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Gatterer H, Villafuerte FC, Ulrich S, Bhandari SS, Keyes LE, Burtscher M. Altitude illnesses. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2024; 10:43. [PMID: 38902312 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-024-00526-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Millions of people visit high-altitude regions annually and more than 80 million live permanently above 2,500 m. Acute high-altitude exposure can trigger high-altitude illnesses (HAIs), including acute mountain sickness (AMS), high-altitude cerebral oedema (HACE) and high-altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE). Chronic mountain sickness (CMS) can affect high-altitude resident populations worldwide. The prevalence of acute HAIs varies according to acclimatization status, rate of ascent and individual susceptibility. AMS, characterized by headache, nausea, dizziness and fatigue, is usually benign and self-limiting, and has been linked to hypoxia-induced cerebral blood volume increases, inflammation and related trigeminovascular system activation. Disruption of the blood-brain barrier leads to HACE, characterized by altered mental status and ataxia, and increased pulmonary capillary pressure, and related stress failure induces HAPE, characterized by dyspnoea, cough and exercise intolerance. Both conditions are progressive and life-threatening, requiring immediate medical intervention. Treatment includes supplemental oxygen and descent with appropriate pharmacological therapy. Preventive measures include slow ascent, pre-acclimatization and, in some instances, medications. CMS is characterized by excessive erythrocytosis and related clinical symptoms. In severe CMS, temporary or permanent relocation to low altitude is recommended. Future research should focus on more objective diagnostic tools to enable prompt treatment, improved identification of individual susceptibilities and effective acclimatization and prevention options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Gatterer
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy.
- Institute for Sports Medicine, Alpine Medicine and Health Tourism (ISAG), UMIT TIROL-Private University for Health Sciences and Health Technology, Hall in Tirol, Austria.
| | - Francisco C Villafuerte
- Laboratorio de Fisiología del Transporte de Oxígeno y Adaptación a la Altura - LID, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Fisiológicas, Facultad de Ciencias e Ingeniería, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Silvia Ulrich
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sanjeeb S Bhandari
- Mountain Medicine Society of Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Emergency Department, UPMC Western Maryland Health, Cumberland, MD, USA
| | - Linda E Keyes
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Martin Burtscher
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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2
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Alqahtani SAM. Lipid profiles and their relation to glycemic control in Saudi Arabia: The role of altitudes and environmental factor. J Family Med Prim Care 2023; 12:1352-1360. [PMID: 37649774 PMCID: PMC10465043 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_104_23] [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: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The height from sea levels, environmental factors, human-environment interactions, and lifestyle significantly influence the lipid profile and glycemic control of a population. Objective This study aims to explore the influence of altitude on lipid profiles and glycemic control among the Saudi population at sea level and high altitude. Methods In this retrospective cross-sectional study, a large dataset of patients of both gender and over 30 years old attending internal medicine clinics from two different regions at different heights from sea level, Jeddah (sea level) and Asir region (high altitudes) and referred to commercial laboratories for glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and lipids profile. Results Compared to the Asir region, the Jeddah region had significantly higher mean values for fasting blood sugar (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) (P < 0.05). Every 1 mg/dL increase in FBG results in a 0.662 mg/dL increase in TG from the Jeddah region. However, it was a 0.318 mg/dL increase in TG from the Asir region. HbA1c demonstrated a significant (P < 0.05) strong positive correlation with TC, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and lipid ratio. FBG levels were also associated with a high level of TC/HDL-C (β = 0.137 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.11-0.21; P < 0.05), LDL-C/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (β = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.31-1.49; P < 0.05), and TG/HDL-C (β = 0.14; 95% CI = 0.12-0.15; P < 0.05) in Jeddah region. However, significantly high blood pressure was observed in the population from high altitudes. Conclusion Our results demonstrated a significant positive correlation between lipid profile and glycemic control with high prevalence at sea level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saif Aboud M. Alqahtani
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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3
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Song Z, Zhang A, Luo J, Xiong G, Peng H, Zhou R, Li Y, Xu H, Li Z, Zhao W, Zhang H. Prevalence of High-Altitude Polycythemia and Hyperuricemia and Risk Factors for Hyperuricemia in High-Altitude Immigrants. High Alt Med Biol 2023; 24:132-138. [PMID: 37015076 DOI: 10.1089/ham.2022.0133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Song Zhen, Anxin Zhang, Jie Luo, Guanghai Xiong, Haibo Peng, Rang Zhou, Yuanfeng Li, Hongqiang Xu, Zhen Li, Wei Zhao, and Haoxiang Zhang. Prevalence of high-altitude polycythemia and hyperuricemia and risk factors for hyperuricemia in high-altitude immigrants. High Alt Med Biol. 24:132-138, 2023. Background: Few studies have investigated the epidemiology of chronic mountain sickness (CMS) in high-altitude immigrants. This study evaluated the prevalence of polycythemia and hyperuricemia (HUA) and risk factors for HUA in high-altitude immigrants. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 7,070 immigrants 15-45 years of age living on the Tibetan Plateau between January and December 2021. Information from routine physical examinations was obtained from each participant. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the correlation of several risk factors for HUA. Results: The prevalence of high-altitude polycythemia (HAPC) and HUA was 25.8% (28.7% in males and 9.4% in females) and 54.2% (59.9% in males and 22.5% in females), respectively. The highest prevalence of HAPC in males and females was observed in participants 26-30 and 21-25 years of age, respectively. The highest prevalence of HUA in both males and females was observed in participants 26-30 years of age. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that age, sex, and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration were risk factors for HUA, among which age was a negative factor and male sex and Hb concentration were positive factors. Conclusions: Immigrants are more susceptible to HAPC and HUA. The high prevalence of CMS of immigrants may be associated with Hb concentration, age, and sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Song
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The 954th Army Hospital, Shannan, P.R. China
| | - Anxin Zhang
- Department of Ultrasonography, The 954th Army Hospital, Shannan, P.R. China
| | - Jie Luo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The 954th Army Hospital, Shannan, P.R. China
| | - Guanghai Xiong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The 954th Army Hospital, Shannan, P.R. China
| | - Haibo Peng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The 954th Army Hospital, Shannan, P.R. China
| | - Rang Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The 954th Army Hospital, Shannan, P.R. China
| | - Yuanfeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Hongqiang Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The 954th Army Hospital, Shannan, P.R. China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The 954th Army Hospital, Shannan, P.R. China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The 954th Army Hospital, Shannan, P.R. China
| | - Haoxiang Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The 954th Army Hospital, Shannan, P.R. China
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4
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Mata-Greenwood E, Westenburg HCA, Zamudio S, Illsley NP, Zhang L. Decreased Vitamin D Levels and Altered Placental Vitamin D Gene Expression at High Altitude: Role of Genetic Ancestry. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:3389. [PMID: 36834800 PMCID: PMC9967090 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
High-altitude hypoxia challenges reproduction; particularly in non-native populations. Although high-altitude residence is associated with vitamin D deficiency, the homeostasis and metabolism of vitamin D in natives and migrants remain unknown. We report that high altitude (3600 m residence) negatively impacted vitamin D levels, with the high-altitude Andeans having the lowest 25-OH-D levels and the high-altitude Europeans having the lowest 1α,25-(OH)2-D levels. There was a significant interaction of genetic ancestry with altitude in the ratio of 1α,25-(OH)2-D to 25-OH-D; with the ratio being significantly lower in Europeans compared to Andeans living at high altitude. Placental gene expression accounted for as much as 50% of circulating vitamin D levels, with CYP2R1 (25-hydroxylase), CYP27B1 (1α-hydroxylase), CYP24A1 (24-hydroxylase), and LRP2 (megalin) as the major determinants of vitamin D levels. High-altitude residents had a greater correlation between circulating vitamin D levels and placental gene expression than low-altitude residents. Placental 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase and vitamin D receptor were upregulated at high altitude in both genetic-ancestry groups, while megalin and 24-hydroxylase were upregulated only in Europeans. Given that vitamin D deficiency and decreased 1α,25-(OH)2-D to 25-OH-D ratios are associated with pregnancy complications, our data support a role for high-altitude-induced vitamin D dysregulation impacting reproductive outcomes, particularly in migrants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Mata-Greenwood
- Lawrence D. Longo Center for Perinatal Biology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Hans C. A. Westenburg
- Lawrence D. Longo Center for Perinatal Biology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Stacy Zamudio
- Placental Research Group LLC, Maplewood, NJ 07040, USA
| | | | - Lubo Zhang
- Lawrence D. Longo Center for Perinatal Biology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
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Anza-Ramírez C, Gu W, Macarlupú JL, Figueroa-Mujíca RJ, Vizcardo-Galindo GA, Heinrich EC, Tift MS, Wagner HE, Wagner PD, Simonson TS, Villafuerte FC. Preserved peak exercise capacity in Andean highlanders with excessive erythrocytosis both before and after isovolumic hemodilution. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2023; 134:36-49. [PMID: 36417198 PMCID: PMC9762978 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00439.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In chronic mountain sickness (CMS), increased blood oxygen (O2)-carrying capacity due to excessive erythrocytosis (EE, [Hb] ≥ 21 g/dL) could be offset, especially during exercise by both impaired cardiac output (Q̇t) and O2 diffusion limitation in lungs and muscle. We hypothesized that EE results in reduced peak V̇o2 despite increased blood O2-carrying capacity, and that isovolumic hemodilution (IVHD) improves exercise capacity. In 14 male residents of Cerro de Pasco, Peru (4,340 m), six with and eight without EE, we measured peak cycle-exercise capacity, V̇o2, Q̇t, arterial blood gas parameters, and (resting) blood volume. This was repeated for participants with EE after IVHD, reducing hematocrit by 20% (from 67% to 53%). From these data, we quantified the major O2 transport pathway components (ventilation, pulmonary alveolar-capillary diffusion, Q̇t, and blood-muscle mitochondria diffusion). Participants with EE had similar peak V̇o2, systemic O2 delivery, and O2 extraction as non-EE controls, however, with lower Q̇t and higher arterial [O2]. After IVHD, peak V̇o2 was preserved (but not enhanced), with lower O2 delivery (despite higher Q̇t) balanced by greater O2 extraction. The considerable variance in exercise capacity across the 14 individuals was explained essentially completely by differences in both pulmonary and muscle O2 diffusional conductances and not by any differences in ventilation, [Hb], nor Q̇t. In conclusion, EE does not result in lower peak V̇o2 in Andean males, and IVHD maintains, but does not enhance, exercise capacity.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Male Andean highlanders with and without excessive erythrocytosis (EE) have similar peak V̇o2 at 4,340 m, with higher arterial [O2] in EE and lower cardiac output (Q̇t), thus maintaining similar O2 delivery. Peak V̇o2 in participants with EE was unaffected by isovolumic hemodilution (hematocrit reduced from 67% to 53%), with lower O2 delivery balanced by slightly increased Q̇t and greater O2 extraction. Differences in lung and muscle diffusing capacity, and not hematocrit variation, accounted for essentially all interindividual variance in peak V̇o2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Anza-Ramírez
- 1Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Laboratorio de Fisiología Comparada/Laboratorio de Fisiología del Transporte de Oxígeno, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Wanjun Gu
- 2Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - José L. Macarlupú
- 1Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Laboratorio de Fisiología Comparada/Laboratorio de Fisiología del Transporte de Oxígeno, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Rómulo J. Figueroa-Mujíca
- 1Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Laboratorio de Fisiología Comparada/Laboratorio de Fisiología del Transporte de Oxígeno, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Gustavo A. Vizcardo-Galindo
- 1Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Laboratorio de Fisiología Comparada/Laboratorio de Fisiología del Transporte de Oxígeno, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Erica C. Heinrich
- 2Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California,3Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California
| | - Michael S. Tift
- 2Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California,4Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Wilmington, North Carolina
| | - Harrieth E. Wagner
- 2Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Peter D. Wagner
- 2Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Tatum S. Simonson
- 2Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Francisco C. Villafuerte
- 1Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Laboratorio de Fisiología Comparada/Laboratorio de Fisiología del Transporte de Oxígeno, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
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6
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Comparative analysis of the lipid profile before and after application of the nursing strategy. Int J Health Sci (Qassim) 2022. [DOI: 10.53730/ijhs.v6n1.6280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The lipid profile is a laboratory test that determines the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the body. The objective of the research is to compare the current lipid profile in relation to the initial result of the participants in the implemented nursing strategy, through laboratory tests to discover the differences and propose improvements in nursing care. It is a qualitative-quantitative, descriptive, and longitudinal study. The sample taken from 87 people; 39 rural and 48 urban patients. The result was that the self-care of people makes it possible to improve health, due to the complications of triglycerides, and nursing interventions focused on health promotion and prevention are relevant by motivating and encouraging patients to carry a healthy lifestyle. healthy life, which promotes balanced diets in fats, carbohydrates, proteins, and sugars, performing physical activity adapted to their daily life rhythms; as well as to carry out routine check-ups to rule out any alteration in the organism that causes the lipid profile to rise.
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Vanderhaeghen T, Timmermans S, Watts D, Paakinaho V, Eggermont M, Vandewalle J, Wallaeys C, Van Wyngene L, Van Looveren K, Nuyttens L, Dewaele S, Vanden Berghe J, Lemeire K, De Backer J, Dirkx L, Vanden Berghe W, Caljon G, Ghesquière B, De Bosscher K, Wielockx B, Palvimo JJ, Beyaert R, Libert C. Reprogramming of glucocorticoid receptor function by hypoxia. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e53083. [PMID: 34699114 PMCID: PMC8728616 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202153083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we investigate the impact of hypoxia on the hepatic response of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) to dexamethasone (DEX) in mice via RNA-sequencing. Hypoxia causes three types of reprogramming of GR: (i) much weaker induction of classical GR-responsive genes by DEX in hypoxia, (ii) a number of genes is induced by DEX specifically in hypoxia, and (iii) hypoxia induces a group of genes via activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Transcriptional profiles are reflected by changed GR DNA-binding as measured by ChIP sequencing. The HPA axis is induced by hypothalamic HIF1α and HIF2α activation and leads to GR-dependent lipolysis and ketogenesis. Acute inflammation, induced by lipopolysaccharide, is prevented by DEX in normoxia but not during hypoxia, and this is attributed to HPA axis activation by hypoxia. We unfold new physiological pathways that have consequences for patients suffering from GC resistance.
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Ortiz-Prado E, Portilla D, Mosquera-Moscoso J, Simbaña-Rivera K, Duta D, Ochoa I, Burgos G, Izquierdo-Condoy JS, Vásconez E, Calvopiña M, Viscor G. Hematological Parameters, Lipid Profile, and Cardiovascular Risk Analysis Among Genotype-Controlled Indigenous Kiwcha Men and Women Living at Low and High Altitudes. Front Physiol 2021; 12:749006. [PMID: 34759840 PMCID: PMC8573321 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.749006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Human adaptation to high altitude is due to characteristic adjustments at every physiological level. Differences in lipid profile and cardiovascular risk factors in altitude dwellers have been previously explored. Nevertheless, there are no reports available on genotype-controlled matches among different altitude-adapted indigenous populations. Objective: To explore the possible differences in plasma lipid profile and cardiovascular risk among autochthonous Kiwcha people inhabitants of low and high-altitude locations. Methodology: A cross-sectional analysis of plasmatic lipid profiles and cardiovascular risk factors in lowland Kiwchas from Limoncocha (230 m) and high-altitude Kiwchas from Oyacachi (3,800 m). Results: In the low altitude group, 66% were women (n = 78) and 34% (n = 40) were men, whereas in the high altitude group, 59% (n = 56) were women and 41% (n = 41%) were men. We found the proportion of overweight and obese individuals to be higher among low altitude dwellers (p < 0.05). Red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin concentration, and SpO2% were higher among high altitude dwellers and the erythrocyte size was found to be smaller at high altitude. The group located at low altitude also showed lower levels of plasma cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), but most of these differences are not influenced by gender or elevation. Conclusions: Living at an altitude elicits well-known adaptive physiological changes such as erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit level, and serum glucose level. We also report clinical differences in the plasma lipid profile, with higher levels of cholesterol, HDL, and LDL in inhabitants of the Andes Mountain vs. their Amazonian basin peers. Despite this, we did not find significant differences in cardiovascular risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Ortiz-Prado
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de las Americas, Quito, Ecuador.,Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Portilla
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de las Americas, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | | | - Diego Duta
- General Ward, Limoncocha Community Health Unit, Limoncocha, Ecuador
| | - Israel Ochoa
- General Ward, Oyacachi Community Health Unit, Oyacachi, Ecuador
| | - German Burgos
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Las Americas, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - Eduardo Vásconez
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de las Americas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Manuel Calvopiña
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de las Americas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Ginés Viscor
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Macarlupú JL, Vizcardo-Galindo G, Figueroa-Mujíca R, Voituron N, Richalet JP, Villafuerte FC. Sub-maximal aerobic exercise training reduces haematocrit and ameliorates symptoms in Andean highlanders with chronic mountain sickness. Exp Physiol 2021; 106:2198-2209. [PMID: 34555237 PMCID: PMC9293431 DOI: 10.1113/ep089975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
New Findings What is the central question of this study? What is the effect of sub‐maximal aerobic exercise training on signs and symptoms of chronic mountain sickness (CMS) in Andean highlanders? What is the main finding and its importance? Aerobic exercise training (ET) effectively reduces haematocrit, ameliorates symptoms and improves aerobic capacity in CMS patients, suggesting that a regular aerobic ET programme might be used as a low‐cost non‐invasive/non‐pharmacological management strategy of this syndrome.
Abstract Excessive erythrocytosis is the hallmark sign of chronic mountain sickness (CMS), a debilitating syndrome associated with neurological symptoms and increased cardiovascular risk. We have shown that unlike sedentary residents at the same altitude, trained individuals maintain haematocrit within sea‐level range, and thus we hypothesise that aerobic exercise training (ET) might reduce excessive haematocrit and ameliorate CMS signs and symptoms. Eight highlander men (38 ± 12 years) with CMS (haematocrit: 70.6 ± 1.9%, CMS score: 8.8 ± 1.4) from Cerro de Pasco, Peru (4340 m) participated in the study. Baseline assessment included haematocrit, CMS score, pulse oximetry, maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing and in‐office plus 24 h ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring. Blood samples were collected to assess cardiometabolic, erythropoietic, and haemolysis markers. ET consisted of pedalling exercise in a cycloergometer at 60% of V˙O2peak for 1 h/day, 4 days/week for 8 weeks, and participants were assessed at weeks 4 and 8. Haematocrit and CMS score decreased significantly by week 8 (to 65.6 ± 6.6%, and 3.5 ± 0.8, respectively, P < 0.05), while V˙O2peak and maximum workload increased with ET (33.8 ± 2.4 vs. 37.2 ± 2.0 ml/min/kg, P < 0.05; and 172.5 ± 9.4 vs. 210.0 ± 27.8 W, P < 0.01; respectively). Except for an increase in high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, other blood markers and BP showed no differences. Our results suggest that reduction of haematocrit and CMS symptoms results mainly from haemodilution due to plasma volume expansion rather than to haemolysis. In conclusion, we show that ET can effectively reduce haematocrit, ameliorate symptoms and improve aerobic capacity in CMS patients, suggesting that regular aerobic exercise might be used as a low‐cost non‐invasive and non‐pharmacological management strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Luis Macarlupú
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Comparada, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú.,Instituto de Investigaciones de la Altura (IIA), Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Gustavo Vizcardo-Galindo
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Comparada, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Rómulo Figueroa-Mujíca
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Comparada, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Nicolas Voituron
- Laboratoire Hypoxie et Poumon, UMR INSERM U1272, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny, France.,Laboratory of Excellence GReX, Paris, France.,Département STAPS, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny, France
| | - Jean-Paul Richalet
- Laboratoire Hypoxie et Poumon, UMR INSERM U1272, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny, France.,Laboratory of Excellence GReX, Paris, France
| | - Francisco C Villafuerte
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Comparada, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú.,Instituto de Investigaciones de la Altura (IIA), Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
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10
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DeSouza NM, Brewster LM, Bain AR, Garcia VP, Stone R, Stockelman KA, Greiner JJ, Tymko MM, Vizcardo-Galindo G, Figueroa-Mujica RJ, Villafuerte FC, Ainslie PN, DeSouza CA. Global REACH 2018: Influence of excessive erythrocytosis on coagulation and fibrinolytic factors in Andean highlanders. Exp Physiol 2021; 106:1335-1342. [PMID: 33745204 DOI: 10.1113/ep089360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? Are coagulation and fibrinolytic factors disrupted in Andean highlanders with excessive erythrocytosis? What is the main finding and its importance? Excessive erythrocytosis is not associated with prothombotic disruptions in coagulation or the fibrinolytic system in Andean highlanders. Impairments in coagulation and fibrinolysis may not contribute to the increased vascular risk associated with excessive erythrocytosis. ABSTRACT Increased coagulation and reduced fibrinolysis are central factors underlying thrombotic risk and events. High altitude-induced excessive erythrocytosis (EE) is prevalent in Andean highlanders, contributing to increased cardiovascular risk. Disruption in the coagulation-fibrinolytic axis resulting in uncontrolled fibrin deposition might underlie the increased thrombotic risk associated with high-altitude EE. The experimental aim of this study was to determine whether EE is associated with a prothrombotic blood coagulation and fibrinolytic profile in Andean highlanders. Plasma coagulation factors (von Willebrand factor and factors VII, VIII and X), fibrinolytic factors [tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1)] and D-dimer levels were determined in 26 male residents of Cerro de Pasco, Peru (4340 m a.s.l.): 12 without EE (age, 40 ± 13 years; haemoglobin, 17.4 ± 1.9 g/dl) and 14 with EE (age, 43 ± 15 years; haemoglobin, 24.4 ± 1.6 g/dl). There were no significant differences in von Willebrand factor (40.5 ± 24.8 vs. 45.5 ± 22.4%), factor VII (77.0 ± 14.5 vs. 72.5 ± 8.9%), factor VIII (55.6 ± 19.8 vs. 60.7 ± 26.8%) and factor X (73.9 ± 8.3 vs. 67.3 ± 10.9%) between the Andean highlanders without or with EE. The t-PA antigen (8.5 ± 3.6 vs. 9.6 ± 5.4 ng/ml), t-PA activity (5.5 ± 2.4 vs. 5.8 ± 1.6 IU/ml), PAI antigen (45.0 ± 33.8 vs. 40.5 ± 15.8 ng/ml), PAI-1 activity (0.24 ± 0.09 vs. 0.25 ± 0.11 IU/ml) and the molar concentration ratio of active t-PA to active PAI-1 (1:0.051 ± 0.034 vs. 1:0.046 ± 0.021 mmol/l) were also similar between the groups, as were D-dimer levels (235.0 ± 126.4 vs. 268.4 ± 173.7 ng/ml). Collectively, the results of the present study indicate that EE is not associated with a hypercoagulable, hypofibrinolytic state in Andean highlanders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah M DeSouza
- Integrative Vascular Biology Laboratory, Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, USA.,Centre for Heart, Lung and Vascular Health, Faculty of Health and Social Development, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - L Madden Brewster
- Integrative Vascular Biology Laboratory, Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Anthony R Bain
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vinicius P Garcia
- Integrative Vascular Biology Laboratory, Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Rachel Stone
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kelly A Stockelman
- Integrative Vascular Biology Laboratory, Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Jared J Greiner
- Integrative Vascular Biology Laboratory, Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Michael M Tymko
- Neurovascular Health Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gustavo Vizcardo-Galindo
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Comparada, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Fisiológicas, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Romulo J Figueroa-Mujica
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Comparada, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Fisiológicas, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Francisco C Villafuerte
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Comparada, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Fisiológicas, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Philip N Ainslie
- Centre for Heart, Lung and Vascular Health, Faculty of Health and Social Development, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Christopher A DeSouza
- Integrative Vascular Biology Laboratory, Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, USA
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11
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Hirschler V, Martin M, Molinari C, Botta E, Tetzlaff WF, Brites F. Activity of Lipoprotein-Associated Enzymes in Indigenous Children Living at Different Altitudes. Arch Med Res 2019; 50:98-104. [PMID: 31495396 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2019.07.001] [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: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High altitude is associated with hypobaric hypoxia, and metabolic modifications. In particular, alterations to lipoprotein-associated enzymes have been reported under hypoxia. OBJECTIVE To determine the association between paraoxonase 1 (PON-1) and Cholesteryl-ester transfer protein (CETP) activities and altitude in two groups of Argentinean Indigenous schoolchildren living at different altitudes. METHODS A cross-sectional study compared 151 schoolchildren from San Antonio de los Cobres (SAC), 3,750 m, with 175 schoolchildren from Chicoana (CH), 1,400 m. Anthropometric data, lipids, apolipoprotein (apo) A-I, apo B, plus PON-1 and CETP activities were determined. RESULTS The prevalence of overweight/obesity was significantly lower in SAC than in CH. Z- BMI (0.3 vs 0.7), Apo A-I/Apo B (1.67 vs. 1.85) and PON-1 (170 vs. 243 nmol/mL.min) were significantly lower in SAC than in CH, respectively. Total cholesterol (156 vs 144 mg/dL), triglycerides (TG) (119 vs. 94 mg/dL), apo A-I (133 vs. 128 mg/dL), apo B (84 vs. 73 mg/dL), hematocrit (48 vs. 41%), transferrin (295 vs. 260 mg/dL) and CETP (181 vs. 150%/mL.h) were significantly higher in SAC than in CH. There was a significant univariate association between altitude and transferrin (r0.38), hematocrit (r0.75), TG (r0.24), apo B (r0.29), PON-1 (r-0.40), and CETP (r0.37). Multiple linear regression analyses showed that altitude was significantly associated with children's TG (β = 0.28, R2 = 0.14), HDL-C (β = ‒0.27; R2 = 0.23), apo B (β = 0.32; R2 = 0.14), CETP (β = 0.38; R2 = 0.15) and PON-1 (β = ‒0.36; R2 = 0.16), adjusted for age, gender and BMI. CONCLUSION SAC children presented a more atherogenic lipid profile, plus lower PON1 and higher CETP activities, than CH children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maximiliano Martin
- Laboratory of Lipids and Atherosclerosis, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Eliana Botta
- Laboratory of Lipids and Atherosclerosis, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Walter Francisco Tetzlaff
- Laboratory of Lipids and Atherosclerosis, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernando Brites
- Laboratory of Lipids and Atherosclerosis, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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12
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Peng H, Feng D, Wang Y, Dong Z, Chen Q, Zhang L, Luo R, Chen J, Wang A, Ma S. Effect of Oral Vitamin C Supplementation on High-Altitude Hyperuricemia in Young Men Initially Migrating to High Altitude: A Pilot Study. High Alt Med Biol 2018; 19:373-381. [PMID: 30358417 DOI: 10.1089/ham.2018.0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Clinical studies have shown that oral vitamin C supplementation can reduce serum uric acid levels in multiple populations and may also improve acute mountain sickness. However, it is unclear whether this protocol can improve high-altitude hyperuricemia. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the role of vitamin C supplementation on high-altitude hyperuricemia. METHODS A preliminary prospective control study was performed in 2015. Young male army recruits (n = 66), who had recently arrived on the Tibetan Plateau for the first time, were recruited for study I. Subjects were assigned to either the vitamin C group, who took an oral daily dose of 500 mg vitamin C for 1 month, or the blank control group, who had no intervention. The levels of serum uric acid, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen were monitored at baseline and at the end of 1 month. In a second study II in 2016 (n = 120), the effect of 500 mg/d vitamin C on high-altitude hyperuricemia was compared with 75 IU/d of vitamin E. RESULTS In study I, the level of serum uric acid at 1 month was significantly higher than at baseline (436.1 ± 79.3 μmol/L vs. 358.0 ± 79.8 μmol/L, p < 0.001) and the prevalence of hyperuricemia was also significantly higher (63.6% [95% confidence interval, CI: 52.0%-75.2%] vs. 19.7% [95% CI: 10.1%-29.3%], p < 0.001). Both the level of serum uric acid (411.5 ± 74.2 μmol/L vs. 460.8 ± 54.8 μmol/L, p = 0.003) and the prevalence of hyperuricemia (48.5% [95% CI: 31.4%-65.6%] vs. 78.8% [95% CI: 64.9%-92.7%], p = 0.020) were significantly lower in the vitamin C group than in the blank control group. In study II, the levels of serum uric acid and the frequency of hyperuricemia also increased over 1 month and were similar in the vitamin C and the vitamin E groups at both baseline and 1 month (p > 0.05). The change in serum uric acid was positively correlated with both the changes in serum creatinine (r = 0.599, p < 0.001) and blood urea nitrogen (r = 0.207, p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that healthy young men develop an increase in serum uric acid within a month of moving from low to high altitude. Oral vitamin C supplementation can safely reduce this increase at a low cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Peng
- 1 Department of Infectious Disease, Kunming General Hospital of Chengdu Military Command, Kunming, China.,2 Department of Postgraduate, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Dongfang Feng
- 3 Laboratory Department, Tibet Military Region General Hospital, Tibet, China
| | - Yingkai Wang
- 4 Medical Administration Division, Tibet Military Region General Hospital, Tibet, China
| | - Zixi Dong
- 5 Medical Administration Division, Kunming General Hospital of Chengdu Military Region, Kunming, China
| | - Qing Chen
- 1 Department of Infectious Disease, Kunming General Hospital of Chengdu Military Command, Kunming, China.,2 Department of Postgraduate, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Lihong Zhang
- 1 Department of Infectious Disease, Kunming General Hospital of Chengdu Military Command, Kunming, China
| | - Ruigang Luo
- 6 Medical Team, Tibet Military Region 77649 Unit, Tibet, China
| | - Jinsong Chen
- 6 Medical Team, Tibet Military Region 77649 Unit, Tibet, China
| | - Anjun Wang
- 6 Medical Team, Tibet Military Region 77649 Unit, Tibet, China
| | - Shiwu Ma
- 1 Department of Infectious Disease, Kunming General Hospital of Chengdu Military Command, Kunming, China.,7 State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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13
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Corante N, Anza-Ramírez C, Figueroa-Mujíca R, Macarlupú JL, Vizcardo-Galindo G, Bilo G, Parati G, Gamboa JL, León-Velarde F, Villafuerte FC. Excessive Erythrocytosis and Cardiovascular Risk in Andean Highlanders. High Alt Med Biol 2018; 19:221-231. [PMID: 29782186 PMCID: PMC6157350 DOI: 10.1089/ham.2017.0123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Corante, Noemí, Cecilia Anza-Ramírez, Rómulo Figueroa-Mujíca, José Luis Macarlupú, Gustavo Vizcardo-Galindo, Grzegorz Bilo, Gianfranco Parati, Jorge L. Gamboa, Fabiola León-Velarde, and Francisco C. Villafuerte. Excessive erythrocytosis and cardiovascular risk in Andean highlanders. High Alt Med Biol. 19:221–231, 2018.—Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death worldwide. Life under high-altitude (HA) hypoxic conditions is believed to provide highlanders with a natural protection against cardiovascular and metabolic diseases compared with sea-level inhabitants. However, some HA dwellers become intolerant to chronic hypoxia and develop a progressive incapacitating syndrome known as chronic mountain sickness (CMS), characterized by excessive erythrocytosis (EE; Hb ≥21 g/dL in men, Hb ≥19 g/dL in women). Evidence from HA studies suggests that, in addition to CMS typical signs and symptoms, these highlanders may also suffer from metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. Thus, we hypothesize that this syndrome is also associated to the loss of the cardiometabolic protection observed in healthy highlanders (HH), and therefore to a higher cardiovascular risk (CVR). The aim of the present work was to evaluate the association between EE and CVR calculated using the Framingham General CVR Score and between EE and CVR factors in male highlanders. This cross-sectional study included 342 males from Cerro de Pasco, Peru at 4340 m (HH = 209, CMS = 133). Associations were assessed by multiple logistic regressions adjusted for potential confounders (BMI, pulse oxygen saturation and age). The adjusted models show that the odds of high CVR (>20%) in highlanders with EE was 3.63 times the odds in HH (CI 95%:1.22–10.78; p = 0.020), and that EE is associated to hypertension, elevated fasting serum glucose, insulin resistance, and elevated fasting serum triglycerides. Our results suggest that individuals who suffer from EE are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular events compared with their healthy counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemí Corante
- 1 Laboratorio de Fisiología Comparada, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Fisiológicas, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia. Lima , Perú
| | - Cecilia Anza-Ramírez
- 1 Laboratorio de Fisiología Comparada, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Fisiológicas, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia. Lima , Perú
| | - Rómulo Figueroa-Mujíca
- 1 Laboratorio de Fisiología Comparada, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Fisiológicas, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia. Lima , Perú
| | - José Luis Macarlupú
- 1 Laboratorio de Fisiología Comparada, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Fisiológicas, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia. Lima , Perú
| | - Gustavo Vizcardo-Galindo
- 1 Laboratorio de Fisiología Comparada, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Fisiológicas, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia. Lima , Perú
| | - Grzegorz Bilo
- 2 Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca , Milano, Italy .,3 Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano , Milano, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Parati
- 2 Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca , Milano, Italy .,3 Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano , Milano, Italy
| | - Jorge L Gamboa
- 4 Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center , Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Fabiola León-Velarde
- 1 Laboratorio de Fisiología Comparada, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Fisiológicas, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia. Lima , Perú
| | - Francisco C Villafuerte
- 1 Laboratorio de Fisiología Comparada, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Fisiológicas, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia. Lima , Perú
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14
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Aryal N, Weatherall M, Bhatta YKD, Mann S. Lipid Profiles, Glycated Hemoglobin, and Diabetes in People Living at High Altitude in Nepal. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14091041. [PMID: 28891952 PMCID: PMC5615578 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14091041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to describe lipid profiles and the distribution of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in a sample of a high altitude population of Nepal and to explore associations between these metabolic risk variables and altitude. A cross-sectional survey of cardiovascular disease and associated risk factors was conducted among 521 people living at four different altitude levels, all above 2800 m, in the Mustang and Humla districts of Nepal. Urban participants (residents at 2800 m and 3620 m) had higher total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) than rural participants. A high ratio of TC to high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL) (TC/HDL ≥ 5.0) was found in 23.7% (95% CI 19.6, 28.2) and high TG (≥1.7 mmol/L) in 43.3% (95% CI 38.4, 48.3) of participants overall. Mean HbA1c levels were similar at all altitude levels although urban participants had a higher prevalence of diabetes. Overall, 6.9% (95% CI 4.7, 9.8) of participants had diabetes or were on hypoglycaemic treatment. There was no clear association between lipid profiles or HbA1c and altitude in a multivariate analysis adjusted for possible confounding variables. Residential settings and associated lifestyle practices are more strongly associated with lipid profiles and HbA1c than altitude amongst high altitude residents in Nepal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirmal Aryal
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington 6021, New Zealand.
| | - Mark Weatherall
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington 6021, New Zealand.
| | | | - Stewart Mann
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington 6021, New Zealand.
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15
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Villafuerte FC, Corante N. Chronic Mountain Sickness: Clinical Aspects, Etiology, Management, and Treatment. High Alt Med Biol 2016; 17:61-9. [PMID: 27218284 PMCID: PMC4913504 DOI: 10.1089/ham.2016.0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Villafuerte, Francisco C., and Noemí Corante. Chronic mountain sickness: clinical aspects, etiology, management, and treatment. High Alt Med Biol. 17:61–69, 2016.—Millions of people worldwide live at a high altitude, and a significant number are at risk of developing Chronic Mountain Sickness (CMS), a progressive incapacitating syndrome caused by lifelong exposure to hypoxia. CMS is characterized by severe symptomatic excessive erythrocytosis (EE; Hb ≥19 g/dL for women and Hb ≥21 g/dL for men) and accentuated hypoxemia, which are frequently associated with pulmonary hypertension. In advanced cases, the condition may evolve to cor pulmonale and congestive heart failure. Current knowledge indicates a genetic predisposition to develop CMS. However, there are important risk factors and comorbidities that may trigger and aggravate the condition. Thus, appropriate medical information on CMS is necessary to provide adequate diagnosis and healthcare to high-altitude inhabitants. After reviewing basic clinical aspects of CMS, including its definition, diagnosis, and common clinical findings, we discuss aspects of its etiology, and address its epidemiology, risk factors, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco C Villafuerte
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Comparada, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Fisiológicas, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia , Lima, Perú
| | - Noemí Corante
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Comparada, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Fisiológicas, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia , Lima, Perú
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16
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De Ferrari A, Miranda JJ, Gilman RH, Dávila-Román VG, León-Velarde F, Rivera-Ch M, Huicho L, Bernabé-Ortiz A, Wise RA, Checkley W. Prevalence, clinical profile, iron status, and subject-specific traits for excessive erythrocytosis in andean adults living permanently at 3,825 meters above sea level. Chest 2015; 146:1327-1336. [PMID: 24874587 DOI: 10.1378/chest.14-0298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excessive erythrocytosis (EE) is a prevalent condition in populations living at high altitudes (> 2,500 m above sea level). Few large population-based studies have explored the association between EE and multiple subject-specific traits including oxygen saturation, iron status indicators, and pulmonary function. METHODS We enrolled a sex-stratified and age-stratified sample of 1,065 high-altitude residents aged ≥ 35 years from Puno, Peru (3,825 m above sea level) and conducted a standardized questionnaire and physical examination that included spirometry, pulse oximetry, and a blood sample for multiple clinical markers. Our primary objectives were to estimate the prevalence of EE, characterize the clinical profile and iron status indicators of subjects with EE, and describe subject-specific traits associated with EE. RESULTS Overall prevalence of EE was 4.5% (95% CI, 3.3%-6.0%). Oxygen saturation was significantly lower among EE than non-EE group subjects (85.3% vs 90.1%, P < .001) but no difference was found in iron status indicators between both groups (P > .09 for all values). In multivariable logistic regression, we found that age ≥ 65 years (OR = 2.45, 95% CI, 1.16-5.09), male sex (3.86, 1.78-9.08), having metabolic syndrome (2.66, 1.27-5.75) or being overweight (5.20, 1.95-16.77), pulse oximetry < 85% (14.90, 6.43-34.90), and % predicted FVC < 80% (13.62, 4.40-41.80) were strongly associated with EE. Attributable fractions for EE were greatest for being overweight (26.7%), followed by male sex (21.5%), pulse oximetry < 85% (16.4%), having metabolic syndrome (14.4%), and % predicted FVC < 80% (9.3%). CONCLUSIONS We found a lower prevalence of EE than in previous reports in the Peruvian Andes. Although the presence of hypoxemia and decreased vital capacity were strongly associated with excessive erythrocytosis, being overweight or having metabolic syndrome were associated with an important fraction of cases in our study population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo De Ferrari
- From the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - J Jaime Miranda
- CRONICAS Centre of Excellence for Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru; Departamento de Medicina, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Robert H Gilman
- CRONICAS Centre of Excellence for Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru; Departamento de Medicina, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru; Program in Global Disease Epidemiology and Control, Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Victor G Dávila-Román
- Cardiovascular Imaging and Clinical Research Core Laboratory, Cardiovascular Division, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Fabiola León-Velarde
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Fisiológicas, Laboratorio de Adaptación a la Altura, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Maria Rivera-Ch
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Fisiológicas, Laboratorio de Adaptación a la Altura, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Luis Huicho
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Fisiológicas, Laboratorio de Adaptación a la Altura, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Antonio Bernabé-Ortiz
- CRONICAS Centre of Excellence for Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Robert A Wise
- From the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - William Checkley
- From the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; CRONICAS Centre of Excellence for Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru; Departamento de Medicina, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.
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17
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Chronic mountain sickness score was related with health status score but not with hemoglobin levels at high altitudes. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2013; 188:152-60. [PMID: 23770310 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2013.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2013] [Revised: 06/01/2013] [Accepted: 06/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Chronic mountain sickness (CMS) or lack of adaptation to live in high altitudes is related to environmental hypoxia and excessive erythrocytosis (EE) (hemoglobin >21 and >19 g/dL for men and women, respectively). Diagnosis of CMS ("Qinghai CMS Score") is based on seven signs/symptoms (breathlessness and/or palpitations, sleep disturbance, cyanosis, dilatation of veins, paresthesia, headache, tinnitus) and the score for EE. The present study was designed to determine the association between hemoglobin, Qinghai CMS score, CMS clinical score (7 signs/symptoms) and Health Status using a health survey composed of 20 items. The rate of CMS (32.6%) was higher than the rate of EE (9.7%; P<0.002). A significant inverse relationship was observed between CMS clinical score and health status score (r=-0.56 for men, and r=-0.55 for women, P<0.01). However, CMS clinical score was not different in groups with different Hb levels. Health status score was significantly higher in subjects without CMS. In conclusion, elevated hemoglobin levels were not associated with elevated CMS clinical score.
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18
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Gonzales GF. Serum testosterone levels and excessive erythrocytosis during the process of adaptation to high altitudes. Asian J Androl 2013; 15:368-74. [PMID: 23524530 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2012.170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Populations living at high altitudes (HAs), particularly in the Peruvian Andes, are characterized by a mixture of subjects with erythrocytosis (16 g dl(-1)<haemoglobin (Hb)≤21 g dl(-1)) and others with excessive erythrocytosis (EE) (Hb>21 g dl(-1)). Elevated haemoglobin values (EE) are associated with chronic mountain sickness, a condition reflecting the lack of adaptation to HA. According to current data, native men from regions of HA are not adequately adapted to live at such altitudes if they have elevated serum testosterone levels. This seems to be due to an increased conversion of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) to testosterone. Men with erythrocytosis at HAs show higher serum androstenedione levels and a lower testosterone/androstenedione ratio than men with EE, suggesting reduced 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17beta-HSD) activity. Lower 17beta-HSD activity via Δ4-steroid production in men with erythrocytosis at HA may protect against elevated serum testosterone levels, thus preventing EE. The higher conversion of DHEAS to testosterone in subjects with EE indicates increased 17beta-HSD activity via the Δ5-pathway. Currently, there are various situations in which people live (human biodiversity) with low or high haemoglobin levels at HA. Antiquity could be an important adaptation component for life at HA, and testosterone seems to participate in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo F Gonzales
- High Altitude Research Institute and Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima 31, Peru.
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