists the wound to close and repair. The formation of collagen and hence
wound healing/recovery is highly dependent on the presence of adequate amounts
of oxygen. The actual production of collagen by fibroblasts is also extremely
dependent on oxygen availability.
As hyperbaric
oxygen therapy markedly increases the oxygen available within the blood this in
turn enables for a cross-linking or strengthening of the tissues, and
fibroblasts to produce increased amounts of collagen required for healing of
wounds and tissue damage.
7. HBOT
increases growth of cells that form reparative tissue (Fibroblastic
proliferation):
Clinical
research has demonstrated that a number of days following injury there occurs a
migration of fibroblasts (connective tissue cells responsible for collagen
production) into the area of damage. These cells then divide and replicate
producing large amounts of collagen (connective tissue used to repair damage to
tissue) that acts as the building block for the healing of tissue and wounds.
The development
and migration of fibroblasts is assisted by the influx of oxygen resulting from
hyperbaric oxygen therapy, this then supports the development and action of
these particular cells which play a vital part in the healing/recovery process.
8. HBOT supports scar tissue rehabilitation:
A decrease in oxygen available to cells such as fibroblasts
impairs their action, impacting upon the healing of tissue, causing healing to
take longer, and inhibiting the quality of scar tissue developed or
rehabilitated, which in turn greatly decreases tissue strength.
Healing occurs both faster and stronger in
wounds/injuries that are treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy due to the
demands of oxygen availability by the cells and tissues responsible for the
healing process being met.
9. HBOT
promotes greater tissue strength:
As the
oxygen concentration of the blood increases during hyperbaric oxygen therapy,
cells further from blood vessels are more adequately oxygenated. Hyperbaric
oxygen therapy allows for increased oxygen availability in more extensive areas
enabling fibroblasts to carry out their part of the healing process for tissue
damage and injury, more rapidly covering larger areas.
Hyperbaric
oxygen therapy saturates the blood plasma with oxygen, this in turn reaches the
areas of damage/injury with greater efficiency than red blood cells, providing
all cells and tissues with the much needed agent for healing, oxygen. The cells
responsible for the development of scar tissue for healing are then able to
carry this out more rapidly and the resulting tissue integrity is stronger.
10.
HBOT enhances the growth of new blood vessels (Angiogenesis):
Injury
or damage to tissues also results in damage and destruction of the supporting
blood vessel structures. The healing process is reliant on these structures for
supply of the blood containing the cells and nutrients that carry out and
enable healing as well as the removal of damaged cells, debris and foreign
micro-organisms.
Research has
demonstrated that treatment with hyperbaric oxygen therapy significantly
increases the number and actual size of blood vessels in damaged tissues and
wounds. This allows the healing process to occur faster speeding the recovery
of the injury or wound.
11.
HBOT increases oxygen levels in tissues (Hyperoxia):
With an increase in oxygen availability resulting
from both blood that is highly saturated in oxygen dissolved in the plasma, and
an increase in the number of blood vessels due to new vessels being created as
well as the healing of damaged blood vessels, tissues and cells become highly
saturated in oxygen.
12.
HBOT increases oxygen perfusion area around wounds:
Oxygen
perfusion around wounds and damaged tissues is greatly increased when the blood
supply to these areas possesses greater than normal levels of oxygen within
blood plasma as well as carried on red blood cells. The oxygen contained in the
blood plasma is more easily accessible than that carried to the tissues and
cells of the wound/damaged area on red blood cells, and this method of oxygen
supply is less labour intensive and energy taxing.
The cells
involved in the healing process are highly dependent on oxygen to carry out
their healing function and this increased demand for oxygen in the area around
wounds by the increased number of healing cells in that location is met by the
increased oxygen saturation of the blood following hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
13.
HBOT stimulates new capillary growth:
During
the time of injury and damage the microcirculation and the blood vessels of
this circulation (capillaries) are vital to the healing process through the
supply of nutrients and oxygen and the removal of waste and debris to enable
the cells responsible for healing to successfully complete their function.
Growth of new,
and repair of damaged capillaries are stimulated within the damaged tissues by
hyperbaric oxygen therapy, providing increased oxygen availability to these
areas. The increased oxygen supply and increased pressure employed by
hyperbaric oxygen supply are both responsible for the stimulation of new
capillary growth and the repair of existing capillaries.
14.
HBOT improves the survival of tissues in the 'grey area' of crush injuries:
The
'grey area' of crush injuries can be defined as the area between the tissues that
are obviously irreversibly damaged and those tissues that are undamaged. The
tissues of the 'grey area' benefit greatly from increased oxygen supply,
improved circulation and blood supply. These are the aspects that will allow
the tissues of the 'grey area' to be saved, salvaged and repaired.
Hyperbaric
oxygen therapy has been shown to support and maintain tissue oxygenation within
the 'grey area' resulting in a better outcome for the tissues, wound or injury.
15.
HBOT increases production and improves the action of Osteoblasts and
Osteoclasts:
Osteoblasts
are the cells responsible for bone formation and osteoclasts are the cells
responsible for bone reabsorption. Both these cells work together to form bones
and control the amount of bone tissue.
The provision
of increased levels of oxygen allows for increased production of these cells
and enables them to conduct bone repair and formation more adequately through
the reduction of oedema and growth of new blood vessels in the
micro-circulation.
16.
HBOT improves bone regeneration for faster recovery:
When the
inflammatory process, swelling and oedema is rectified more rapidly the repair
and regeneration of bone is able to commence sooner.
With the
increase in blood supply and oxygen availability, the tissues and cells
responsible for bone regeneration are able to carry out their task of healing
more efficiently, resulting in accelerated recovery and a better result in the
healing tissues.
17.
HBOT helps prevent infection:
Research
has demonstrated that having lower oxygen levels in tissues and wounds
increases the possibility of infection. Changes in wound and tissue oxygenation
impacts greatly upon the wound immune mechanism.
Having an
improved or increased tissue oxygen supply reduces the incidence of wound
infection as the cells responsible for prevention and recovery from infection
are dependent on oxygen, therefore additional oxygen benefits the healing
process.
18.
HBOT increases white blood cell production:
The
major players in the bodies immune response are the white blood cells.
Providing the body with increased oxygen availability increases the production
of white blood cells providing benefit to the bodies immune response.
High-dose
oxygen delivered under pressures greater than sea level (hyperbaric oxygen
therapy), stimulates and enables the bodies immune response
19.
HBOT enhances ability of white blood cells to remove bacteria and debris
(Leukocyte activity):
Without
oxygen or in a hypoxic (shortage of oxygen in the body) environment the function
of white blood cells becomes diminished. This in turn provides a significant
threat of infection as the bodies immune response is impaired.
The increased
oxygen supply offered by hyperbaric oxygen therapy assists in bacterial killing
through improving leukocyte (type of white blood cell) function.
20.
HBOT potentiates the use of antibiotics:
Research has demonstrated that periods of hyperoxia
(increased oxygen levels in tissues) and hyperbaric oxygen therapy has
influenced the activity of some antibiotics, enhancing their effectiveness.
This enables the presenting infection to resolve quicker.
21.
HBOT destroys harmful bacteria (Antimicrobial effect):
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy provides direct
bactericidal (substance that kills bacteria) and bacteriostatic (hampers the
growth of bacteria) effects against bacteria due to the generation of oxygen
free radicals. These free radicals are able to damage the membranes and make up
of the bacteria rendering them ineffective or killing them. Anaerobic (without
oxygen) organisms find an increased oxygen environment toxic and are unable to
survive.
22.
Hyperbaric Oxygenation Effects the Blood Flow:
Normal
blood flow:
There is 21% oxygen in the air that we breathe, and our lungs
transfer this oxygen to our red blood cells (via hemoglobin).
These
oxygen-filled red blood cells are carried around the body by the plasma
(fluid), which travels through the blood vessels. The oxygen diffuses into the
surrounding tissue ensuring that it is delivered to where it is needed most.
Restricted
blood flow (ischemia) causes Hypoxia:
When there is a restriction (occlusion)
in blood flow due to surgery, illness, or injury, the red blood cells block the
blood vessel and are unable to transfer oxygen to the cells on the other side
of the occlusion. This causes swelling and starves the area of oxygen, causing
hypoxia (a lack of oxygen); when this occurs the tissue begins to break down.
Hypoxia triggers ‘apoptosis’ (programmed cellular degeneration – clumping and
clustering of damaged nerve cells surrounded by healthy neuronal tracts).
Apoptosis modifies the expression of plasticity (the ability of the body to
repair). Apoptotic bodies and altered DNA fragmentations are observed in the
avascular ischemic region with increased inhibitory biochemical factors
(proteins) released into the damaged parts of the brain and spinal cord causing
further deterioration. Apoptosis has been identified in all neurodegenerative
disorders including brain and spinal cord injury. Apoptosis fosters the cycle
of continued dysfunction, degeneration and ultimate neuronal death.
Hyperbaric
Oxygenation:
Breathing 100% oxygen under pressure causes the oxygen to
diffuse into the blood plasma. This oxygen-rich plasma is able to travel past
the restriction, diffusing up to 3 times further into the tissue. The
pressurized environment helps to reduce swelling and discomfort, while
providing the body with at least 10-15 times its normal supply of oxygen to
help repair tissue damaged by the original occlusion or subsequent hypoxic
condition. Hyperbaric Oxygenation (HBOT) directly increases the saturation of
tissue oxygenation, slowing and reversing hypoxic induced apoptosis - restoring
blood supply to the compromised region by the development of new capillary
networks (neovascularization) enabling the body to alter the course and impact
of the disease process.
Neuromuscular Regeneration:
HBOT mobilizes the body’s circulating stem cells. American
Journal Physiology - Heart and Circulatory Physiology (Nov 05)] reports a
single 2-hour exposure to HBOT at 2 ATA doubles circulating CD34+ progenitor
stem cells (primordial cells targeted to salvage and restore damaged
structures); and at approx. 40-hours of HBOT; circulating CD34+ cells increases
eight fold (800%).
Ask us for more information on hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers:
Bird Medical Devices
(A Hyperbaric O2 company)
Call: 91- 9769 484 123 (or) -9769 006 123
Tel:91-22-65 655 123 Skype: birdindia
Email:indiahbot@gmail.com / info@indiahbot.com
