What Researchers Did
Researchers investigated the effects of acute hyperbaric and hyperoxic exposure from scuba or closed-circuit rebreather (CCR) diving on spirometry and oxidative stress markers in six well-trained divers.
What They Found
Spirometry results were not significantly affected by different breathing conditions (air vs. CCR). However, after CCR dives, there was a significant increase in urinary 8-OH-dG levels (from 1.85 ± 0.66 to 4.35 ± 2.12; P < 0.05) and 8-isoprostane levels (from 1.35 ± 0.20 to 2.59 ± 0.61; P < 0.05), indicating increased oxidative stress.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian patients who are divers, especially those using closed-circuit rebreathers, this study suggests an increased risk of oxidative stress. While spirometry may not show immediate changes, divers should be aware of potential cellular damage from hyperoxic exposure.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
A significant limitation of this study is the very small sample size of only six divers, which limits the generalizability of the findings.