Cell Culture Effects of Altered Oxygen Levels and Hyperbaric Treatment In Vitro

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a state-of-the-art medical treatment, which is proved to be beneficial in a number of diseases and promising in new fields as well. HBOT is evidence-based treatment for, among others, severe CO intoxication, decompression disease and chronic wound healing. Recent studies promise beneficial effects of HBOT in multiple sclerosis. In vitro, cellular models of these complex pathological conditions are limited. In this chapter, we aim to mirror in vitro effects of HBOT and other altered oxygen levels on endothelial cells, fibroblast, mesenchymal and pluripotent stem cells. Through these in vitro models, the role of HBOT in angiogenesis, blot clotting, wound healing, cell therapy and tissue engineering will be discussed. To summarize in vitro effects of HBOT, it has beneficial role on proliferation and viability of most cell types. Furthermore, functional characteristics of the investigated cell types, for example, angiogenesis by endothelial cells, are improved in response to HBOT. Standardized preclinical protocols with HBOT help to translate the benefits to clinical trials and clinical use.