Intermittent hypoxia hypobaric exposure minimized oxidative stress and antioxidants in brain cells of Sprague Dawley mice

Background: Hypoxia hypobaric increase the production of free radicals, especially reactive oxygen species (ROS). The increase in ROS would cause oxidative stress when not accompanied by an increase in antioxidant enzymes. This condition may minimize by intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (IHH). This study aimed to identify the number of IHH which may minimize the effect of hypoxia hypobaric on oxidative stress and the specifi c activity of antioxidants in Sprague Dawley male mice. Methods: The experimental study was in February-April 2010 consisted of one control group and four exposed groups of male mice Sprague Dawley. Each groups consisted of 5 mice. The control group did not have IHH. The exposed groups (with an interval of one week) had once, twice, three, or four times IHH using a chamber fl ight. All exposed groups were treated hypobaric equivalent to: 35,000 ft altitude (1 minutes), 25,000 ft (5 minutes), and 18,000 ft (25 minutes). All of their brains had 8-OHdG and SOD measured. Results: The 8-OHdG level among three time IHH exposures had already returned to the control value (P = 0.843). The SOD level increased progressively among two, three, and four times IHH. However after the second exposure, it was found that the SOD level was similar to the control value, 0.231 ± 0.042 (P = 0.191). Conclusion: In conclusion, three times of IHH may improve the effect of hypoxia hypobaric on oxidative stress and specifi c activity of antioxidants in Sprague Dawley male mice. The SOD level was increased at an earlier exposure, which was after one IHH exposure.