Perspective of Oxygen Therapy in Mitochondrial Medicine

Oxygen therapy is a treatment and regeneration method based on inhaling an increased concentration of oxygen (90–95%). Scientific knowledge about the beneficial effect of the application of oxygen therapy in the process of regeneration of patients with various diagnoses, as well as its use during the performance enhancement of elite athletes, has been expanding in recent years. Mitochondria are the main site of oxygen consumption and a major therapeutic target. HBOT (Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy) and EWOT (Exercise with Oxygen Therapy) use the effect of additional saturation of the plasma with oxygen, which can contribute to the improvement of health, performance and regeneration of the body. In our pilot studies, after completing 10 applications of EWOT, the antioxidant capacity was stimulated in vaccinated patients after overcoming COVID-19 and in elite female athletes during the period of maximum training load. Prospective directions for the use of oxygen therapy in mitochondrial medicine include clarifying the mechanisms of the metabolic effect of HBOT and EWOT on the body's antioxidant systems, oxidative stress and mitochondrial function.