Fatty acids and sphingolipids profile in the blood plasma of experienced divers in response to hyperbaric exposure

Hyperbaric exposure mimics air-breathing scuba diving, which is reaching enormous popularity around the world. The diver's body is subjected to a broad range of divergent effects exerted by, e.g.: an increased partial pressure of inert gases, microclotting, oxidative stress and/or production of gas bubbles. However, very little is known regarding the impact of hyperbaric exposure on plasma fatty acids content and composition, together with the body's sphingolipids profile.

The aim of this study was to investigate the contents of major fatty acids present in the plasma as well as sphingolipids, namely: sphingosine (SPH); sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P); sphinganine (SPA); and ceramide (CER), after hyperbaric exposure corresponding to dives conducted to the depths of 30 and 60 meters of seawater. For the plasma lipids measurements, high-performance liquid chromatography together with gas-liquid chromatography were applied.

We demonstrated that hyperbaric exposure does not affect the content and composition of plasma fatty acids of experienced divers. Similarly, the amounts of major sphingolipids fractions were not influenced, as only the content of sphingosine-1-phosphate in the plasma was significantly decreased.

Observed lack of significant changes in plasma lipid profile after hyperbaric exposure suggests that the procedure might be considered as secure. However, decreased sphingosine-1-phosphate content in the plasma might possibly exert some adverse effects.