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Clancy U, Cheng Y, Brara A, Doubal FN, Wardlaw JM. Occupational and domestic exposure associations with cerebral small vessel disease and vascular dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:3021-3033. [PMID: 38270898 PMCID: PMC11032565 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The prevalence of cerebral smallvessel disease (SVD) and vascular dementia according to workplace or domestic exposure to hazardous substances is unclear. METHODS We included studies assessing occupational and domestic hazards/at-risk occupations and SVD features. We pooled prevalence estimates using random-effects models where possible, or presented a narrative synthesis. RESULTS We included 85 studies (n = 47,743, mean age = 44·5 years). 52/85 reported poolable estimates. SVD prevalence in populations exposed to carbon monoxide was 81%(95% CI = 60-93%; n = 1373; results unchanged in meta-regression), carbon disulfide73% (95% CI = 54-87%; n = 131), 1,2-dichloroethane 88% (95% CI = 4-100%, n = 40), toluene 82% (95% CI = 3-100%, n = 64), high altitude 49% (95% CI = 38-60%; n = 164),and diving 24% (95% CI = 5-67%, n = 172). We narratively reviewed vascular dementia studies and contact sport, lead, military, pesticide, and solvent exposures as estimates were too few/varied to pool. DISCUSSION SVD and vascular dementia may be associated with occupational/domestic exposure to hazardous substances. CRD42021297800.
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Affiliation(s)
- Una Clancy
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences and the UK Dementia Research InstituteChancellor's BuildingUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Yajun Cheng
- Center of Cerebrovascular DiseasesDepartment of NeurologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Amrita Brara
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences and the UK Dementia Research InstituteChancellor's BuildingUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Fergus N. Doubal
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences and the UK Dementia Research InstituteChancellor's BuildingUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Joanna M. Wardlaw
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences and the UK Dementia Research InstituteChancellor's BuildingUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
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Connolly DM, Madden LA, Edwards VC, D'Oyly TJ, Harridge SDR, Smith TG, Lee VM. Early Human Pathophysiological Responses to Exertional Hypobaric Decompression Stress. Aerosp Med Hum Perform 2023; 94:738-749. [PMID: 37726900 DOI: 10.3357/amhp.6247.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Consistent blood biomarkers of hypobaric (altitude) decompression stress remain elusive. Recent laboratory investigation of decompression sickness risk at 25,000 ft (7620 m) enabled evaluation of early pathophysiological responses to exertional decompression stress.METHODS: In this study, 15 healthy men, aged 20-50 yr, undertook 2 consecutive (same-day) ascents to 25,000 ft (7620 m) for 60 and 90 min, breathing 100% oxygen, each following 1 h of prior denitrogenation. Venous blood was sampled at baseline (T0), immediately after the second ascent (T8), and next morning (T24). Analyses encompassed whole blood hematology, endothelial microparticles, and soluble markers of cytokine response, endothelial function, inflammation, coagulopathy, oxidative stress, and brain insult, plus cortisol and creatine kinase.RESULTS: Acute hematological effects on neutrophils (mean 72% increase), eosinophils (40% decrease), monocytes (37% increase), and platelets (7% increase) normalized by T24. Consistent elevation (mean five-fold) of the cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) at T8 was proinflammatory and associated with venous gas emboli (microbubble) load. Levels of C-reactive protein and complement peptide C5a were persistently elevated at T24, the former by 100% over baseline. Additionally, glial fibrillary acidic protein, a sensitive marker of traumatic brain injury, increased by a mean 10% at T24.CONCLUSIONS: This complex composite environmental stress, comprising the triad of hyperoxia, decompression, and moderate exertion at altitude, provoked pathophysiological changes consistent with an IL-6 cytokine-mediated inflammatory response. Multiple persistent biomarker disturbances at T24 imply incomplete recovery the day after exposure. The elevation of glial fibrillary acidic protein similarly implies incomplete resolution following recent neurological insult.Connolly DM, Madden LA, Edwards VC, D'Oyly TJ, Harridge SDR, Smith TG, Lee VM. Early human pathophysiological responses to exertional hypobaric decompression stress. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2023; 94(10):738-749.
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Sönksen SE, Kühn S, Basner M, Gerlach D, Hoffmann F, Mühl C, Tank J, Noblé HJ, Akgün K, Ziemssen T, Jordan J, Limper U. Brain structure and neurocognitive function in two professional mountaineers during 35 days severe normobaric hypoxia. Eur J Neurol 2022; 29:3112-3116. [PMID: 35726171 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal studies have elicited therapeutic potential of severe ambient hypoxia for neurodegenerative diseases. However, uncertainties exist relative to individual (mal-)adaption mechanisms of the brain to hypoxia. To investigate the effects of hypoxia on cognitive performance and cerebral morphology, two healthy professional mountaineers (participants A and B) conducted a 35-day study with 14 consecutive days of exposure to oxygen concentrations between 8% and 8.8%. METHODS Participants were examined at seven time points by cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and at 27 time points by a test battery covering a spectrum of cognitive domains. Blood neuron specific enolase and neurofilament light chain levels were analyzed before, during and after hypoxia. RESULTS While cognitive performance was largely unaffected by hypoxic conditions, morphological MRI changes were evident. White matter volumes increased (max.: A: 4.3% ± 0.9%; B: 4.5% ± 1.9%) while grey matter volumes (A: -1.5% ± 0.8%; B: -2.5% ± 0.9%) and cerebrospinal fluid volumes (A: -2.7% ± 2.4%; B: -5.9% ± 8.2%) decreased. Furthermore, the number (A: 11 to 17; B: 26 to 126) and volumes (A: 140%; B: 285%) of white matter hyperintensities increased in hypoxia but had returned to baseline after a 3.5-month recovery phase. Diffusion weighted imaging of the white matter indicated cytotoxic edema formation. Biochemical markers of brain injury remained grossly negative. DISCUSSION Severe sustained normobaric hypoxia was tolerated in highly selected individuals which may pave the way for future translational studies of the therapeutic potential of hypoxia in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven-Erik Sönksen
- German Air Force Centre of Aerospace Medicine, Fuerstenfeldbruck, Germany
| | - Sven Kühn
- Bundeswehr Central Hospital Koblenz, Radiology, Koblenz, Germany
| | - Mathias Basner
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Darius Gerlach
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Fabian Hoffmann
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Cardiology, University of Cologne, Germany
| | - Christian Mühl
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jens Tank
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hans-Jürgen Noblé
- German Air Force Centre of Aerospace Medicine, Fuerstenfeldbruck, Germany
| | - Katja Akgün
- Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Neurological University Clinic Carl-Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Tjalf Ziemssen
- Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Neurological University Clinic Carl-Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jens Jordan
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany.,Chair of Aerospace Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ulrich Limper
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Merheim Medical Center, Hospitals of Cologne, University of Witten/Herdecke, Cologne, Germany
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High altitude is associated with pTau deposition, neuroinflammation, and myelin loss. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6839. [PMID: 35477957 PMCID: PMC9046305 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10881-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammals are able to adapt to high altitude (HA) if appropriate acclimation occurs. However, specific occupations (professional climbers, pilots, astronauts and other) can be exposed to HA without acclimation and be at a higher risk of brain consequences. In particular, US Air Force U2-pilots have been shown to develop white matter hyperintensities (WMH) on MRI. Whether WMH are due to hypoxia or hypobaria effects is not understood. We compared swine brains exposed to 5000 feet (1524 m) above sea level (SL) with 21% fraction inspired O2 (FiO2) (Control group [C]; n = 5) vs. 30,000 feet (9144 m) above SL with 100% FiO2 group (hypobaric group [HYPOBAR]; n = 6). We performed neuropathologic assessments, molecular analyses, immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western Blotting (WB), and stereology analyses to detect differences between HYPOBAR vs. Controls. Increased neuronal insoluble hyperphosphorylated-Tau (pTau) accumulation was observed across different brain regions, at histological level, in the HYPOBAR vs. Controls. Stereology-based cell counting demonstrated a significant difference (p < 0.01) in pTau positive neurons between HYPOBAR and C in the Hippocampus. Higher levels of soluble pTau in the Hippocampus of HYPOBAR vs. Controls were also detected by WB analyses. Additionally, WB demonstrated an increase of IBA-1 in the Cerebellum and a decrease of myelin basic protein (MBP) in the Hippocampus and Cerebellum of HYPOBAR vs. Controls. These findings illustrate, for the first time, changes occurring in large mammalian brains after exposure to nonhypoxic-hypobaria and open new pathophysiological views on the interaction among hypobaria, pTau accumulation, neuroinflammation, and myelination in large mammals exposed to HA.
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Cao J, Yao D, Li R, Guo X, Hao J, Xie M, Li J, Pan D, Luo X, Yu Z, Wang M, Wang W. Digoxin Ameliorates Glymphatic Transport and Cognitive Impairment in a Mouse Model of Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion. Neurosci Bull 2021; 38:181-199. [PMID: 34704235 PMCID: PMC8821764 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-021-00772-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The glymphatic system plays a pivotal role in maintaining cerebral homeostasis. Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, arising from small vessel disease or carotid stenosis, results in cerebrometabolic disturbances ultimately manifesting in white matter injury and cognitive dysfunction. However, whether the glymphatic system serves as a potential therapeutic target for white matter injury and cognitive decline during hypoperfusion remains unknown. Here, we established a mouse model of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion via bilateral common carotid artery stenosis. We found that the hypoperfusion model was associated with significant white matter injury and initial cognitive impairment in conjunction with impaired glymphatic system function. The glymphatic dysfunction was associated with altered cerebral perfusion and loss of aquaporin 4 polarization. Treatment of digoxin rescued changes in glymphatic transport, white matter structure, and cognitive function. Suppression of glymphatic functions by treatment with the AQP4 inhibitor TGN-020 abolished this protective effect of digoxin from hypoperfusion injury. Our research yields new insight into the relationship between hemodynamics, glymphatic transport, white matter injury, and cognitive changes after chronic cerebral hypoperfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Cao
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Di Yao
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Rong Li
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China ,Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Xuequn Guo
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China ,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362000 China
| | - Jiahuan Hao
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Minjie Xie
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Jia Li
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Dengji Pan
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Xiang Luo
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Zhiyuan Yu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Minghuan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China ,Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases of the Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China
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Shaw DM, Cabre G, Gant N. Hypoxic Hypoxia and Brain Function in Military Aviation: Basic Physiology and Applied Perspectives. Front Physiol 2021; 12:665821. [PMID: 34093227 PMCID: PMC8171399 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.665821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute hypobaric hypoxia (HH) is a major physiological threat during high-altitude flight and operations. In military aviation, although hypoxia-related fatalities are rare, incidences are common and are likely underreported. Hypoxia is a reduction in oxygen availability, which can impair brain function and performance of operational and safety-critical tasks. HH occurs at high altitude, due to the reduction in atmospheric oxygen pressure. This physiological state is also partially simulated in normobaric environments for training and research, by reducing the fraction of inspired oxygen to achieve comparable tissue oxygen saturation [normobaric hypoxia (NH)]. Hypoxia can occur in susceptible individuals below 10,000 ft (3,048 m) in unpressurised aircrafts and at higher altitudes in pressurised environments when life support systems malfunction or due to improper equipment use. Between 10,000 ft and 15,000 ft (4,572 m), brain function is mildly impaired and hypoxic symptoms are common, although both are often difficult to accurately quantify, which may partly be due to the effects of hypocapnia. Above 15,000 ft, brain function exponentially deteriorates with increasing altitude until loss of consciousness. The period of effective and safe performance of operational tasks following exposure to hypoxia is termed the time-of-useful-consciousness (TUC). Recovery of brain function following hypoxia may also lag beyond arterial reoxygenation and could be exacerbated by repeated hypoxic exposures or hyperoxic recovery. This review provides an overview of the basic physiology and implications of hypoxia for military aviation and discusses the utility of hypoxia recognition training.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Shaw
- Aviation Medicine Unit, Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Gus Cabre
- Aviation Medicine Unit, Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Nicholas Gant
- Department of Exercise Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Ottestad W, Hansen TA, Ksin JI. Hypobaric Decompression and White Matter Hyperintensities: An Evaluation of the NATO Standard. Aerosp Med Hum Perform 2021; 92:39-42. [PMID: 33357271 DOI: 10.3357/amhp.5710.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: In their seminal work, McGuire and colleagues reported an increased incidence of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) in a cohort of U2 pilots and hypobaric chamber personnel. WMH burden was higher in U2 pilots with previous reports of decompression sickness (DCS), and McGuire's reports have raised concerns regarding adverse outcomes in the aftermath of hypobaric exposures. Accordingly, a NATO working group has recently revised its standard recommendations regarding hypobaric exposures, including measures to mitigate the risk of WMH. Mandatory recovery time for up to 72 h between repeated exposures has been suggested on the basis of experimental evidence. However, we argue that the evidence is scarce which supports restricting repeated exposures to mitigate WMH. It is plausible that WMH is correlated with DCS and emphasis should be made on limiting the duration of exposures rather than restricting short and repeated exposures. The profiles in the NATO recommendations are meant to mitigate the risk of DCS. Still, they will potentially expose NATO Air Force and Special Operations personnel to flight profiles that can give rise to DCS incidence above 35%. Awaiting reliable data, we recommend limiting the duration of exposures and allowing for short repeated exposures.Ottestad W, Hansen TA, Ksin JI. Hypobaric decompression and white matter hyperintensities: an evaluation of the NATO standard. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2021; 92(1):3942.
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Aebi MR, Bourdillon N, Noser P, Millet GP, Bron D. Cognitive Impairment During Combined Normobaric vs. Hypobaric and Normoxic vs. Hypoxic Acute Exposure. Aerosp Med Hum Perform 2020; 91:845-851. [PMID: 33334404 DOI: 10.3357/amhp.5616.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Exposure to hypoxia has a deleterious effect on cognitive function; however, the putative effect of hypobaria remains unclear. The present study aimed to evaluate cognitive performance in pilot trainees who were exposed to acute normobaric (NH) and hypobaric hypoxia (HH). Of relevance for military pilots, we also aimed to assess cognitive performance in hypobaric normoxia (HN).METHODS: A total of 16 healthy pilot trainees were exposed to 4 randomized conditions (i.e., normobaric normoxia, NN, altitude level of 440 m; HH at 5500 m; NH, altitude simulation of 5500 m; and HN). Subjects performed a cognitive assessment (KLT-R test). Cerebral oxygen delivery (cDO₂) was estimated based middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity (MCAv) and pulse oxygen saturation (Spo₂) monitored during cognitive assessment.RESULTS: Percentage of errors increased in NH (14.3 9.1%) and HH (12.9 6.4%) when compared to NN (6.5 4.1%) and HN (6.0 4.0%). Number of calculations accomplished was lower only in HH than in NN and HN. When compared to NN, cDO₂ decreased in NH and HH.DISCUSSION: Cognitive performance was decreased similarly in acute NH and HH. The cDO₂ reduction in NH and HH implies insufficient MCAv increase to ensure cognitive performance maintenance. The present study suggests negligible hypobaric influence on cognitive performance in hypoxia and normoxia.Aebi MR, Bourdillon N, Noser P, Millet GP, Bron D. Cognitive impairment during combined normobaric vs. hypobaric and normoxic vs. hypoxic acute exposure. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2020; 91(11):845851.
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Kühn S, Gerlach D, Noblé HJ, Weber F, Rittweger J, Jordan J, Limper U. An Observational Cerebral Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study Following 7 Days at 4554 m. High Alt Med Biol 2019; 20:407-416. [DOI: 10.1089/ham.2019.0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sven Kühn
- German Air Force Center of Aerospace Medicine, Fürstenfeldbruck, Germany
| | - Darius Gerlach
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hans-Jürgen Noblé
- German Air Force Center of Aerospace Medicine, Fürstenfeldbruck, Germany
| | - Frank Weber
- German Air Force Center of Aerospace Medicine, Fürstenfeldbruck, Germany
| | - Jörn Rittweger
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jens Jordan
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ulrich Limper
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Merheim Medical Center, Hospitals of Cologne, University of Witten/Herdecke, Cologne, Germany
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McGuire SA, Ryan MC, Sherman PM, Sladky JH, Rowland LM, Wijtenburg SA, Hong LE, Kochunov PV. White matter and hypoxic hypobaria in humans. Hum Brain Mapp 2019; 40:3165-3173. [PMID: 30927318 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.24587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Occupational exposure to hypobaria (low atmospheric pressure) is a risk factor for reduced white matter integrity, increased white matter hyperintensive burden, and decline in cognitive function. We tested the hypothesis that a discrete hypobaric exposure will have a transient impact on cerebral physiology. Cerebral blood flow, fractional anisotropy of water diffusion in cerebral white matter, white matter hyperintensity volume, and concentrations of neurochemicals were measured at baseline and 24 hr and 72 hr postexposure in N = 64 healthy aircrew undergoing standard US Air Force altitude chamber training and compared to N = 60 controls not exposed to hypobaria. We observed that hypobaric exposure led to a significant rise in white matter cerebral blood flow (CBF) 24 hr postexposure that remained elevated, albeit not significantly, at 72 hr. No significant changes were observed in structural measurements or gray matter CBF. Subjects with higher baseline concentrations of neurochemicals associated with neuroprotection and maintenance of normal white matter physiology (glutathione, N-acetylaspartate, glutamate/glutamine) showed proportionally less white matter CBF changes. Our findings suggest that discrete hypobaric exposure may provide a model to study white matter injury associated with occupational hypobaric exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A McGuire
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Meghann C Ryan
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Paul M Sherman
- U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, 59MDW-USAFSAM/FHOH, San Antonio, Texas
| | - John H Sladky
- U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, 59MDW-USAFSAM/FHOH, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Laura M Rowland
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - S Andrea Wijtenburg
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - L Elliot Hong
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Peter V Kochunov
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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