Gas bubbles may not be the underlying cause of decompression illness – The at-depth endothelial dysfunction hypothesis

摘要: Gas formed in tissues and the circulating blood due to decompression is thought be a significant factor progression of illness (DCI). DCI potential problem for growing population professional recreational divers. We hypothesise that these gas bubbles are not causative agent DCI, rather an exacerbating factor. Endothelial dysfunction caused by temporary loss haemostasis increased total oxidant status postulated cause this at-depth endothelial hypothesis. Breathing oxygen at any pressure increases circulation causing vasoconstriction; increase can prevented antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, maintaining preventing activation endothelium, leukocyte recruitment subsequent localised inflammation. Bubbles have exacerbate situation on damaging vascular endothelium either through ischemia/reperfusion, physical contact with or shear stress. Furthermore, damage may manifest itself release membrane fragments (microparticles).