Examining the Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on the Cardiovascular System and Oxidative Stress in Insulin-Treated and Non-Treated Diabetic Rats

SIMPLE SUMMARY: This study aimed to examine the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on the cardiovascular system and oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, with and without insulin treatment. Diabetes was induced in Wistar albino rats using streptozotocin. The rats were divided into four groups: DM group (diabetic rats), DM+HBOT group (diabetic rats exposed to HBOT for 1 h daily, five days a week, at 2.8 atmosphere absolute (ATA) with 100% oxygen for two weeks), DM+INS group (diabetic rats treated with neutral protamine hagedorn (NPH) insulin at a dosage of 3–5 U/day), and DM+HBOT+INS group (diabetic rats treated with both NPH insulin and HBOT for two weeks). Parameters evaluated included glycemic control, oxidative stress markers, and cardiac function. In conclusion, NPH insulin treatment reduced hyperglycemia and improved cardiac function in diabetic rats. The combination of insulin and HBOT exhibited a significant decrease in pro-oxidative markers. These findings contribute to our understanding of the potential benefits of HBOT and insulin therapy in managing cardiovascular complications and oxidative stress in diabetes, providing valuable insights for potential applications in clinical settings. ABSTRACT: Background: This study explored the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on the cardiovascular system and oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: DM group (diabetic rats), DM+HBOT group (diabetic rats exposed to HBOT for 1 h daily, five days a week, at 2.8 atmosphere absolute (ATA) with 100% oxygen for two weeks), DM+INS group (diabetic rats treated with neutral protamine hagedorn (NPH) insulin at a dosage of 3–5 U/day), and DM+HBOT+INS group (diabetic rats treated with both NPH insulin and HBOT for two weeks). Methods: Evaluations included glycemic control, oxidative stress parameters, and cardiac function measurements. Results: NPH insulin treatment reduced blood glucose levels, although normoglycemia was not achieved. The DM+HBOT+INS group demonstrated the lowest pro-oxidative marker levels. NPH insulin treatment improved cardiac function, and combination therapy effectively restored cardiac function in diabetic animals. Conclusions: NPH insulin treatment reduced hyperglycemia and improved cardiac function in diabetic rats. The combined approach of NPH insulin and HBOT resulted in decreased pro-oxidative markers. These findings provide valuable insights for managing cardiovascular complications and oxidative stress in diabetes.