Project description:Illumina HT-12 v4 microarrays were used to measure genome-wide gene expression in peripheral blood from occupational offshore divers, all male and fulfilling the criteria for diving personnel set in the NORSOK U-100 standard for manned underwater operations. Saturation dives lasted 13 - 20 days, with maximal diving depths 100 - 125 mws. Elevated oxygen during deep saturation dives triggers oxidative stress. To test the effects of oral antioxidants on post-dive gene expression, the divers were divided into two groups: one group (13 divers) received daily supplementation of antioxidant vitamins C (500mg/day) and E (200mg/day) during their dives, the other (7 divers) was not.