Serum and Stimulated Saliva C-reactive Protein Changes in Altitude Chamber

Abstract

Objectives: The object of the research was to examine stimulated saliva and serum C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) prior and following the experience of hypobaric hypoxia process (EHHP) in an altitude chamber in aviators. Methods: A total of 40 healthy aircrew (age: 31.8 ± 6.0 years; BMI: 25.6 ± 2.7 Kg/cm2) experienced hypobaric chamber. Hs-CRP levels were assayed in stimulated whole saliva and serum before and after intervention by the ELISA method and were statistically analyzed by the paired student’s t test. Results: Mean serum hs-CRP concentration was significantly increased following intervention (before: 1.78 ± 0.33 µg/mL versus after: 2.58 ± 0.45 µg/mL) (p = 0.02). Stimulated saliva hs-CRP level was also significantly higher following EHHP (1.71 ± 0.17 ng/mL) compared to before experiencing it (0.79 ± 0.12 ng/mL, P = 0.007). Conclusions: It seems that the salivary and serum levels of hs-CRP rise following the experience of hypobaric hypoxia process.