Anti-Aging | Telomere Lengthening

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, increasing oxygen delivery to tissues. Emerging research, particularly a 2020 prospective trial on healthy adults aged 64+, suggests it may mitigate aging at the cellular level through specific protocols (e.g., 60 sessions over 90 days at 2 ATA with intermittent air breaks).

Key mechanisms include:

• Telomere lengthening: Telomeres shorten with age, contributing to cellular decline. HBOT significantly extended telomere length in immune cells (T cells, B cells, natural killer cells) by over 20% (up to 38% in some types), reversing a hallmark of aging.

• Reduction of senescent cells: Aging accumulates "zombie" senescent cells that promote inflammation. HBOT decreased these by 10-37%, with the strongest effect on T-helper cells, acting as a senolytic (cell-clearing) agent.

• Additional effects: Promotes angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation), reduces chronic inflammation, enhances mitochondrial function, and stimulates stem cell proliferation—countering oxidative stress, immune dysregulation, and tissue degeneration.

These changes exploit the "hyperoxic-hypoxic paradox," where intermittent high oxygen triggers regenerative responses similar to hypoxia. Related studies show benefits like improved skin collagen density, elastic fibers, and reduced senescent cells in tissues.

Although it's not FDA-approved for anti-aging, it does show promising for slowing biological aging, evidence is from small-scale trials; larger studies are needed. HBOT is generally safe when medically supervised, with mild side effects like ear pressure or temporary vision changes, but risks (e.g., oxygen toxicity) exist if not properly managed.