Effect of immersion in CO2-enriched water on free radical release and total antioxidant status in peripheral arterial occlusive disease.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this paper was to investigate the release of oxygen free radicals in patients with peripheral occlusive arterial disease and the effects of immersion of the legs and feet in carbon dioxide (CO(2))-enriched water.


METHODS
Twenty-five patients with peripheral occlusive arterial disease (Fontaine stage II) and 15 healthy controls were treated by immersing the lower legs in either CO(2)-enriched or normal spa water. Blood samples were collected in heparinized tubes and total antioxidant status (TAS) and reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs) were measured after five treatments a week for two weeks.


RESULTS
d-ROM plasma levels decreased in patients with peripheral occlusive disease after immersion in CO(2)-enriched water (P<0.001), and in healthy controls (P<0.01), in line with a significant increase in TAS (P<0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
CO(2)-enriched water immersion had a positive effect, reducing free radical plasma levels and raising the levels of antioxidants, suggesting an improvement in the microcirculation.
Department of Human Morphology and Biomedical Sciences Città Studi, University of Milan, Italy.
G
G
Dogliotti
E
E
Galliera
E
E
Iorio
M
M
De Bernardi Di Valserra
U
U
Solimene
M M
MM
Corsi
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism*; D001494:Baths; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007101:Immersion; D007558:Italy; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D058729:Peripheral Arterial Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy*; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000097:blood*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000975:Antioxidants; D015415:Biomarkers; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D002245:Carbon Dioxide