The Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment on Myoblasts and Muscles After Contusion Injury

ABSTRACT The recommended treatment varies depending on the severity of muscle injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro myoblast proliferation and the in vivo histologic and physiologic effects of hyperbaric oxygen treatment on muscle healing after contusion. Cells from the C2C12 myoblast cell line were exposed to 100% O2 for 25 min then to air for 5 min at 2.5 atmospheres absolute in a hyperbaric chamber for a total treatment duration of 90 min per 48 h at intervals of 2, 4, 6 and 8 days. Cell growth measurements and western blot analysis of myogenin and actin were performed. Then, 18 mice aged 8–10 weeks were used in the muscle contusion model. The histologic and physiologic effects and muscle regeneration after hyperbaric oxygen treatment were evaluated. The myoblast growth rate was significantly higher (p