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Abstract

Novel Research in Sciences

Influence of Hyperbaric Conditions on Serum Cortisol Levels and Alpha- Amylase in Saliva

  • Open or CloseYordanova Mariana1,3*, Shopov Nikola2 and Daniela Gerova3

    1Military Medical Academy, Multiprofile Hospital for Active Treatment, Bulgaria

    2Military Medical Academy, Department of Aviation and Marine Medicine, Bulgaria

    3Paraskev Stoyanov Medical University Varna, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Bulgaria

    *Corresponding author: Yordanova Mariana, Military Medical Academy, Multiprofile Hospital for Active Treatment, Head Clinical laboratiory and immunology, Bulgaria

Submission: July 13, 2022;Published: July 29, 2022

Abstract

Introduction: A high level of physiological stress characterizes diving. Serum cortisol and Salivary Alpha- Amylase (sAA) values are markers closely related to dynamics and adaptation under different stress conditions.
The aim is to determine serum cortisol and salivary alpha-amylase levels as stress markers affected by diving and hyperbaric conditions.
Material and methods: Twenty-two military divers with an average age of 34.4±4.1 years were studied, with more than five years of diving experience, conducting 42-meter dives into the hyperbaric chamber with a bottom time of 35 minutes. Serum levels of cortisol and sAA were determined twice (before and 15min after decompression).
Results and discussion: Contrary to expectations, the mean values of cortisol before compression in the chamber were higher than after surfacing, and the difference was statistically significant (11.82±4.42μg/ dl, respectively 9.09±2.73μg/dl; p=0.0377). After decompression, the salivary values of sAA increased compared to the pre-chamber, but they were not statistically significant (77.01±54.28, respectively, 54.69±36.27 U/ml; p=0.1817).
We hypothesize that subjects have adapted in the stress response during dive into the chamber and that cortisol levels paradoxically do not increase after the descent. Increased sAA levels are most likely due to the effects of hyperbaric oxygenation and dehydration, decreased salivary secretion, and to a lesser extent, stress.
Conclusion: The conditions in the chamber are not adequate to the extreme stress conditions of the actual underwater descent, where the stress factor is hypothermia, fatigue, anxiety, poor visibility and more. A real-sea study will provide more accurate information on the occurrence of diving stress.

Keywords:Divers; Stress; Cortisol; Alpha-amylase; Saliva

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