What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a double-blind, randomized crossover study with male Navy divers to identify proteins in the blood that change in response to prolonged hyperbaric stress and oxygen exposure.
What They Found
They analyzed 346 proteins and found 12 proteins significantly increased after exposure to enhanced air nitrox, related to blood clotting and immune responses. Differences were also noted in proteins related to coagulation, immune signaling, and metabolism between oxygen and nitrox dives.
Canadian Relevance
This study does not have Canadian authors or a direct Canadian connection. However, its findings on hyperbaric stress and oxygen toxicity are relevant to understanding decompression sickness, which is a Health Canada-recognized indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Study Limitations
The study was conducted on a specific population of trained male Navy divers, meaning the findings may not apply to other groups or patient populations.