ABSTRACT
Background: Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) is currently emerging as a promising therapeutic option for diseases involving impaired tissue repair and remodeling. In this regard, HBO2 has been shown to modulate signaling pathways responsible for matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) regulation, which makes the MMPs interesting targets for investigation. However, the understanding regarding how HBO2 treatment affects the expression and activity of the MMP family members in different tissues and diseases needs to be clarified. The precise roles of MMPs in the physiopathology of various tissue repair disorders also remain unclear. Because of potential off-target systemic effects of the HBO2 on MMPs, researchers and physicians should carefully consider whether their patients could be affected adversely by HBO2 exposure. Aims: This narrative review provides an overview of MMP biology (structure, function, and regulation) and summarizes available data showing how MMPs respond to HBO2 in different tissues and pathologies, also highlighting possible mechanisms.
