Activation of platelets and inflammatory cytokines in male participants of an Indian Antarctic expedition

Abstract

Based on 12 male volunteers we investigated through blood samples at four distinct time-points if a sojourn of 90 days in the Antarctic environment induces or impels significant alterations in platelet activation and inflammatory cytokines. The levels of coagulation signatures in terms of platelet activation molecules, clotting time, clot rate, key inflammatory cytokines and coagulation-associated inflammatory markers were measured. Significant enhancement in the expression of platelet activation molecules and cytokines was observed with shortened clotting time, most prominent during the ship's approach to the continent. In conclusion, exposure to the Antarctic environment correlated with hyper activation of platelets and inflammatory cytokines, indicative of the pro-coagulative state.