Mailing List Archive

Mailing List: techdiver

Message Display

	There has been some recent discussions raising concern about O2 free
radicals. This resulted in in-depth talk of the nature of ALL free radicals,
most of which was irrelevant to diving. What is of concern is that the higher
ppO2 levels to which divers are exposed can lead to excess formation of O2
free radicals such as superoxide. O2 free radicals in circulation can lead to 
a cascade of inflammation and tissue damage, especially in regions where the
blood vessel's endothelium is already disrupted.

	In the non-diving individual free radicals, of this kind have been 
shown to be involved in inflammation and even atheroscerosis in regions of
endothelial damage. DCI, both severe and asymptomatic, involves the formation
of 'bubbles' in the bloodstream and it is possible that such bubbles could 
severely damage the endothelium. If this occurs the extra O2 free radicals
to which the diver is exposed could lead to real problems.

	I have not yet read the Aquacorps article which has been referred to 
but I would have thought - with my limited knowledge - that if one is really
concerned about this matter, rather that fill oneself with drugs vitamin E
would be a safe and effective alternative. Vit E is a well known 'natural
scavenger' and should be safe even at depth.

	Does anyone more medically inclined have any comments?

Yours to the dratted seaweed!

Dr Ali Lawrie.

Navigate by Author: [Previous] [Next] [Author Search Index]
Navigate by Subject: [Previous] [Next] [Subject Search Index]

[Send Reply] [Send Message with New Topic]

[Search Selection] [Mailing List Home] [Home]