Effects of hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning on human anti-oxidation level of individuals who moved from plain to plateau

Objective To investigate the state of oxidation/anti-oxidation before and after load exercises in military personnel who moved from plain to plateau, and intervention effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) preconditioning. Methods Six healthy male soldiers who used to live in the plain region, joined the army, and moved to the plateau region 6 to 12 months ago were enrolled for our study. Before HBO preconditioning and after 5-day and 7-day preconditioning, changes in the levels of serum 8-iso PGF2α, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and GSH-Px were detected both at rest and 30 min after exercise. The mode of exercise was 5-min walking up the steps at a rate of 25 steps, with the height of each step being 30 cm. A pacer was used to control the rate of walking up the steps and measure time consumption. Exercise intensity was equivalent to 650 kg·m/min (medium and slightly heavy intensity exercise). Results Before HBOP, levels of serum 8-iso PGF2α and MDA detected after exercise were significantly higher that those at rest, while the levels of SOD and GSH-Px were significantly lower than those at rest, with statistical significance (P<0.01). After 5-day and 7-day HBOP, no significant differences in the levels of 8-iso PGF2α, MDA, SOD and GSH-Px could be detected after exercise, as compared with those detected at rest, all without statistical significance (P<0.05). The levels of 8-iso PGF2α and MDA detected after exercise were significantly lower than those detected after exercise and prior to HBO preconditioning, all with statistical significance (P<0.01). And no significant differences could be seen in various indicators, when comparisons were made between the indicators detected after 7-day and 5-day HBOP. Conclusions Oxidative stress was obviously present in plateau soldiers, when undertaking moderate intensity exercise. HBO preconditioning could significantly increase anti-oxidative capacity of soldiers with physical load in the plateau region and alleviate oxidative stress injury, and moreover, the imbalance between oxidation and anti-oxidation could be rectified after 5-day HBOP. Key words: Oxidation; Anti-oxidation; HBO; Exercise load; Plateau