Preventive Immunomodulatory Effects of Doxycycline and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Serum Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and Interleukin-6 Levels in a Rat Model of Malaria

Background

Malaria remains a major global health problem causing morbidity and mortality. Although doxycycline is widely used as an effective malaria chemoprophylactic agent, its use is limited in certain populations (doxycycline should not be given to children under 8 years of age and pregnant women). These limitations, together with the growing challenge of antimalarial drug resistance, necessitate the exploration of adjunctive and alternative prophylactic strategies. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), which involves inhalation of 100% oxygen under increased atmospheric pressure, has demonstrated immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects in various infectious diseases.