Changes in vitamin D and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in submariners during a submerged patrol

• Published in: Occupational and environmental medicine (London, England) England), 2014-02, Vol.71 (2), p.104-108
• Main Authors: Baker, A, Wood, C L, Wood, A M, Timms, P, Allsopp, A J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Adverse effects; Analysis of Variance; Armed forces; Biological and medical sciences; Biomarkers - blood; Blood; Blood pressure; Body tissues; Dosage; Female; Health risks; Heart attacks; Humans; Male; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 - blood; Medical sciences; Military Personnel; Naval bases; Navies; Occupational medicine; Prospective Studies; Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine; Submarine Medicine; Submariners; Sunlight; Time Factors; Vitamin D; Vitamin D - blood; Vitamin D deficiency; Vitamin deficiency; Workplace
• ISSN: 1351-0711; 1470-7926
• DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2013-101793

Objectives To quantify changes in vitamin D and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) in submariners over a single long patrol and compare the data to a group of non-deploying servicemen from their base port. Methods A prospective time-series analysis was performed. Blood samples were taken from 49 submariners deploying on patrol and 43 shore-side controls from the base port (naval officers from base or non-deploying submariners), following a winter ashore at latitude 56° north. Samples were drawn immediately before the submarine sailed, in January, and again in the final week of patrol 85 days later. Paired pre-patrol and late samples from each individual were assayed together and changes in vitamin D and MMP9 were assessed. Results Mean pre-patrol vitamin D concentrations were 58 and 49 nmol/L for the controls and submariners, respectively. Mean vitamin D concentrations increased in controls as expected (mean increase 12.6 nmol/L), but not in the submariners (mean decrease 1.6 nmol/L). MMP9 levels were significantly higher in submariners pre-patrol, and increased significantly during the patrol. There was a significant inverse correlation between MMP9 and vitamin D levels (r=−0.41, p=0.01). Conclusions This is the first study to quantify vitamin D and MMP levels in submariners. Circulating vitamin D concentrations on board were insufficient to prevent a rise in MMP. This has potential for adverse health effects and requires further study.