Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on the Expression of FGF, MMP-9 and Occludin in the Repair of Gastric Mucosal Erosions

This study was conducted to evaluate the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of fibroblast growth factor (FGF), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and occludin in the repair of gastric mucosal erosions in Wistar rats was induced by administration of aspirin, one of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These expressions are associated with changes in histopathological features. This experimental research used a posttest only control group design. The research sample was 28 male Wistar rats that met the inclusion criteria, but not met the exclusion criteria. The samples were randomly allocated into four groups. Group 1 as negative control and group 2 as positive control. Group 3 as treatment 1, which was given HBOT (hyperbaric oxygen therapy) 2.4 ATA for 3 x 30 minutes/day (air break 5 minutes) for 5 days, after aspirin induction at 30 mg/kgBW/day for 10 days. Group 4 as treatment 2, which was given HBOT 2.4 ATA for 3 x 30 minutes/day (air break 5 minutes) for 10 days, after aspirin induction at 30 mg/kgBW/day for 10 days. Each group was evaluated the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of FGF, MMP-9 and occludin, using the Remmele scale index, immune reactive score (IRS). The expressions were correlated with histopathological changes, using the HAI (Histology Activity Index) method. The results show that the HBOT 2.4 ATA for 3 x 30 minutes/day (air break 5 minutes) for 5 days and for 10 days, it can improve FGF (p=0.016) and occludin (p=0.021) expression significantly. The HBOT can also reduce inflammation (p=0.005), epithelial defects (p<0.001) and MMP-9 expression (0.042). There is a significant difference in occludin expression (p=0.034) between 5-day HBOT and 10-day HBOT. However, there was no significant difference between the 5-day HBOT and the 10-day HBOT for reduce inflammation (p=0.845), epithelial defects (p=0.469), FGF expression (0.054) and MMP-9 expression (0.470). The provision of HBOT at 2.4 ATA significantly improved gastric mucosal erosion in NSAID-induced gastric mucosal erosion Wistar rats model, by decreasing MMP-9 expression, as well as increasing FGF and occludin expression. There is a significant difference in occludin expression between 5-day HBOT and 10-day HBOT.