Evaluation of changes in the expression level of some genes involved in decompression sickness in the pressure changes

Abstract

This study evaluates the expression level some genes that change by pressure changes in astronautics and divingdisorders in decompression sickness. This study was performed on 5 skilled divers and the expression level of TLR-2, HSP72, IL-1b, NF-kB and MPO genes, which are responsible for proinflammatory conditions, as well as the expression level of astronaut index genes, ie DRD4 and BNIP3 were analyzed on native Iranian samples. Blood samples were taken from healthy divers and controls, their RNA was extracted and cDNA was synthesized. PCRreal-time reactions were performed to investigate changes in gene expression using specific primers. Student's t-test statistical analysis showed that the expression level of all genes except MPO and TLR-2 genes increased significantly after exposure to pressure changes and diving activities. These changes can be considered as an indicator for healthy people under stress in space climbing as well as diving