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Biomedical subjects

B Gardette

Publications and source records attributed to B Gardette.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Ascent rate, age, maximal oxygen uptake, adiposity, and circulating venous bubbles after diving.

Decompression sickness in diving is recognized as a multifactorial phenomenon, depending on several factors, such as decompression rate and individual susceptibility. The Doppler ultrasonic detection of circulating venous bubbles after diving is considered a useful index for the safety of decompression because of the relationship between bubbles and decompression sickness risk. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of ascent rate, age, maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2 max)), and percent body fat on the production of bubbles after diving. Fifty male recreational divers performed two dives at 35 m during 25 min and then ascended in one case at 9 m/min and in the other case at 17 m/min. They performed the same decompression stops in the two cases. Twenty-eight divers were Doppler monitored at 10-min intervals, until 60 min after surfacing, and the data were analyzed by Wilcoxon signed-rank test to compare the effect of ascent rate on the kinetics of bubbles. Twenty-two divers were monitored 60 min after surfacing. The effect on bubble production 60 min after surfacing of the four variables was studied in 47 divers. The data were analyzed by multinomial log-linear model. The analysis showed that the 17 m/min ascent produced more elevated grades of bubbles than the 9 m/min ascent (P < 0.05), except at the 40-min interval, and showed relationships between grades of bubbles and ascent rate and age and interaction terms between VO(2 max) and age, as well as VO(2 max) and percent body fat. Younger, slimmer, or aerobically fitter divers produced fewer bubbles compared with older, fatter, or poorly physically fit divers. These findings and the conclusions of previous studies performed on animals and humans led us to support that ascent rate, age, aerobic fitness, and adiposity are factors of susceptibility for bubble formation after diving.

Adipose Tissue↗

Operation Everest III (Comex'97): the effect of simulated sever hypobaric hypoxia on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defence systems in human blood at rest and after maximal exercise.

Eight subjects were placed in a decompression chamber for 31 days at pressures from sea level (SL) to 8848 m altitude equivalent. Whole blood lipid peroxidation (LP) was increased at 6000 m by a mean of 23% (P<0.05), at 8000 m by 79% (P<0.01) and at 8848 m by 94% (P<0.01). (All figures are means.) Two days after return to sea level (RSL), it remained high, by 81% (P<0.01), while corresponding erythrocyte GSH/GSSG ratios decreased by 31, 46, 49, 48%, respectively (each P<0.01). Erythrocyte SOD and plasma ascorbate did not change significantly. At sea level, maximal exercise induced a 49% increase in LP (P<0.01), and a 27% decrease in erythrocyte GSH/GSSG ratio relative to resting values (P<0.05). At 6000 m, the LP was enhanced further from 23 (P<0.05) to 66% (P<0.01), and after RSL from 81 (P<0.01) to 232% (P<0.01), while pre-exercise GSH/GSSG ratios did not change significantly. Exercise did not change plasma ascorbate relative to sea level or to 6000 m, but decreased after RSL by 32% (P<0.01). These findings suggest that oxidative stress is induced by prolonged hypobaric hypoxia, and is maintained by rapid return to sea level, similar to the post-hypoxic re-oxygenation process. It is increased by physical exercise.

Acclimatization↗

Anti-inflammatory properties of molecular hydrogen: investigation on parasite-induced liver inflammation.

Molecular hydrogen reacts with the hydroxyl radical, a highly cytotoxic species produced in inflamed tissues. It has been suggested therefore to use gaseous hydrogen in a new anti-inflammatory strategy. We tested this idea, with the aid of the equipment and skills of COMEX SA in Marseille, a group who experiments with oxygen-hydrogen breathing mixtures for professional deep-sea diving. The model used was schistosomiasis-associated chronic liver inflammation. Infected animals stayed 2 weeks in an hyperbaric chamber in a normal atmosphere supplemented with 0.7 MPa hydrogen. The treatment had significant protective effects towards liver injury, namely decreased fibrosis, improvement of hemodynamics, increased NOSII activity, increased antioxidant enzyme activity, decreased lipid peroxide levels and decreased circulating TNF-alpha levels. Under the same conditions, helium exerted also some protective effects, indicating that hydroxyl radical scavenging is not the only protective mechanism. These findings indicate that the proposed anti-inflammatory strategy deserves further attention.

Animals↗

Doppler study of middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity and cerebral autoregulation during a simulated ascent of Mount Everest.

OBJECTIVE: To explore cerebral hemodynamics in 8 healthy volunteers in a hypobaric chamber up to the altitude of Mount Everest after a progressive stepwise decompression to 8,848 m. METHODS: Physiological, clinical, and transcranial Doppler data were collected after at least 3 days at 5,000, 6,000, and 7,000 m and within 4 hours of reaching 8,000 m and returning to sea level. RESULTS: Three subjects were excluded at 8,000 and 8,848 m because of acute neurological deficits. Heart rate increased; mean arterial pressure remained stable; PaO2 and PaCO2 decreased with altitude; hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Ht) increased; arterial O2 content decreased over 6,000 m; middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity (MCAv) increased only during acute exposure to 8,000 m; and the corresponding pulsatility (PI) and resistivity indices (RI) decreased over 5,000 m. PI and RI correlated with heart rate. The transient hyperemic response (THR) of MCAv to common carotid compression was depressed at 8,000 m. CONCLUSIONS: At 8,000 m, the increase in MCAv seemed to reflect the normal hemodynamic response to acute hypoxia. The decrease of THR at this altitude could be an indication of impaired cerebral autoregulation. The role of impaired cerebral autoregulation in the genesis of acute neurologic deficits, observed at 8,000 m and above in 3 subjects, remains speculative.

Adult↗

Changes in maximal performance of inspiratory and skeletal muscles during and after the 7.1-MPa Hydra 10 record human dive.

During the 7.1-MPa hydrogen-helium-oxygen record human dive, we tested the hypothesis that the increased ambient pressure would alter the maximal muscle performance, specifically that breathing dense gas would lead to fatigue of the respiratory muscle. A group of hand muscles (adductor pollicis, AP) and the inspiratory muscles (IM) were studied in three professional divers. Maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) of AP and maximal inspiratory pressure (P(i(max))) generated by IM were measured prior to the dive, during compression and decompression, and then 1 and 2 months after the dive. The decrease in MVC (-22%) was significant at 3.1 MPa, i.e. at the beginning of the introduction of hydrogen into the breathing mixture, whereas P(i(max)) fell progressively during the dive and decompression (maximal DeltaP(i(max)) = -55%), a significant reduction still being measured 1 month after the dive. The altered IM function was attributed to the consequences of long-term ventilatory loading, a condition associated with breathing a dense gas. The transient decrease in MVC of the skeletal muscle would indicate a possible effect of the hyperbaric environment, possibly the high partial pressure of hydrogen, on neuromuscular drive.

Diving↗

Ascent rate and circulating venous bubbles in recreational diving.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the ascent rate on the production of venous circulating bubbles during the decompression following a recreational dive. Twenty-eight recreational divers performed two open water dives at 35 m during 25 minutes. Ascent rate up to the decompression stop was in one case 9 meter per minute (m/min) and in the other case 17 m/min. Circulating venous bubbles were screened using continuous wave Doppler every 10 minutes during one hour after surfacing. Bubbles Doppler signals were graded according to the Spencer scale (from 0 to IV), and the Kisman integrated severity score (KISS) was calculated. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significantly higher bubbles grade and a significantly higher KISS following the rapid decompression compared to the slow one (respectively p = 0.001 and p = 0.0001). In conclusion, these results demonstrate that a 9 m/min ascent rate is safer than a 17 m/min one.

Adult↗

Operation Everest III: role of plasma volume expansion on VO(2)(max) during prolonged high-altitude exposure.

We hypothesize that plasma volume decrease (DeltaPV) induced by high-altitude (HA) exposure and intense exercise is involved in the limitation of maximal O(2) uptake (VO(2)(max)) at HA. Eight male subjects were decompressed for 31 days in a hypobaric chamber to the barometric equivalent of Mt. Everest (8,848 m). Maximal exercise was performed with and without plasma volume expansion (PVX, 219-292 ml) during exercise, at sea level (SL), at HA (370 mmHg, equivalent to 6, 000 m after 10-12 days) and after return to SL (RSL, 1-3 days). Plasma volume (PV) was determined at rest at SL, HA, and RSL by Evans blue dilution. PV was decreased by 26% (P < 0.01) at HA and was 10% higher at RSL than at SL. Exercise-induced DeltaPV was reduced both by PVX and HA (P < 0.05). Compared with SL, VO(2)(max) was decreased by 58 and 11% at HA and RSL, respectively. VO(2)(max) was enhanced by PVX at HA (+9%, P < 0.05) but not at SL or RSL. The more PV was decreased at HA, the more VO(2)(max) was improved by PVX (P < 0.05). At exhaustion, plasma renin and aldosterone were not modified at HA compared with SL but were higher at RSL, whereas plasma atrial natriuretic factor was lower at HA. The present results suggest that PV contributes to the limitation of VO(2)(max) during acclimatization to HA. RSL-induced PVX, which may be due to increased activity of the renin-aldosterone system, could also influence the recovery of VO(2)(max).

Adult↗

Operation Everest III (Comex '97): modifications of cardiac function secondary to altitude-induced hypoxia. An echocardiographic and Doppler study.

During Operation Everest III (Comex '97), to assess the consequences of altitude-induced hypoxia, eight volunteers were decompressed in a hypobaric chamber, with a decompression profile simulating the climb of Mount Everest. Cardiac function was assessed using a combination of M-mode and two-dimensional echocardiography, with continuous and pulsed Doppler at 5,000, 7,000, and 8,000 m as well as 2 d after return to sea level (RSL). On simulated ascent to altitude, aortic and left atrial diameters, left ventricular (LV) diameters, and right ventricular (RV) end-systolic diameter fell regularly. Heart rate (HR) increased at all altitudes accompanied by a decrease in stroke volume; in total, cardiac output (Q) remained unchanged. LV filling was assessed on transmitral and pulmonary venous flow profiles. Mitral peak E velocity decreased, peak A velocity increased, and E/A ratio decreased. Pulmonary venous flow velocities showed a decreased peak D velocity, a decreased peak S velocity, and a reduction of the D/S ratio. Systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (Ppa) showed a progressive and constant increase, as seen on the elevation of the right ventricular/right atrial (RV/RA) gradient pressure from 19.0 +/- 2.4 mm Hg at sea level up to 40.1 +/- 3.3 mm Hg at 8,000 m (p < 0.05), and remained elevated 2 d after recompression to sea level (SL) (not significant). In conclusion, this study confirmed the elevation of pulmonary pressures and the preservation of LV contractility secondary to altitude-induced hypoxia. It demonstrated a modification of the LV filling pattern, with a decreased early filling and a greater contribution of the atrial contraction, without elevation of LV end-diastolic pressure.

Adult↗

Color discrimination under chronic hypoxic conditions (simulated climb "Everest-Comex 97").

Hypoxia is known to alter visual functions. In the present study, the effects of chronic hypobaric hypoxia upon visual color discrimination were studied in 8 subjects participating in a simulated climb from sea level (PO2 = 210 hPa) to 8,848 m (PO2 = 70 hPa) over a 31-day period of confinement in a decompression chamber ('Everst-Comex 97'). During these investigations, the subjects were required to discriminate between colors of different hue in the red, blue, and green ranges. Alterations in color discrimination increased slightly but significantly as altitude increased. Impairments occurred mainly in the red and blue ranges. In addition, our results further indicate that color discrimination would be affected only when a minimum threshold of difference between color stimuli is not present. Methodological and physiological implications are discussed.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

A study of mood changes and personality during a 31-day period of chronic hypoxia in a hypobaric chamber (Everest-Comex 97).

High altitudes of more than 3,000 meters produce physiological disorders and adverse changes in mood states. In the present study, we report analyses of mood states and personality traits in eight experienced climbers participating in a 31-day period of confinement in hypobaric chamber and gradual decompression from sea level to 8,848 m (Experiment 'Everest-Comex 97'). The subjects were tested at 5,500 m and 6,500 m on Day 13, 5,000 m and 6,500 m on Day 24, and 8,000 m and 8,848 m altitude on Days 27 and 31. Adverse changes in mood states, such as Vigor and Fatigue, occurred at 8,000 m and 8,848 m, which were significantly correlated with cerebral altitude symptomatology. In addition, a significant negative correlation was found between Fatigue and Factor C, which is a personality measure of emotional stability. We suggest that individuals with low emotional stability could be more sensitive to environmental stressors than more emotionally stable subjects who face reality.

Adult↗

Psychomotor skills learning under chronic hypoxia.

Psychomotor deficits are a prominent feature in subjects exposed to hypoxia. Eight subjects exposed to chronic hypoxia during a simulated climb to 8848 m (Everest-Comex 97) were investigated using both a simple psychomotor task (Purdue pegboard) and two complex psychomotor tasks including a recognition task of either a color stimulus (high semantic level) or an abstract sign (low semantic level). Exposure to hypoxic stress mainly produced psychomotor skills learning deficits compared to control study, with greater deficits in the complex psychomotor task. The pattern of results suggests disruptions of motor strategic process. Our data further suggest that the relative strength of implicit or automatic memory processes associated with semantic information processing may increase when disturbances occur in brain functions.

Adult↗

An anxiety, personality and altitude symptomatology study during a 31-day period of hypoxia in a hypobaric chamber (experiment 'Everest-Comex 1997').

Extreme environmental situations are useful tools for the investigation of the general processes of adaptation. Among such situations, high altitude of more than 3000 m produces a set of pathological disorders that includes both cerebral (cAS) and respiratory (RAS) altitude symptoms. High altitude exposure further induces anxiety responses and behavioural disturbances. The authors report an investigation on anxiety responses, personality traits, and altitude symptoms (AS) in climbers participating in a 31-day period of confinement and gradual decompression in a hypobaric chamber equivalent to a climb from sea-level to Mount Everest (8848 m altitude). Personality traits, state-trait anxiety, and AS were assessed, using the Cattell 16 Personality Factor questionnaire (16PF), the Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Lake Louise concensus questionnaire. Results show significant group effect for state-anxiety and AS; state-anxiety and AS increased as altitude increased. They also show that state-type anxiety shows a similar time-course to cAS, but not RAS. Alternatively, our results demonstrate a significant negative correlation between Factor M of the 16PF questionnaire, which is a personality trait that ranges from praxernia to autia. In contrast, no significant correlation was found between personality traits and AS. This suggests that AS could not be predicted using personality traits and further support that personality traits, such as praxernia (happening sensitivity), could play a major role in the occurrence of state-type anxiety responses in extreme environments. In addition, the general processes of coping and adaptation in individuals participating in extreme environmental experiments are discussed.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Decrease of subcutaneous adipose tissue lipolysis after exposure to hypoxia during a simulated ascent of Mt Everest.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of prolonged hypoxia on adipose tissue lipolysis, in relation to the weight loss usually observed at high altitude. Eight male subjects were exposed for 31 days to gradually increasing hypobaric hypoxia up to the equivalent altitude of 8848 m (Mt Everest) in a decompression chamber, after 7 days at 4350 m for altitude pre-acclimatization. A biopsy of subcutaneous adipose tissue was performed before and after hypoxic exposure, to study in vitro changes in adipose tissue sensitivity. Fat mass, adipocyte volume and spontaneous lipolysis were not impaired by the exposure to hypoxia. The in vitro lipolytic response to epinephrine, isoproterenol, growth hormone (GH) and parathormone (PTH) decreased significantly (P<0.01, P<0.05, P<0.01 and P<0.01 respectively), as did the plasma concentration of free fatty acid (P<0.01). The anti-lipolytic effect promoted by alpha2-adrenergic receptor stimulation (epinephrine with propranolol) was greater after hypoxia (P<0.05), while the anti-lipolytic activity of insulin was decreased (P<0.01). In conclusion, prolonged exposure to hypobaric hypoxia led to a potent reduction in lipid mobilization, through a decrease in the efficiency of beta-adrenergic, GH and PTH lipolytic pathways, as well as an increment in the alpha2-adrenergic-receptor-mediated anti-lipolytic effects.

Adipose Tissue↗

Circulating venous bubbles in recreational diving: relationships with age, weight, maximal oxygen uptake and body fat percentage.

Decompression sickness (DCS) is recognized as a multifactorial phenomenon depending on several individual factors, such as age, adiposity, and level of fitness. The detection of circulating venous bubbles is considered as a useful index for the safety of a decompression, because of the relationship between bubbles and DCS probability. The aim of this work was to study the effects of individual variables which can be assessed non invasively, on the grades of bubbles detected 60 min, after diving by means of Doppler monitoring, in a sample of 40 male recreational scuba divers. The variables investigated were: age, weight, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and percentage of body fat (%BF). Bubble signals were graded according to the code of Spencer. The relationships between the bubble grades (BG) and the variables investigated were studied using two methods: the differences between the average values of each variable at each BG were analyzed by the Scheffe test. Then we performed the non-parametric Spearman correlation analysis. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were found (Scheffe test) between average values of the variables at grade 0 and 3 (age: P = 0.0323; weight: P = 0.0420; VO2max: P = 0.0484), except for %BF (P = 0.1697). Relationships with P < 0.01 were found (Spearman correlation) between BG and the variables: age: p = 0.486, P = 0.0024; weight: p = 0.463, P = 0.0039; VO2max: p = -0.481, P = 0.0027; except for %BF: p = 0.362, P = 0.0237. This work showed that bubble production after hyperbaric exposures depends on several individual factors. The effects of age, weight and VO2max are more significant than the effect of %BF. We concluded that to take into account such variables in decompression tables and diving computer programs should allow to adapt the decompression procedures to individual risk factors and reduce the DCS probability.

Adult↗

Appetite at "high altitude" [Operation Everest III (Comex-'97)]: a simulated ascent of Mount Everest.

We hypothesized that progressive loss of body mass during high-altitude sojourns is largely caused by decreased food intake, possibly due to hypobaric hypoxia. Therefore we assessed the effect of long-term hypobaric hypoxia per se on appetite in eight men who were exposed to a 31-day simulated stay at several altitudes up to the peak of Mt. Everest (8,848 m). Palatable food was provided ad libitum, and stresses such as cold exposure and exercise were avoided. At each altitude, body mass, energy, and macronutrient intake were measured; attitude toward eating and appetite profiles during and between meals were assessed by using questionnaires. Body mass reduction of an average of 5 +/- 2 kg was mainly due to a reduction in energy intake of 4.2 +/- 2 MJ/day (P < 0.01). At 5,000- and 6,000-m altitudes, subjects had hardly any acute mountain sickness symptoms and meal size reductions (P < 0.01) were related to a more rapid increase in satiety (P < 0.01). Meal frequency was increased from 4 +/- 1 to 7 +/- 1 eating occasions per day (P < 0. 01). At 7,000 m, when acute mountain sickness symptoms were present, uncoupling between hunger and desire to eat occurred and prevented a food intake necessary to meet energy balance requirements. On recovery, body mass was restored up to 63% after 4 days; this suggests physiological fluid retention with the return to sea level. We conclude that exposure to hypobaric hypoxia per se appears to be associated with a change in the attitude toward eating and with a decreased appetite and food intake.

Adult↗

Cough frequency and cough receptor sensitivity to citric acid challenge during a simulated ascent to extreme altitude.

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of cough and the citric acid cough threshold during hypobaric hypoxia under controlled environmental conditions. Subjects were studied during Operation Everest 3. Eight subjects ascended to a simulated altitude of 8,848 m over 31 days in a hypobaric chamber. Frequency of nocturnal cough was measured using voice-activated tape recorders, and cough threshold by inhalation of increasing concentrations of citric acid aerosol. Spirometry was performed before and after each test. Subjects recorded symptoms of acute mountain sickness and arterial oxygen saturation daily. Air temperature and humidity were controlled during the operation. Cough frequency increased with increasing altitude, from a median of 0 coughs (range 0-4) at sea level to 15 coughs (range 3-32) at a simulated altitude of 8,000 m. Cough threshold was unchanged on arrival at 5,000 m compared to sea level (geometric mean difference (GMD) 1.0, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.5-2.1, p=0.5), but fell on arrival at 8,000 m compared to sea level (GMD 3.3, 95% CI 1.1-10.3, p=0.043). There was no relationship between cough threshold and symptoms of acute mountain sickness, oxygen saturation or forced expiratory volume in one second. Temperature and humidity in the chamber were controlled between 18-24 degrees C and 30-60%, respectively. These results confirm an increase in cough frequency and cough receptor sensitivity associated with hypobaric hypoxia, and refute the hypothesis that high altitude cough is due to the inhalation of cold, dry air. The small sample size makes further conclusions difficult, and the cause of altitude-related cough remains unclear.

Adult↗

Operation Everest III (COMEX '97). Effects of prolonged and progressive hypoxia on humans during a simulated ascent to 8,848 M in a hypobaric chamber.

Exposure to high altitude induces physiological or pathological modifications that are not always clearly attributable to a specific environmental factor: hypoxia, cold, stress, inadequate food. The principal goal of hypobaric chamber studies is to determine the specific effect of hypoxia. Eight male volunteers ("altinauts"), aged 23 to 37 were selected. They were first preacclimatized in the Observatoire Vallot (4,350 m) before entering the chamber. The chamber was progressively decompressed down to 253 mmHg barometric pressure, with a recovery period of 3 days at 5,000 m in the middle of the decompression period. They spent a total of 31 days in the chamber. Eighteen protocols were organized by 14 European teams, exploring the limiting factors of physical and psychological performance, and the pathophysiology of acute mountain sickness (AMS). All subjects reached 8,000 m and 7 of them reached the simulated altitude of 8,848 m. Three altinauts complained of transient neurological symptoms which resolved rapidly with reoxygenation. Body weight decreased by 5.4 kg through a negative caloric balance. Only four days after the return to sea-level, subjects had recovered 3.4 kg, i.e. 63% of the total loss. At 8,848 m (n = 5), PaO2 was 30.6 +/- 1.4 mmHg, PCO2 11.9 +/- 1.4 mmHg, pH 7.58 +/- 0.02 (arterialized capillary blood). Hemoglobin concentration increased from 14.8 +/- 1.4 to 18.4 +/- 1.5 g/dl at 8,000 m and recovered within 4 days at sea-level. AMS score increased rapidly at 6,000 m and was maximal at 7,000 m, especially for sleep. AMS was related to alteration in color vision and elevation of body temperature. VO2MAX decreased by 59% at 7,000 m. The purpose of this paper is to give a general description of the study and the time course of the main clinical and physiological parameters. The altinauts reached the "summit" (for some of them three consecutive times) in better physiological conditions than it would have been possible in the mountains, probably because acclimatization and other environmental factors such as cold and nutrition were controlled.

Acclimatization↗

Doppler-echocardiography study of cardiac function during a 36 atm (3,650 kPa) human dive.

To determine the influence of a saturation dive on cardiac function, Doppler-echocardiographic measurements were compared at sea level and during a 36 atm (3,650 kPa) He-O2 dive (gas density: 7 g/liter) in four healthy men. Left ventricular systolic function was studied from time motion measurements. Transmitral flow (E:A ratio) and isovolumetric relaxation time were used to assess left ventricular diastolic function. Cardiac output was derived from systolic pulmonary and aortic valvular flows. Cardiac output decreased 4.4 +/- 0.8 vs. 5.9 +/- 1.2 liter/min at sea level) whereas stroke volume, left ventricular ejection fraction, atria and ventricular diameters remained unchanged. Thus, the decrease in cardiac output was attributed to bradycardia (56 +/- 8 vs. 73 +/- 9 beats/min at sea level) which probably resulted from the slight hyperoxia (PI(O2), 0.4 atm). We found no evidence of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. nor did we find valvular regurgitation or pulmonary hypertension. We conclude that Doppler-echocardiography can be used safely to investigate cardiac function during human saturation dives. Our results suggest that a 36 atm He-O2 dive does not modify cardiac or systolic and diastolic function except for a slight decrease in cardiac output correlated to bradycardia.

Adult↗