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Wu R, Guang Z, Wang Y, Xue B, Zhang A, Dawa Y, Guo C, Tong X, Wang S, Lu C. Eating disorders symptoms and depressive symptoms in Chinese Tibetan University students: a network analysis. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:957. [PMID: 38129774 PMCID: PMC10734136 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05452-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is being increasingly acknowledged as a global public health concern, and following this trend, attention towards eating disorders (EDs) has surged within China's national consciousness. EDs symptoms frequently coexist with various mental health conditions, including depression. However, research focusing on EDs symptoms and depressive symptoms among Tibetan students in China remains scant. This study employs network analysis to estimate the relational network between EDs and depressive symptoms. METHODS Tibetan (n = 2,582) and Han (n = 1,743) students from two universities in the Xizang Autonomous Region, China, completed the Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT-26) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). We estimated the network structure of EDs symptoms and depressive symptoms, identified central and bridge symptoms, and examined whether network characteristics differed by gender and ethnic. RESULTS The core symptoms identified within this study were Calorie_awareness, Desire_to_thin and Fatigue. Conversely, bridge symptoms included Appetite, Suicide, Anhedonia, Guilty, Body_fat_awareness, and Food_preoccupation. The study also revealed no significant gender differences within the network model. However, disparities among ethnic groups were observed within the network structure. CONCLUSIONS Our study examined the correlation between EDs symptoms and depressive symptoms in Tibetan college students. Focusing on the individual's quest for the perfect body shape and some Tibetan students' appetite problems - potentially stemming from transitioning to a new university environment, adapting to the school canteen's diet, or being away from their hometown - could aid in the prevention and management of EDs and depression symptoms. It could reduce the incidence of complications by helping students maintain good physical and mental health. Concurrently, our research provides insights into the relatively higher levels of depression triggered by the unique plateau environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruipeng Wu
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Genetic Mechanisms and Intervention Research On High Altitude Disease of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, 712082, Xianyang, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of High Altitude Hypoxia Environment and Life Health, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, 712082, Xianyang, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, 210009, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zixuan Guang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Genetic Mechanisms and Intervention Research On High Altitude Disease of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, 712082, Xianyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingting Wang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Genetic Mechanisms and Intervention Research On High Altitude Disease of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, 712082, Xianyang, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of High Altitude Hypoxia Environment and Life Health, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, 712082, Xianyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Bei Xue
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Genetic Mechanisms and Intervention Research On High Altitude Disease of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, 712082, Xianyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Ailing Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Genetic Mechanisms and Intervention Research On High Altitude Disease of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, 712082, Xianyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yundan Dawa
- Department of Tibetan Medicine, University of Tibetan Medicine(UTC), 850000, Lhasa, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenghui Guo
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Genetic Mechanisms and Intervention Research On High Altitude Disease of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, 712082, Xianyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaopeng Tong
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Genetic Mechanisms and Intervention Research On High Altitude Disease of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, 712082, Xianyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaokang Wang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Genetic Mechanisms and Intervention Research On High Altitude Disease of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, 712082, Xianyang, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, 210009, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ciyong Lu
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
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Ma Q, Ma J, Cui J, Zhang C, Li Y, Liu J, Xie K, Luo E, Tang C, Zhai M. Oxygen enrichment protects against intestinal damage and gut microbiota disturbance in rats exposed to acute high-altitude hypoxia. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1268701. [PMID: 37901817 PMCID: PMC10600524 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1268701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute high-altitude hypoxia can lead to intestinal damage and changes in gut microbiota. Sustained and reliable oxygen enrichment can resist hypoxic damage at high altitude to a certain extent. However, it remains unclear whether oxygen enrichment can protect against gut damage and changes in intestinal flora caused by acute altitude hypoxia. For this study, eighteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups, control (NN), hypobaric hypoxic (HH), and oxygen-enriched (HO). The NN group was raised under normobaric normoxia, whereas the HH group was placed in a hypobaric hypoxic chamber simulating 7,000 m for 3 days. The HO group was exposed to oxygen-enriched air in the same hypobaric hypoxic chamber as the HH group for 12 h daily. Our findings indicate that an acute HH environment caused a fracture of the crypt structure, loss of epithelial cells, and reduction in goblet cells. Additionally, the structure and diversity of bacteria decreased in richness and evenness. The species composition at Phylum and Genus level was characterized by a higher ratio of Firmicutes and Bacteroides and an increased abundance of Lactobacillus with the abundance of Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group decreased in the HH group. Interestingly, after oxygen enrichment intervention, the intestinal injury was significantly restrained. This was confirmed by an increase in the crypt depth, intact epithelial cell morphology, increased relative density of goblet cells, and higher evenness and richness of the gut microbiota, Bacteroidetes and Prevotellaceae as the main microbiota in the HO group. Finally, functional analysis showed significant differences between the different groups with respect to different metabolic pathways, including Amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism, and metabolism. In conclusion, this study verifies, for the first time, the positive effects of oxygen enrichment on gut structure and microbiota in animals experiencing acute hypobaric hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Ma
- The College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiaojiao Ma
- The College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jinxiu Cui
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chenxu Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuanzhe Li
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Juan Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Kangning Xie
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Erping Luo
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chi Tang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetic Detection and Intelligent Perception, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Mingming Zhai
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetic Detection and Intelligent Perception, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
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3
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Chen X, Zhang J, Lin Y, Li Y, Wang H, Wang Z, Liu H, Hu Y, Liu L. Mechanism, prevention and treatment of cognitive impairment caused by high altitude exposure. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1191058. [PMID: 37731540 PMCID: PMC10507266 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1191058] [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: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypobaric hypoxia (HH) characteristics induce impaired cognitive function, reduced concentration, and memory. In recent years, an increasing number of people have migrated to high-altitude areas for work and study. Headache, sleep disturbance, and cognitive impairment from HH, severely challenges the physical and mental health and affects their quality of life and work efficiency. This review summarizes the manifestations, mechanisms, and preventive and therapeutic methods of HH environment affecting cognitive function and provides theoretical references for exploring and treating high altitude-induced cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiexin Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Faculty of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Sciences, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yuan Lin
- Sichuan Xincheng Biological Co., LTD., Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of General Surgery, The 77th Army Hospital, Leshan, Sichuan, China
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhanhao Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Huawei Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yonghe Hu
- Faculty of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Medical Research Center, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Muñoz S, Nazzal C, Jimenez D, Frenz P, Flores P, Alcantara-Zapata D, Marchetti N. Health Effects of Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia at a High Altitude among Chilean Miners: Rationale, Design, and Baseline Results of a Longitudinal Study. Ann Work Expo Health 2021; 65:908-918. [PMID: 34435202 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxab029] [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: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to assess the health effects on mining workers of exposure to chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) at high- and very high-altitude mining compared with similar work at lower altitudes in Chile, and it also aims to constitute the baseline of a 5-year follow-up study. METHODS We designed a cross-sectional study to assess health conditions in 483 miners working at 2 levels of altitude exposure: 336 working at a very high or high altitude (HA; 247 above 3900-4400 m, and 89 at 3000-3900 m), and 147 below 2400 m. Subjects were randomly selected in two stages. First, a selection of mines from a census of mines in each altitude stratum was made. Secondly, workers with less than 2 years of employment at each of the selected mines were recruited. The main outcomes measured at the baseline were mountain sickness, sleep alterations, hypertension, body mass index, and neurocognitive functions. RESULTS Prevalence of acute mountain sickness (AMS) was 28.4% in the very high-altitude stratum (P = 0.0001 compared with the low stratum), and 71.7% experienced sleep disturbance (P = 0.02). The adjusted odds ratio for AMS was 9.2 (95% confidence interval: 5.2-16.3) when compared with the very high- and low-altitude groups. Motor processing speed and spatial working memory score were lower for the high-altitude group. Hypertension was lower in the highest-altitude subjects, which may be attributed to preoccupational screening even though this was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Despite longer periods of acclimatization to CIH, subjects continue to present AMS and sleep disturbance. Compromise of executive functions was detected, including working memory at HA. Further rigorous research is warranted to understand long-term health impacts of high-altitude mining, and to provide evidence-based policy recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Muñoz
- Department of Public Health-CIGES, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, 01145 Av. Francisco Salazar, Casilla 54-D, Temuco, Chile
| | - Carolina Nazzal
- Program of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, 939 Av. Independencia, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daniel Jimenez
- Program of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, 939 Av. Independencia, Santiago, Chile
| | - Patricia Frenz
- Program of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, 939 Av. Independencia, Santiago, Chile
| | - Patricia Flores
- Faculty of Medicine, Psychiatry Department, Catholic University of Chile, 12351 Camino El Alba, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile.,Servicio de Neurología, Departamento de Medicina, Clínica Alemana-Universidad del Desarrollo, Avenida Vitacura 5951, Región Metropolitana de Santiago, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - Diana Alcantara-Zapata
- Program of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, 939 Av. Independencia, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nella Marchetti
- Program of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, 939 Av. Independencia, Santiago, Chile
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Cai J, Ruan J, Shao X, Ding Y, Xie K, Tang C, Yan Z, Luo E, Jing D. Oxygen Enrichment Mitigates High-Altitude Hypoxia-Induced Hippocampal Neurodegeneration and Memory Dysfunction Associated with Attenuated Tau Phosphorylation. High Alt Med Biol 2021; 22:274-284. [PMID: 34348049 DOI: 10.1089/ham.2020.0218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cai, Jing, Junyong Ruan, Xi Shao, Yuanjun Ding, Kangning Xie, Chi Tang, Zedong Yan, Erping Luo, and Da Jing. Oxygen enrichment mitigates high-altitude hypoxia-induced hippocampal neurodegeneration and memory dysfunction associated with attenuated tau phosphorylation. High Alt Med Biol 00:000-000, 2021. Background: Brain is predominantly vulnerable to high-altitude hypoxia (HAH), resulting in neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment. The technology of oxygen enrichment has proven effective to decrease the heart rate and improve the arterial oxygen saturation by reducing the equivalent altitude. However, the efficacy of oxygen enrichment on HAH-induced cognitive impairments remains controversial based on the results of neuropsychological tests, and its role in HAH-induced hippocampal morphological and molecular changes remains unknown. Therefore, this study aims to systematically investigate the effects of oxygen enrichment on the memory dysfunction and hippocampal neurodegeneration caused by HAH. Materials and Methods: Fifty-one male Sprague-Dawley rats were equally assigned to three groups: normal control, HAH, and HAH with oxygen enrichment (HAHO). Rats in the HAH and HAHO groups were exposed to hypoxia for 3 days in a hypobaric hypoxia chamber at a simulated altitude of 6,000 m. Rats in the HAHO group were supplemented with oxygen-enriched air, with 12 hours/day in the hypobaric hypoxia chamber. Results: Our results showed that oxygen enrichment improved the locomotor activity of HAH-exposed rats. The Morris water maze test revealed that oxygen enrichment significantly ameliorated HAH-induced spatial memory deficits. Oxygen enrichment also improved morphological alterations of pyramidal cells and the ultrastructure of neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region in rats exposed to acute HAH. Tau hyperphosphorylation at Ser396, Ser262, Thr231, and Thr181 was also significantly attenuated by oxygen enrichment in HAH-exposed rats. Conclusions: Together, our study reveals that oxygen enrichment can ameliorate HAH-induced cognitive impairments associated with improved hippocampal morphology and molecular expression, and highlights that oxygen enrichment may become a promising alternative treatment against neurodegeneration for humans ascending to the plateau.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Cai
- Department of Clinical Diagnostics, College of Basic Medicine, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Junyong Ruan
- Medical Engineering Department, Qingdao Special Servicemen Recuperation Center of PLA Navy, Qingdao, China
| | - Xi Shao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuanjun Ding
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kangning Xie
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chi Tang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zedong Yan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Erping Luo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Da Jing
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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6
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Wang J, Zhou Y, Liang Y, Liu Z. A Large Sample Survey of Tibetan People on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau: Current Situation of Depression and Risk Factors. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 17:ijerph17010289. [PMID: 31906177 PMCID: PMC6981986 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17010289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A depressive state is a negative emotional state characterized by abnormal dejection and unpleasant mood. Long-term depressive symptoms can result in psychological disorders such as depression. However, little is known about the depression status and risk factors of the Tibetan people on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. OBJECTIVE This study explores the depression status of the Tibetan people to better promote ethnic minorities' physical and mental health. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was administered to 24,141 Tibetan people from Yushu Prefecture; the average age was 34.33 years (SD = 9.18, range = 18-94 years). MATERIALS AND METHODS Participants completed questionnaires collecting demographic information and evaluating symptoms of depression. RESULTS The depression prevalence was higher at high altitudes, and there may be a significant positive correlation between depression rates and altitude. Significant differences were found for each demographic variable. Participants with depressive symptoms (scores ≥8) accounted for 52.3% of the total sample, and participants with depression (scores ≥14) accounted for 28.6%. The binary logistic regression results showed that alcohol drinkers, unmarried participants, participants with high self-assessed socioeconomic status, participants with a high income level, and those with a middle-school education were more likely to be depressed. CONCLUSIONS The results provide the first evidence that the prevalence of depression in Tibetans of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is higher than that in the general Chinese population and that reported in Western studies, a finding that may be related to cultural differences and chronic hypoxia caused by the high altitude. This paper offers insight into the mental health status of people living in plateau areas and provides a basis for formulating pertinent mental health policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiazhou Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing 100101, China; (J.W.); (Y.Z.)
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yueyue Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing 100101, China; (J.W.); (Y.Z.)
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yiming Liang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing 100101, China; (J.W.); (Y.Z.)
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhengkui Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing 100101, China; (J.W.); (Y.Z.)
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-10-6487-1358
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Heinrich EC, Djokic MA, Gilbertson D, DeYoung PN, Bosompra NO, Wu L, Anza-Ramirez C, Orr JE, Powell FL, Malhotra A, Simonson TS. Cognitive function and mood at high altitude following acclimatization and use of supplemental oxygen and adaptive servoventilation sleep treatments. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0217089. [PMID: 31188839 PMCID: PMC6561544 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Impairments in cognitive function, mood, and sleep quality occur following ascent to high altitude. Low oxygen (hypoxia) and poor sleep quality are both linked to impaired cognitive performance, but their independent contributions at high altitude remain unknown. Adaptive servoventilation (ASV) improves sleep quality by stabilizing breathing and preventing central apneas without supplemental oxygen. We compared the efficacy of ASV and supplemental oxygen sleep treatments for improving daytime cognitive function and mood in high-altitude visitors (N = 18) during acclimatization to 3,800 m. Each night, subjects were randomly provided with ASV, supplemental oxygen (SpO2 > 95%), or no treatment. Each morning subjects completed a series of cognitive function tests and questionnaires to assess mood and multiple aspects of cognitive performance. We found that both ASV and supplemental oxygen (O2) improved daytime feelings of confusion (ASV: p < 0.01; O2: p < 0.05) and fatigue (ASV: p < 0.01; O2: p < 0.01) but did not improve other measures of cognitive performance at high altitude. However, performance improved on the trail making tests (TMT) A and B (p < 0.001), the balloon analog risk test (p < 0.0001), and the psychomotor vigilance test (p < 0.01) over the course of three days at altitude after controlling for effects of sleep treatments. Compared to sea level, subjects reported higher levels of confusion (p < 0.01) and performed worse on the TMT A (p < 0.05) and the emotion recognition test (p < 0.05) on nights when they received no treatment at high altitude. These results suggest that stabilizing breathing (ASV) or increasing oxygenation (supplemental oxygen) during sleep can reduce feelings of fatigue and confusion, but that daytime hypoxia may play a larger role in other cognitive impairments reported at high altitude. Furthermore, this study provides evidence that some aspects of cognition (executive control, risk inhibition, sustained attention) improve with acclimatization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica C. Heinrich
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Matea A. Djokic
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Dillon Gilbertson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Pamela N. DeYoung
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Naa-Oye Bosompra
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Lu Wu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Cecilia Anza-Ramirez
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Fisiológicas, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Jeremy E. Orr
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Frank L. Powell
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Atul Malhotra
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Tatum S. Simonson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
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Hilty MP, Merz TM, Hefti U, Ince C, Maggiorini M, Pichler Hefti J. Recruitment of non-perfused sublingual capillaries increases microcirculatory oxygen extraction capacity throughout ascent to 7126 m. J Physiol 2019; 597:2623-2638. [PMID: 30843200 DOI: 10.1113/jp277590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS A physiological response to increase microcirculatory oxygen extraction capacity at high altitude is to recruit capillaries. In the present study, we report that high altitude-induced sublingual capillary recruitment is an intrinsic mechanism of the sublingual microcirculation that is independent of changes in cardiac output, arterial blood pressure or systemic vascular hindrance. Using a topical nitroglycerin challenge to the sublingual microcirculation, we show that high altitude-related capillary recruitment is a functional response of the sublingual microcirculation as opposed to an anatomical response associated with angiogenesis. The concurrent presence of a low capillary density and high microvascular reactivity to topical nitroglycerin at sea level was found to be associated with a failure to reach the summit, whereas the presence of a high baseline capillary density with the ability to further increase maximum recruitable capillary density upon ascent to an extreme altitude was associated with summit success. ABSTRACT A high altitude (HA) stay is associated with an increase in sublingual capillary total vessel density (TVD), suggesting microvascular recruitment. We hypothesized that microvascular recruitment occurs independent of cardiac output changes, that it relies on haemodynamic changes within the microcirculation as opposed to structural changes and that microcirculatory function is related to individual performance at HA. In 41 healthy subjects, sublingual handheld vital microscopy and echocardiography were performed at sea level (SL), as well as at 6022 m (C2) and 7042 m (C3), during ascent to 7126 m within 21 days. Sublingual topical nitroglycerin was applied to measure microvascular reactivity and maximum recruitable TVD (TVDNG ). HA exposure decreased resting cardiac output, whereas TVD (mean ± SD) increased from 18.81 ± 3.92 to 20.92 ± 3.66 and 21.25 ± 2.27 mm mm-2 (P < 0.01). The difference between TVD and TVDNG was 2.28 ± 4.59 mm mm-2 at SL (P < 0.01) but remained undetectable at HA. Maximal TVDNG was observed at C3. Those who reached the summit (n = 15) demonstrated higher TVD at SL (P < 0.01), comparable to TVDNG in non-summiters (n = 21) at SL and in both groups at C2. Recruitment of sublingual capillary TVD to increase microcirculatory oxygen extraction capacity at HA was found to be an intrinsic mechanism of the microcirculation independent of cardiac output changes. Microvascular reactivity to topical nitroglycerin demonstrated that HA-related capillary recruitment is a functional response as opposed to a structural change. The performance of the vascular microcirculation needed to reach the summit was found to be associated with a higher TVD at SL and the ability to further increase TVDNG upon ascent to extreme altitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Peter Hilty
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Intensive Care, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tobias Michael Merz
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Urs Hefti
- Swiss Sportclinic, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Can Ince
- Department of Intensive Care, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marco Maggiorini
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jacqueline Pichler Hefti
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Patrician A, Tymko MM, Caldwell HG, Howe CA, Coombs GB, Stone R, Hamilton A, Hoiland RL, Ainslie PN. The Effect of an Expiratory Resistance Mask with Dead Space on Sleep, Acute Mountain Sickness, Cognition, and Ventilatory Acclimatization in Normobaric Hypoxia. High Alt Med Biol 2019; 20:61-70. [PMID: 30720346 DOI: 10.1089/ham.2018.0074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined the hypothesis that an expiratory resistance mask containing a small amount of dead space (ER/DS) would reduce the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) during sleep, attenuate the severity of acute mountain sickness (AMS), and offset decrements in cognitive function compared with a sham mask. In a double-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled, crossover design, 19 volunteers were exposed to two nights of normobaric hypoxia (FIO2 = 0.125), using a ER/DS mask (3.5 mm restrictive expiratory orifice; 125 mL DS volume) and sham mask (zero-flow resistance; 50 mL DS volume). Cognitive function, AMS, and ventilatory acclimatization were assessed before and after the 12-hour normobaric hypoxia exposure. Polysomnography was conducted during sleep. AHI was reduced using the ER/DS sleep mask compared with the sham (30.1 ± 23.9 events·hr-1 vs. 58.9 ± 34.4 events·hr-1, respectively; p = 0.01). Likewise, oxygen desaturation index and headache severity were reduced (both p < 0.05). There were also benefits on limiting the hypoxia-induced reductions in select measures of reaction speed and attention (p < 0.05). Our study indicates that a simple noninvasive and portable ER/DS mask resulted in reductions (49%) in AHI, and reduced headache severity and aspects of cognitive decline. The field applications of this ER/DS mask should be investigated before recommendations can be made to support its benefit for travel to high altitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Patrician
- Center for Heart, Lung and Vascular Health, University of British Columbia, Okanagan, Kelowna, Canada
| | - Michael M Tymko
- Center for Heart, Lung and Vascular Health, University of British Columbia, Okanagan, Kelowna, Canada
| | - Hannah G Caldwell
- Center for Heart, Lung and Vascular Health, University of British Columbia, Okanagan, Kelowna, Canada
| | - Connor A Howe
- Center for Heart, Lung and Vascular Health, University of British Columbia, Okanagan, Kelowna, Canada
| | - Geoff B Coombs
- Center for Heart, Lung and Vascular Health, University of British Columbia, Okanagan, Kelowna, Canada
| | - Rachel Stone
- Center for Heart, Lung and Vascular Health, University of British Columbia, Okanagan, Kelowna, Canada
| | - Allison Hamilton
- Center for Heart, Lung and Vascular Health, University of British Columbia, Okanagan, Kelowna, Canada
| | - Ryan L Hoiland
- Center for Heart, Lung and Vascular Health, University of British Columbia, Okanagan, Kelowna, Canada
| | - Philip N Ainslie
- Center for Heart, Lung and Vascular Health, University of British Columbia, Okanagan, Kelowna, Canada
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Reno E, Brown TL, Betz ME, Allen MH, Hoffecker L, Reitinger J, Roach R, Honigman B. Suicide and High Altitude: An Integrative Review. High Alt Med Biol 2018; 19:99-108. [DOI: 10.1089/ham.2016.0131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Reno
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Talia L. Brown
- Boulder County Public Health, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Marian E. Betz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Michael H. Allen
- Johnson Depression Center, Department of Psychiatry and Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Lilian Hoffecker
- Health Sciences Library, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Jeremy Reitinger
- Altitude Research Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Robert Roach
- Altitude Research Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Benjamin Honigman
- Altitude Research Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
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Moraga FA, López I, Morales A, Soza D, Noack J. The Effect of Oxygen Enrichment on Cardiorespiratory and Neuropsychological Responses in Workers With Chronic Intermittent Exposure to High Altitude (ALMA, 5,050 m). Front Physiol 2018; 9:187. [PMID: 29628892 PMCID: PMC5876232 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
It is estimated that labor activity at high altitudes in Chile will increase from 60,000 to 120,000 workers by the year 2020. Oxygenation of spaces improves the quality of life for workers at high geographic altitudes (<5,000 m). The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a mobile oxygen module system on cardiorespiratory and neuropsychological performance in a population of workers from Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA, 5,050 m) radiotelescope in the Chajnantor Valley, Chile. We evaluated pulse oximetry, systolic and diastolic arterial pressure (SAP/DAP), and performed neuropsychological tests (Mini-Mental State examination, Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure test) at environmental oxygen conditions (5,050 m), and subsequently in a mobile oxygenation module that increases the fraction of oxygen in order to mimic the higher oxygen partial pressure of lower altitudes (2,900 m). The use of module oxygenation at an altitude of 5,050 m, simulating an altitude of 2,900 m, increased oxygen saturation from 84 ± 0.8 to 91 ± 0.8% (p < 0.00001), decreased heart rate from 90 ± 8 to 77 ± 12 bpm (p < 0.01) and DAP from 96 ± 3 to 87 ± 5 mmHg (p < 0.01). In addition, mental cognitive state of workers (Mini-Mental State Examination) shown an increased from 19 to 31 points (p < 0.02). Furthermore, the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure test (memory) shown a significant increase from 35 to 70 (p < 0.0001). The results demonstrate that the use of an oxygen module system at 5,050 m, simulating an altitude equivalent to 2,900 m, by increasing FiO2 at 28%, significantly improves cardiorespiratory response and enhances neuropsychological performance in workers exposed to an altitude of 5,050 m.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando A. Moraga
- Laboratorio de Fisiología, Hipoxia y Función Vascular, Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Iván López
- Safety Group, Atacama Large Millimeter Submillimeter Array, Calama, Chile
| | - Alicia Morales
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Enfermería, Universidad Santo Tomás, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daniel Soza
- Safety Group, Atacama Large Millimeter Submillimeter Array, Calama, Chile
| | - Jessica Noack
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Enfermería, Universidad Santo Tomás, Santiago, Chile
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12
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Ha H. Geographic Variation in Mentally Unhealthy Days: Air Pollution and Altitude Perspectives. High Alt Med Biol 2017; 18:258-266. [DOI: 10.1089/ham.2016.0137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hoehun Ha
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Geography, Auburn University at Montgomery, Montgomery, Alabama
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Depression and Altitude: Cross-Sectional Community-Based Study Among Elderly High-Altitude Residents in the Himalayan Regions. Cult Med Psychiatry 2016; 40:1-11. [PMID: 26162459 DOI: 10.1007/s11013-015-9462-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Suicide rates are higher at high altitudes, and some hypothesize that hypoxia is the cause. There may be a significant correlation between rates of depression and altitude, but little data exist outside the United States. The purpose of the present study is to conduct a survey of depression among the elderly highlanders in Asia. We enrolled 114 persons aged 60 years or older (mean, 69.2 ± 6.7 years; women, 58.8%) in Domkhar (altitude, 3800 m), Ladakh, India and 173 ethnic Tibetans (mean, 66.5 ± 6.1 years; women, 61.3%) in Yushu (altitude, 3700 m), Qinghai Province, China. The two-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2) and the geriatric depression scale were administered. A psychiatrist interviewed the subjects who had a positive score on the PHQ-2. The results of the interview with the residents conducted by the specialist showed that two cases (1.8%) from Domkhar and four (2.3%) from Qinghai had depression. Despite the high altitude, the probability of depression was low in elderly highlander in Ladakh and Qinghai. Our finding seems to indicate that cultural factors such as religious outlook and social/family relationship inhibit the development of depression.
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Liu G, Liu X, Qin Z, Gu Z, Wang G, Shi W, Wen D, Yu L, Luo Y, Xiao H. Cardiovascular System Response to Carbon Dioxide and Exercise in Oxygen-Enriched Environment at 3800 m. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2015; 12:11781-96. [PMID: 26393634 PMCID: PMC4586707 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph120911781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Revised: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background: This study explores the responses of the cardiovascular system as humans exercise in an oxygen-enriched room at high altitude under various concentrations of CO2. Methods: The study utilized a hypobaric chamber set to the following specifications: 3800 m altitude with 25% O2 and different CO2 concentrations of 0.5% (C1), 3.0% (C2) and 5.0% (C3). Subjects exercised for 3 min three times, separated by 30 min resting periods in the above-mentioned conditions, at sea level (SL) and at 3800 m altitude (HA). The changes of heart rate variability, heart rate and blood pressure were analyzed. Results: Total power (TP) and high frequency power (HF) decreased notably during post-exercise at HA. HF increased prominently earlier the post-exercise period at 3800 m altitude with 25% O2 and 5.0% CO2 (C3), while low frequency power (LF) changed barely in all tests. The ratios of LF/HF were significantly higher during post-exercise in HA, and lower after high intensity exercise in C3. Heart rate and systolic blood pressure increased significantly in HA and C3. Conclusions: Parasympathetic activity dominated in cardiac autonomic modulation, and heart rate and blood pressure increased significantly after high intensity exercise in C3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohui Liu
- School of Aeronautic Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Xiaopeng Liu
- High Altitude Physiology Laboratory, Institute of Aviation Medicine, Air Force, Beijing 100142, China.
| | - Zhifeng Qin
- High Altitude Physiology Laboratory, Institute of Aviation Medicine, Air Force, Beijing 100142, China.
| | - Zhao Gu
- High Altitude Physiology Laboratory, Institute of Aviation Medicine, Air Force, Beijing 100142, China.
| | - Guiyou Wang
- High Altitude Physiology Laboratory, Institute of Aviation Medicine, Air Force, Beijing 100142, China.
| | - Weiru Shi
- High Altitude Physiology Laboratory, Institute of Aviation Medicine, Air Force, Beijing 100142, China.
| | - Dongqing Wen
- High Altitude Physiology Laboratory, Institute of Aviation Medicine, Air Force, Beijing 100142, China.
| | - Lihua Yu
- High Altitude Physiology Laboratory, Institute of Aviation Medicine, Air Force, Beijing 100142, China.
| | - Yongchang Luo
- High Altitude Physiology Laboratory, Institute of Aviation Medicine, Air Force, Beijing 100142, China.
| | - Huajun Xiao
- High Altitude Physiology Laboratory, Institute of Aviation Medicine, Air Force, Beijing 100142, China.
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15
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Silva-Urra JA, Núñez-Espinosa CA, Niño-Mendez OA, Gaitán-Peñas H, Altavilla C, Toro-Salinas A, Torrella JR, Pagès T, Javierre CF, Behn C, Viscor G. Circadian and Sex Differences After Acute High-Altitude Exposure: Are Early Acclimation Responses Improved by Blue Light? Wilderness Environ Med 2015; 26:459-71. [PMID: 26254125 DOI: 10.1016/j.wem.2015.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Revised: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The possible effects of blue light during acute hypoxia and the circadian rhythm on several physiological and cognitive parameters were studied. METHODS Fifty-seven volunteers were randomly assigned to 2 groups: nocturnal (2200-0230 hours) or diurnal (0900-1330 hours) and exposed to acute hypoxia (4000 m simulated altitude) in a hypobaric chamber. The participants were illuminated by blue LEDs or common artificial light on 2 different days. During each session, arterial oxygen saturation (Spo2), blood pressure, heart rate variability, and cognitive parameters were measured at sea level, after reaching the simulated altitude of 4000 m, and after 3 hours at this altitude. RESULTS The circadian rhythm caused significant differences in blood pressure and heart rate variability. A 4% to 9% decrease in waking nocturnal Spo2 under acute hypoxia was observed. Acute hypoxia also induced a significant reduction (4%-8%) in systolic pressure, slightly more marked (up to 13%) under blue lighting. Women had significantly increased systolic (4%) and diastolic (12%) pressures under acute hypoxia at night compared with daytime pressure; this was not observed in men. Some tendencies toward better cognitive performance (d2 attention test) were seen under blue illumination, although when considered together with physiological parameters and reaction time, there was no conclusive favorable effect of blue light on cognitive fatigue suppression after 3 hours of acute hypobaric hypoxia. CONCLUSIONS It remains to be seen whether longer exposure to blue light under hypobaric hypoxic conditions would induce favorable effects against fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan A Silva-Urra
- Departamento Biomédico, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | | | - Oscar A Niño-Mendez
- Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques II, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Casimiro F Javierre
- Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques II, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Claus Behn
- Laboratorio de Ambientes Extremos (ICBM), Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile
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16
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Moraga FA, Jiménez D, Richalet JP, Vargas M, Osorio J. Periodic breathing and oxygen supplementation in Chilean miners at high altitude (4200m). Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2014; 203:109-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2014.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Revised: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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17
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Li Y, Liu Y. Oxygen enrichment and its application to life support systems for workers in high-altitude areas. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2014; 20:207-14. [PMID: 25000108 DOI: 10.1179/2049396714y.0000000068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Workers coming from lowland regions are at risk of developing acute mountain sickness (AMS) when working in low oxygen high-altitude areas. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to improve the conditions that lead to hypoxia and ensure the safety of the high-altitude workers. We analyzed the influence of low atmospheric pressure on the oxygen enrichment process in high-altitude areas using an engineering method called low-pressure swing adsorption (LPSA). METHODS Fourteen male subjects were screened and divided into three groups by type of oxygen supply system used: (1) oxygen cylinder group; (2) LPSA oxygen dispersal group; and (3) control group. These tests included arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), pulse rate (PR), breaths per minute (BPM), and blood pressure (BP). RESULTS The results showed that after supplying oxygen using the LPSA method at the tunnel face, the SaO2 of workers increased; the incidence of acute mountain sickness, PR, and BPM significantly decreased. CONCLUSIONS The LPSA life support system was found to be a simple, convenient, efficient, reliable, and applicable approach to ensure proper working conditions at construction sites in high-altitude areas.
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18
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Ishikawa M, Yamanaka G, Nakajima S, Suwa K, Matsuda A, Nakaoka T, Okumiya K, Matsubayashi K, Otsuka K. [Association between high altitude and depression in the Himalayas and the Andes]. Nihon Ronen Igakkai Zasshi 2014; 50:330-4. [PMID: 23979333 DOI: 10.3143/geriatrics.50.330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
AIM Suicide rates in the United States are higher in higher altitude areas, and hypoxia has been cited as a factor in these higher rates. There may be a significant correlation between rates of depression and altitude, but little data exist outside the United States. The purpose of the present study is to conduct a survey of depression among the elderly residing in the Himalayas and the Andes. METHOD We visited Ladakh (altitude 3,800-4,800 m) in India, Qinghai (3,700 m) in China and Puyca (3,600 m) in Peru between July 2009 and July 2011. We recruited 114 farmers from Domkhar in Ladakh (mean age, 69.2 years; female-male ratio, 58.8%), 206 nomads from Changthang in Ladakh (55.1 years; 43.7%), 173 Tibetan subjects from Qinghai (66.5 years; 61.3%) and 103 indigenous Andean subjects from Puyca (69.0 years; 68.0%). The two-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2) was administered to the subjects. A psychiatrist interviewed the residents with single or double positive scores on the PHQ-2. RESULT The ratio of subjects with one or more positive score in PHQ-2 was significantly higher in Qinghai than in other regions. (Domkhar vs. Changthang vs. Qinghai vs. Puyca = 7.0% vs. 5.3% vs. 36.9% vs. 15.5%, P<0.001). However, prevalence of depression by interview did not change in these regions. (1.8% vs. 1.9% vs. 2.3% vs. 2.9%). CONCLUSION Despite the high altitude, the prevalence of depression was low in elderly highlanders in the Himalayas and the Andes. These results may relate to being presumed to related to a deep devotion to a religion and tight interpersonal networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motonao Ishikawa
- Department of Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Medical Center East
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19
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Subudhi AW, Bourdillon N, Bucher J, Davis C, Elliott JE, Eutermoster M, Evero O, Fan JL, Houten SJV, Julian CG, Kark J, Kark S, Kayser B, Kern JP, Kim SE, Lathan C, Laurie SS, Lovering AT, Paterson R, Polaner DM, Ryan BJ, Spira JL, Tsao JW, Wachsmuth NB, Roach RC. AltitudeOmics: the integrative physiology of human acclimatization to hypobaric hypoxia and its retention upon reascent. PLoS One 2014; 9:e92191. [PMID: 24658407 PMCID: PMC3962396 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0092191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2013] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
An understanding of human responses to hypoxia is important for the health of millions of people worldwide who visit, live, or work in the hypoxic environment encountered at high altitudes. In spite of dozens of studies over the last 100 years, the basic mechanisms controlling acclimatization to hypoxia remain largely unknown. The AltitudeOmics project aimed to bridge this gap. Our goals were 1) to describe a phenotype for successful acclimatization and assess its retention and 2) use these findings as a foundation for companion mechanistic studies. Our approach was to characterize acclimatization by measuring changes in arterial oxygenation and hemoglobin concentration [Hb], acute mountain sickness (AMS), cognitive function, and exercise performance in 21 subjects as they acclimatized to 5260 m over 16 days. We then focused on the retention of acclimatization by having subjects reascend to 5260 m after either 7 (n = 14) or 21 (n = 7) days at 1525 m. At 16 days at 5260 m we observed: 1) increases in arterial oxygenation and [Hb] (compared to acute hypoxia: PaO2 rose 9±4 mmHg to 45±4 while PaCO2 dropped a further 6±3 mmHg to 21±3, and [Hb] rose 1.8±0.7 g/dL to 16±2 g/dL; 2) no AMS; 3) improved cognitive function; and 4) improved exercise performance by 8±8% (all changes p<0.01). Upon reascent, we observed retention of arterial oxygenation but not [Hb], protection from AMS, retention of exercise performance, less retention of cognitive function; and noted that some of these effects lasted for 21 days. Taken together, these findings reveal new information about retention of acclimatization, and can be used as a physiological foundation to explore the molecular mechanisms of acclimatization and its retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew W. Subudhi
- Altitude Research Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- Department of Biology, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Nicolas Bourdillon
- Institute of Sports Sciences and Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jenna Bucher
- Department of Human Physiology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Christopher Davis
- Altitude Research Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Jonathan E. Elliott
- Department of Human Physiology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Morgan Eutermoster
- Altitude Research Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Oghenero Evero
- Altitude Research Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Jui-Lin Fan
- Institute of Sports Sciences and Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Lemanic Doctoral School of Neuroscience, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sonja Jameson-Van Houten
- Altitude Research Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Colleen G. Julian
- Altitude Research Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Kark
- Altitude Research Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Sherri Kark
- Altitude Research Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Bengt Kayser
- Institute of Sports Sciences and Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Julia P. Kern
- Department of Human Physiology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
| | - See Eun Kim
- Department of Human Physiology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Corinna Lathan
- AnthroTronix, Inc., Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Steven S. Laurie
- Department of Human Physiology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Andrew T. Lovering
- Department of Human Physiology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Ryan Paterson
- Altitude Research Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - David M. Polaner
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Benjamin J. Ryan
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
| | - James L. Spira
- United States Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for PTSD, Pacific Islands Health Care System, and Department of Psychiatry, University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Jack W. Tsao
- Wounded, Ill & Injured Directorate (M9), United States Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Falls Church, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Nadine B. Wachsmuth
- Department of Sports Medicine/Sports Physiology, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Robert C. Roach
- Altitude Research Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
Executive dysfunction occurs in sickle cell anemia, but there are few early data. Infants with sickle cell anemia (n = 14) and controls (n = 14) performed the "A-not-B" and Object Retrieval search tasks, measuring precursors of executive function at 9 and 12 months. Significant group differences were not found. However, for the A-not-B task, 7 of 11 sickle cell anemia infants scored in the lower 2 performance categories at 9 months, but only 1 at 12 months (P = .024); controls obtained scores at 12 months that were statistically comparable to the scores they had already obtained at 9 months. On the Object Retrieval task, 9- and 12-month controls showed comparable scores, whereas infants with sickle cell anemia continued to improve (P = .027); at 9 months, those with lower hemoglobin oxygen saturation passed fewer trials (R s = 0.670, P = .024) and took longer to obtain the toy (R s = -0.664, P = .013). Subtle delays in acquiring developmental skills may underlie abnormal executive function in childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M. Hogan
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, UCL Institute of Child Health,
and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, United Kingdom,Alexandra M. Hogan, PhD, Developmental Cognitive
Neuroscience Unit, UCL Institute of Child Health, Guildford Street, London, WC1 N., United
Kingdom
| | - Paul T. Telfer
- Haematology Department, The Royal London Hospital, London, United
Kingdom
| | - Fenella J. Kirkham
- Neuroscience Unit, UCL Institute of Child Health, and Great Ormond Street
Hospital for Children, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle de Haan
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, UCL Institute of Child Health,
and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, United Kingdom
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Rapeli P, Fabritius C, Kalska H, Alho H. Do drug treatment variables predict cognitive performance in multidrug-treated opioid-dependent patients? A regression analysis study. SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PREVENTION AND POLICY 2012; 7:45. [PMID: 23121989 PMCID: PMC3551729 DOI: 10.1186/1747-597x-7-45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2012] [Accepted: 10/23/2012] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Background Cognitive deficits and multiple psychoactive drug regimens are both common in patients treated for opioid-dependence. Therefore, we examined whether the cognitive performance of patients in opioid-substitution treatment (OST) is associated with their drug treatment variables. Methods Opioid-dependent patients (N = 104) who were treated either with buprenorphine or methadone (n = 52 in both groups) were given attention, working memory, verbal, and visual memory tests after they had been a minimum of six months in treatment. Group-wise results were analysed by analysis of variance. Predictors of cognitive performance were examined by hierarchical regression analysis. Results Buprenorphine-treated patients performed statistically significantly better in a simple reaction time test than methadone-treated ones. No other significant differences between groups in cognitive performance were found. In each OST drug group, approximately 10% of the attention performance could be predicted by drug treatment variables. Use of benzodiazepine medication predicted about 10% of performance variance in working memory. Treatment with more than one other psychoactive drug (than opioid or BZD) and frequent substance abuse during the past month predicted about 20% of verbal memory performance. Conclusions Although this study does not prove a causal relationship between multiple prescription drug use and poor cognitive functioning, the results are relevant for psychosocial recovery, vocational rehabilitation, and psychological treatment of OST patients. Especially for patients with BZD treatment, other treatment options should be actively sought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pekka Rapeli
- Unit for Drug Dependence, Department of Psychiatry, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
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22
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Sperlich B, Zinner C, Krueger M, Wegrzyk J, Achtzehn S, Holmberg HC. Effects of hyperoxia during recovery from 5×30-s bouts of maximal-intensity exercise. J Sports Sci 2012; 30:851-8. [PMID: 22468755 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2012.671531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
We test the hypothesis that breathing oxygen-enriched air (F(I)O(2) = 100%) maintains exercise performance and reduces fatigue during intervals of maximal-intensity cycling. Ten well-trained male cyclists (age 25 ± 3 years; peak oxygen uptake 64.8 ± 6.2 ml · kg(-1) · min(-1); mean ± s) were exposed to either hyperoxic or normoxic air during the 6-min intervals between five 30-s sessions of cycling at maximal intensity. The concentrations of lactate and hydrogen ions [H(+)], pH, base excess, oxygen partial pressure, and oxygen saturation in the blood were assessed before and after these sprints. The peak (P = 0.62) and mean power outputs (P = 0.83) with hyperoxic and normoxic air did not differ. The partial pressure of oxygen was 4.2-fold higher after inhaling hyperoxic air, whereas lactate concentration, pH, [H(+)], and base excess (P ≥ 0.17) were not influenced. Perceived exertion towards the end of the 6-min periods after the fourth and fifth sprints (P < 0.05) was lower with hyperoxia than normoxia (P < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that the peak and mean power outputs of athletes performing intervals of maximal-intensity cycling are not improved by inhalation of oxygen-enriched air during recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Billy Sperlich
- Department of Sport Science, Bergische Universität Wuppertal, Fuhlrottstrasse 10, Wuppertal, Germany.
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23
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Betz ME, Valley MA, Lowenstein SR, Hedegaard H, Thomas D, Stallones L, Honigman B. Elevated suicide rates at high altitude: sociodemographic and health issues may be to blame. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2011; 41:562-73. [PMID: 21883411 DOI: 10.1111/j.1943-278x.2011.00054.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Suicide rates are higher at high altitudes; some hypothesize that hypoxia is the cause. We examined 8,871 suicides recorded in 2006 in 15 states by the National Violent Death Reporting System, with the victim's home county altitude determined from the National Elevation Dataset through FIPS code matching. We grouped cases by altitude (low<1000m; middle=1000-1999m; high≥2000m). Of reported suicides, 5% were at high and 83% at low altitude, but unadjusted suicide rates per 100,000 population were higher at high (17.7) than at low (5.7) altitude. High and low altitude victims differed with respect to race, ethnicity, rural residence, intoxication, depressed mood preceding the suicide, firearm use and recent financial, job, legal, or interpersonal problems. Even after multivariate adjustment, there were significant differences in personal, mental health, and suicide characteristics among altitude groups. Compared to low altitude victims, high altitude victims had higher odds of having family or friends report of a depressed mood preceding the suicide (OR 1.78; 95%CI:1.46-2.17) and having a crisis within 2weeks before death (OR 2.00; 95%CI:1.63-1.46). Suicide victims at high and low altitudes differ significantly by multiple demographic, psychiatric, and suicide characteristics; these factors, rather than hypoxia or altitude itself, may explain increased suicide rates at high altitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian E Betz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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24
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Peeling P, Andersson R. Effect of hyperoxia during the rest periods of interval training on perceptual recovery and oxygen re-saturation time. J Sports Sci 2011; 29:147-50. [PMID: 21120743 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2010.526133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The effect of hyperoxic gas supplementation on the recovery time of oxygen saturation levels (S(a)O(2)), and its effect on perceptual recovery were assessed. Seven national-level kayak athletes completed two laboratory-based ergometer sessions of 6 × 3-min maximal aerobic intervals, with 2 min recovery between repetitions. During each recovery period, athletes either inhaled a hyperoxic gas (99.5 ± 0.2 % F(I)O(2)) or were given no external supplementation (control). Mean power output, stroke rate, heart rate, and ratings of perceived exertion were collected during each interval repetition, and the intensity was matched between trials. During each 2-min recovery period, post-exercise haemoglobin saturation levels were measured via pulse oximetry (S(p)O(2)), and the time taken for the S(p)O(2) to return to pre-exercise values was recorded. Subsequently, a rating of perceived recovery quality was collected. There were no differences in the levels of post-exercise de-saturation between the hyperoxic and control trials (P < 0.05), although the recovery time of S(p)O(2) was significantly faster in the hyperoxic trial (P < 0.05). There was no influence of oxygen supplementation on the athletes' perception of recovery quality. Hyperoxic gas supplementation during the recovery periods between high-intensity intervals substantially improves the recovery time of S(p)O(2) with no likely influence on recovery perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Peeling
- School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia.
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25
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Higher Suicide Death Rate in Rocky Mountain States and a Correlation to Altitude. Wilderness Environ Med 2010; 21:177-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wem.2010.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2009] [Revised: 11/21/2009] [Accepted: 01/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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27
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Golja P, Flander P, Klemenc M, Maver J, Princi T. Carbohydrate Ingestion Improves Oxygen Delivery in Acute Hypoxia. High Alt Med Biol 2008; 9:53-62. [DOI: 10.1089/ham.2008.1021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Petra Golja
- University of Nova Gorica, Centre for Environmental and Sports Physiology, Nova Gorica, Slovenia
| | - Polona Flander
- University of Nova Gorica, School of Environmental Sciences, Nova Gorica, Slovenia
| | - Matjaž Klemenc
- General Hospital Dr. Franc Derganc, Šempeter pri Gorici, Slovenia
| | - Jerica Maver
- General Hospital Dr. Franc Derganc, Šempeter pri Gorici, Slovenia
| | - Tanja Princi
- University of Trieste, Department of Physiology and Pathology, Trieste, Italy
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28
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Abstract
Increasingly, lowlanders are commuting to high altitude for commercial, scientific, or defense reasons. Oxygen enrichment of room air at high altitude is a simple but highly effective way of improving sleep quality, mental performance, work efficiency, and general well-being. This review summarizes some of the practical aspects of providing oxygen enrichment including room construction, oxygen concentrators, ventilation levels, costs, use of liquid oxygen, fire hazard, and safe upper limits for oxygen enrichment. The physiological and medical effects of oxygen enrichment are discussed under the headings of sleep, neuropsychological function, and general well-being, productivity, and fatigue. Oxygen enrichment of room air can play a major role in improving living and working conditions for commuters to high altitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- John B West
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0623, USA.
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29
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Abstract
Oxygen enrichment of room air has proved to be valuable for people who need to work at altitudes of 4000 m and above. In the present study the feasibility of using the same technique in ski and other mountain resorts at the lower altitudes of 2500 to 4000 m is considered. Although many people find these altitudes invigorating, some are distressed by the hypoxia, especially at night. The analysis shows that all resorts up to an altitude of 3250 m (10,600 ft) can have the equivalent altitude reduced to 1000 m (3280 ft) by oxygen enrichment without incurring a fire hazard. (The equivalent altitude is that which provides the same inspired P(O2) during air breathing.) Even resorts or laboratories as high as 4250 m can have the equivalent altitude safely reduced to 1500 m, that is, lower than the altitude of Denver, Colorado. This application of oxygen enrichment is likely to be most valuable for improving sleep and assisting in the initial acclimatization process.
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Affiliation(s)
- John B West
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla CA 92093-0623, USA.
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30
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Abstract
Oxygen enrichment of room air at high altitude has been shown to improve mental performance, sleep quality, and work capacity. Until now, the usual strategy has been to use an oxygen concentration that reduces the equivalent altitude to about 3,000 m, where the equivalent altitude is that which gives the same inspired PO2 during air breathing. However, standards adopted by the National Fire Protection Association allow considerably higher oxygen concentrations without introducing a fire hazard. For example, by raising the oxygen concentration to 31.5% at an altitude of 5,000 m, the equivalent altitude can be safely reduced to less than 2,000 m. At the extreme altitude of 8,000 m, the equivalent altitude can be reduced to less than 4,000 m without increasing the fire hazard. These increased levels of oxygen enrichment are feasible in practice using oxygen concentrators. They may be useful if lowlanders need to ascend rapidly and stay at high altitude, or for treating people with high altitude illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- J B West
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla 92093-0623, USA.
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31
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Abstract
Intermittent hypoxia (IH), or periodic exposure to hypoxia interrupted by return to normoxia or less hypoxic conditions, occurs in many circumstances. In high altitude mountaineering, IH is used to optimize acclimatization although laboratory studies have not generally revealed physiologically significant benefits. IH enhances athletic performance at sea level if blood oxygen capacity increases and the usual level of training is not decreased significantly. IH for high altitude workers who commute from low altitude homes is of considerable practical interest and the ideal commuting schedule for physical and mental performance is being studied. The effect of oxygen enrichment at altitude (i.e., intermittent normoxia on a background of chronic hypoxia) on human performance is under study also. Physiological mechanisms of IH, and specifically the differences between effects of IH and acute or chronic continuous hypoxia remains to be determined. Biomedical researchers are defining the molecular and cellular mechanisms for effects of hypoxia on the body in health and disease. A comparative approach may provide additional insight about the biological significance of these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- F L Powell
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, USA.
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