What Researchers Did
Researchers first tested HBOT in mice with graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD), a serious complication after bone marrow transplant, then validated findings in a clinical cohort of human transplant patients, examining whether HBOT activated a specific protective cell pathway (Nrf2/HO-1).
What They Found
In mice, preventive HBOT significantly extended survival and reduced tissue damage from aGVHD, with these benefits dependent on the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway, blocking it cancelled HBOT's protection. HBOT also reduced inflammatory markers IL-6 and TNF-α. In the clinical cohort, patients who received HBOT had significantly lower rates of grade 1-3 aGVHD compared to those who did not.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
The clinical portion was a cohort study rather than a randomised controlled trial, and differences between treated and untreated patient groups beyond HBOT cannot be fully ruled out.