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Int J Sports Med 2013; 34(10): 856-860
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1334912
Physiology & Biochemistry
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

EPO Modulation in a 14-Days Undersea Scuba Dive

L. Revelli
1   Endocrine and Metabolic Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
,
S. Vagnoni
2   Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Institute, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
,
A. D’Amore
1   Endocrine and Metabolic Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
,
E. Di Stasio
3   Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry Institute, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
,
C. P. Lombardi
1   Endocrine and Metabolic Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
,
G. Storti
4   Department of Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
,
R. Proietti
2   Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Institute, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
,
C. Balestra
5   Haute Ecole Paul Henri Spaak, Environmental & Occupational Physiology, Auderghem, Belgium
,
B. M. Ricerca
6   Hematology Institute, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History



accepted after revision 31 December 2012

Publication Date:
13 May 2013 (online)

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Abstract

Erythropoiesis is affected during deep saturation dives. The mechanism should be related to a downregulation of serum Erythropoietin (s-EPO) concentration or to a toxic effect of the hyperbaric hyperoxia. We evaluated s-EPO and other haematological parameters in 6 scuba divers before, during and after a 14-days guinness saturation dive (8–10 m). Athletes were breathing air at 1.8–2 ATA, under the control of a team of physicians. Serum parameters were measured before diving (T0) and: 7 days (T1), 14 days (T2) after the beginning of the dive and 2 h (T3) and 24 h (T4) after resurfacing. Hgb, and many other haematological parameters did not change whereas Ht, s-EPO, the ratio between s-EPO predicted and that observed and reticulocytes (absolute, percent) declined progressively from T0 to T3. At T4 a significant rise in s-EPO was observed. Hgb did not vary but erythropoiesis seemed to be affected as s-EPO and reticulocyte counts showed. All these changes were statistically significant. The experiment, conducted in realistic conditions of dive length, oxygen concentration and pressure, allows us to formulate some hypotheses about the role of prolonged hyperbarism on erythropoiesis. The s-EPO rise, 24 h after resurfacing, is clearly documented and related to the “Normobaric Oxygen Paradox”. This evidence suggests interesting hypotheses for new clinical applications such as modulation of s-EPO production and Hgb content triggered by appropriate O2 administration in pre-surgical patients or in some anemic disease.

Key words

erythropoietin (EPO) - hyperbarism - hyperoxia - reactive oxygen species (ROS) - normobaric oxygen paradox (NOP) - diving - scuba dive - free radicals
 

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