Effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on the morphological characteristics and survival of MCF-7 breast cancer cells

Aim: This study aims to determine the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy at different pressure values on cell morphology and cell survival in the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Materials and Methods: The experimental groups were formed by applying 100% oxygen to MCF-7 breast cancer cells at 1.5, 2, and 2.5 atmospheres for 2 hours. The control group did not receive treatment. At the end of the experiment, cell survival was investigated by CCK-8 analysis, cell shapes were determined by cresyl violet staining, and cell surface morphologies were determined by scanning electron microscope. Results: Cell viability was significantly reduced at atmospheric pressure of 1.5, 2, and 2.5 compared to the control group (p < 0.005). As pressure increased, the surface area of the cell decreased, nuclear condensation increased, and the cell borders became irregular. Cell membrane bleb and cell membrane porosity increased at 2 and 2.5 atmospheres. Conclusion: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy severely reduces the viability of MCF-7 breast cancer cells under increased pressure. It can induce apoptosis and change the shape and surface morphology of MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Although further studies are needed, our study supports the potential use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of breast cancer.