A recent investigation led by Inbar Fischer, a Ph.D. student at Tel Aviv University unveiled significant advancements in social skills and neurological conditions in autism through pressure chamber therapy. This research was conducted on animal models of autism, which showcased notable transformations in the brain, including a reduction in neuroinflammation, a factor linked to autism. Moreover, the treated animal models exhibited marked improvements in social interactions. The outcome of this study holds profound implications for the potential application and comprehension of pressure chamber therapy as an autism treatment.
The research emphasized the multifaceted origins of autism, stemming from various genetic and non-genetic causes. The study has been published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
The study's preliminary phase involved the treatment of a girl with a SHANK3 gene mutation, known to cause autism. Prof. Shai Efrati, the director of the Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine at the Shamir Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, administered a series of pressure chamber treatments. Subsequently, significant improvements were observed in the girl's social abilities and brain function.
To delve deeper into the treatment's success, the research team conducted experiments with adult animal models bearing the same SHANK3 gene mutation. The experimental protocol included 40 one-hour sessions in a pressure chamber over several weeks.
The results demonstrated that pressure chamber treatment enriched with oxygen reduced brain inflammation and increased blood supply to the brain; this is credited to a decrease in microglial cells associated with inflammation in autism.
Dr. Barak highlighted the remarkable improvement in social behavior in the treated animal models compared to the control group, which experienced no pressure chamber therapy. The treated models exhibited heightened social interest, spending more time with newly introduced animals, showcasing improved social behavior.
Inbar Fischer underscored the clinical relevance of these findings, as the genetic mutation in the animal models mirrors that found in humans. The non-invasive and safe nature of pressure chamber therapy offers promising prospects for improving behavioral and neurological aspects in individuals with autism, shedding light on the underlying neurological mechanisms.
Source: Fischer, Inbar et al. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Alleviates Social Behavior Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation in a Mouse Model for Autism Spectrum Disorders” 21 September 2022, International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911077 [Date accessed: 30 Sept, 2022]
Edited by: Adhitya Balachander
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