In vitro models for evaluation of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in wound healing: A review

Chronic ulcers are a major problem affecting a significant number of people around the world. The condition is difficult to heal and often leads to amputation. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) has been used clinically for the treatment of chronic ulcers and positive outcomes have been reported. However, owing to the lack of large randomised controlled trials and some conflicting data, controversy regarding the effectiveness of HBO in chronic wound healing persists. Besides randomised controlled clinical trials, in vitro studies hold promise in providing further insight into the role of HBO in wound healing and in aiding the establishment of a scientific foundation upon which more rational and efficacious HBO therapeutic regimes may be developed. The present article provides an overview of the available in vitro data on HBO with regards to wound healing. In particular, it focuses on experimental design issues and future opportunities using human skin equivalent models to study HBO-mediated wound healing.