Hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning for prevention of acute high-altitude diseases: fact or fiction?

You, J., Chen, X., Zhou, M., Ma, H., Liu, Q. and Huang, C. (2023) Hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning for prevention of acute high-altitude diseases: fact or fiction? Frontiers in Physiology, 14, 1019103. (doi: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1019103) (PMID:36760528) (PMCID:PMC9905844)

Abstract

Acute high-altitude diseases, including acute mountain sickness (AMS), high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE), and high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), have been recognized as potentially lethal diseases for altitude climbers. Various preconditioning stimuli, including hyperbaric oxygen (HBO), have been proposed to prevent acute high-altitude diseases. Herein, we reviewed whether and how HBO preconditioning could affect high-altitude diseases and summarized the results of current trials. Evidence suggests that HBO preconditioning may be a safe and effective preventive method for acute high-altitude diseases. The proposed mechanisms of HBO preconditioning in preventing high-altitude diseases may involve: 1) protection of the blood-brain barrier and prevention of brain edema, 2) inhibition of the inflammatory responses, 3) induction of the hypoxia-inducible factor and its target genes, and 4) increase in antioxidant activity. However, the optimal protocol of HBO preconditioning needs further exploration. Translating the beneficial effects of HBO preconditioning into current practice requires the “conditioning strategies” approach. More large-scale and high-quality randomized controlled studies are needed in the future.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This work was supported by 1·3·5 project for disciplines of excellence–Clinical Research Incubation Project, West China Hospital, Sichuan University [Grant No:2021HXFH063].
• Keywords: Hyperbaric oxygenation, acute mountain sickness, high-altitude cerebral edema, preconditioning, high-altitude pulmonary edema.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Liu, Qiaoling
• Authors: You, J., Chen, X., Zhou, M., Ma, H., Liu, Q., and Huang, C.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
• Journal Name: Frontiers in Physiology
• Publisher: Frontiers Media
• ISSN: 1664-042X
• ISSN (Online): 1664-042X
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 You, Chen, Zhou, Ma, Liu and Huang
• First Published: First published in Frontiers in Physiology 14: 1019103
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License