Differences Of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy With Compressed Air Before Decompression Diving Against Carbonyl Proteins, IL-6, Casp-3, Casp-9, Brain Histopathology Images, And Gait Analysis In Sprague Dawley (Rat)

Abstract

Decompression dives are characterized by rapid ascent from significant depths, which can potentially lead to decompression sickness (DCS). Giving hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) before decompression diving can reduce the occurrence of DCS. This study used a model of 56 male Sprague Dawley rats, which were divided into two groups, namely the air group of 28 and the HBOT group of 28 heads. Each group was divided into 4 observation time for each group consisted of 7 heads. The 0,3,6 and 24-hour air group (KPU 0,1,2,3) and the hyperbaric oxygen therapy group 0,3,6 and 24 hours (KPT 0,1,2,3). The air group (KPU) was given compressed air at a pressure of 2.4 ATA and dived for 75 minutes. The treatment group (KPT) was given 100% oxygen HBOT at a pressure of 2.4 ATA and dived for 75 minutes.  After the two groups rose to the surface at rest for 3 hours, they then did a decompression dive at a pressure of 6 ATA for 90 minutes, then rose to the surface at a rate of 3 ATA per minute. The results showed that the KPT group at each hour of observation showed a decrease in several biomarkers of DCS markers. Meanwhile, the KPU Group showed severe symptoms, including seizures, rapid breathing, paralysis, and death. Tissue analysis revealed a significant increase in the expression of carbonyl protein, IL-6, caspase 3, and caspase 9, in addition to a higher number of air bubbles in brain histopathology and poorer gait analysis results with p-values of <0.05 for all biomarkers. Meanwhile, the KPT group was lower in the occurrence of increased biomarkers of expression of carbonyl protein, IL-6, caspase 3, and caspase 9, fewer air bubbles in brain histopathology, and better gait analysis results with a p-value of < 0.05. The expression levels of the KPT group against the KPU group were most significantly observed at 6 hours post-diving, but the most severe symptoms appeared after 24 hours, suggesting a delayed but damaging impact. The study concluded that the administration of 100% HBOT 3 hours before decompression diving may decrease cell damage and bubble formation, and worsen gait analysis results.