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Terefe E, Belay G, Han J, Hanotte O, Tijjani A. Genomic adaptation of Ethiopian indigenous cattle to high altitude. Front Genet 2022; 13:960234. [PMID: 36568400 PMCID: PMC9780680 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.960234] [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: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The mountainous areas of Ethiopia represent one of the most extreme environmental challenges in Africa faced by humans and other inhabitants. Selection for high-altitude adaptation is expected to have imprinted the genomes of livestock living in these areas. Here we assess the genomic signatures of positive selection for high altitude adaptation in three cattle populations from the Ethiopian mountainous areas (Semien, Choke, and Bale mountains) compared to three Ethiopian lowland cattle populations (Afar, Ogaden, and Boran), using whole-genome resequencing and three genome scan approaches for signature of selection (iHS, XP-CLR, and PBS). We identified several candidate selection signature regions and several high-altitude adaptation genes. These include genes such as ITPR2, MB, and ARNT previously reported in the human population inhabiting the Ethiopian highlands. Furthermore, we present evidence of strong selection and high divergence between Ethiopian high- and low-altitude cattle populations at three new candidate genes (CLCA2, SLC26A2, and CBFA2T3), putatively linked to high-altitude adaptation in cattle. Our findings provide possible examples of convergent selection between cattle and humans as well as unique African cattle signature to the challenges of living in the Ethiopian mountainous regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Endashaw Terefe
- Department of Microbial Cellular and Molecular Biology (MCMB), College of Natural and Computational Science, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, Arsi University, Asella, Ethiopia,*Correspondence: Endashaw Terefe, Abdulfatai Tijjani,
| | - Gurja Belay
- Department of Microbial Cellular and Molecular Biology (MCMB), College of Natural and Computational Science, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Jianlin Han
- Livestock Genetics Program, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya,CAAS-ILRI Joint Laboratory on Livestock and Forage Genetic Resources, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| | - Olivier Hanotte
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH), The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom,School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Abdulfatai Tijjani
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH), The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Endashaw Terefe, Abdulfatai Tijjani,
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Devaux CA, Raoult D. The impact of COVID-19 on populations living at high altitude: Role of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) signaling pathway in SARS-CoV-2 infection and replication. Front Physiol 2022; 13:960308. [PMID: 36091390 PMCID: PMC9454615 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.960308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been reported worldwide. However, one epidemiological report has claimed a lower incidence of the disease in people living at high altitude (>2,500 m), proposing the hypothesis that adaptation to hypoxia may prove to be advantageous with respect to SARS-CoV-2 infection. This publication was initially greeted with skepticism, because social, genetic, or environmental parametric variables could underlie a difference in susceptibility to the virus for people living in chronic hypobaric hypoxia atmospheres. Moreover, in some patients positive for SARS-CoV-2, early post-infection ‘happy hypoxia” requires immediate ventilation, since it is associated with poor clinical outcome. If, however, we accept to consider the hypothesis according to which the adaptation to hypoxia may prove to be advantageous with respect to SARS-CoV-2 infection, identification of the molecular rational behind it is needed. Among several possibilities, HIF-1 regulation appears to be a molecular hub from which different signaling pathways linking hypoxia and COVID-19 are controlled. Interestingly, HIF-1α was reported to inhibit the infection of lung cells by SARS-CoV-2 by reducing ACE2 viral receptor expression. Moreover, an association of the rs11549465 variant of HIF-1α with COVID-19 susceptibility was recently discovered. Here, we review the evidence for a link between HIF-1α, ACE2 and AT1R expression, and the incidence/severity of COVID-19. We highlight the central role played by the HIF-1α signaling pathway in the pathophysiology of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Albert Devaux
- Aix-Marseille University, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Marseille, France
- *Correspondence: Christian Albert Devaux,
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix-Marseille University, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
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Physiology, pathophysiology and (mal)adaptations to chronic apnoeic training: a state-of-the-art review. Eur J Appl Physiol 2021; 121:1543-1566. [PMID: 33791844 PMCID: PMC8144079 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-021-04664-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Breath-hold diving is an activity that humans have engaged in since antiquity to forage for resources, provide sustenance and to support military campaigns. In modern times, breath-hold diving continues to gain popularity and recognition as both a competitive and recreational sport. The continued progression of world records is somewhat remarkable, particularly given the extreme hypoxaemic and hypercapnic conditions, and hydrostatic pressures these athletes endure. However, there is abundant literature to suggest a large inter-individual variation in the apnoeic capabilities that is thus far not fully understood. In this review, we explore developments in apnoea physiology and delineate the traits and mechanisms that potentially underpin this variation. In addition, we sought to highlight the physiological (mal)adaptations associated with consistent breath-hold training. Breath-hold divers (BHDs) are evidenced to exhibit a more pronounced diving-response than non-divers, while elite BHDs (EBHDs) also display beneficial adaptations in both blood and skeletal muscle. Importantly, these physiological characteristics are documented to be primarily influenced by training-induced stimuli. BHDs are exposed to unique physiological and environmental stressors, and as such possess an ability to withstand acute cerebrovascular and neuronal strains. Whether these characteristics are also a result of training-induced adaptations or genetic predisposition is less certain. Although the long-term effects of regular breath-hold diving activity are yet to be holistically established, preliminary evidence has posed considerations for cognitive, neurological, renal and bone health in BHDs. These areas should be explored further in longitudinal studies to more confidently ascertain the long-term health implications of extreme breath-holding activity.
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Mairbäurl H, Gassmann M, Muckenthaler MU. Geographical ancestry affects normal hemoglobin values in high-altitude residents. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2020; 129:1451-1459. [PMID: 33002380 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00025.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing the hemoglobin (Hb) concentration is a major mechanism adjusting arterial oxygen content to decreased oxygen partial pressure of inspired air at high altitude. Approximately 5% of the world's population living at altitudes higher than 1,500 m shows this adaptive mechanism. Notably, there is a wide variation in the extent of increase in Hb concentration among different populations. This short review summarizes available information on Hb concentrations of high-altitude residents living at comparable altitudes (3,500-4,500 m) in different regions of the world. An increased Hb concentration is found in all high-altitude populations. The highest mean Hb concentration was found in adult male Andean residents and in Han Chinese living at high altitude, whereas it was lowest in Ethiopians, Tibetans, and Sherpas. A lower plasma volume in Andean high-altitude natives may offer a partial explanation. Indeed, male Andean high-altitude natives have a lower plasma volume than Tibetans and Ethiopians. Moreover, Hb values were lower in adult, nonpregnant females than in males; differences between populations of different ancestry were less pronounced. Various genetic polymorphisms were detected in high-altitude residents thought to favor life in a hypoxic environment, some of which correlate with the relatively low Hb concentration in the Tibetans and Ethiopians, whereas differences in angiotensin-converting enzyme allele distribution may be related to elevated Hb in the Andeans. Taken together, these results indicate different sensitivity of oxygen dependent control of erythropoiesis or plasma volume among populations of different geographical ancestry, offering explanations for differences in the Hb concentration at high altitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heimo Mairbäurl
- Departmment of Translational Pneumology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Max Gassmann
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Veterinary Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Martina U Muckenthaler
- Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Heidelberg, Germany.,Departmment of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Germany
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5
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Dawson NJ, Alza L, Nandal G, Scott GR, McCracken KG. Convergent changes in muscle metabolism depend on duration of high-altitude ancestry across Andean waterfowl. eLife 2020; 9:e56259. [PMID: 32729830 PMCID: PMC7494360 DOI: 10.7554/elife.56259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
High-altitude environments require that animals meet the metabolic O2 demands for locomotion and thermogenesis in O2-thin air, but the degree to which convergent metabolic changes have arisen across independent high-altitude lineages or the speed at which such changes arise is unclear. We examined seven high-altitude waterfowl that have inhabited the Andes (3812-4806 m elevation) over varying evolutionary time scales, to elucidate changes in biochemical pathways of energy metabolism in flight muscle relative to low-altitude sister taxa. Convergent changes across high-altitude taxa included increased hydroxyacyl-coA dehydrogenase and succinate dehydrogenase activities, decreased lactate dehydrogenase, pyruvate kinase, creatine kinase, and cytochrome c oxidase activities, and increased myoglobin content. ATP synthase activity increased in only the longest established high-altitude taxa, whereas hexokinase activity increased in only newly established taxa. Therefore, changes in pathways of lipid oxidation, glycolysis, and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation are common strategies to cope with high-altitude hypoxia, but some changes require longer evolutionary time to arise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neal J Dawson
- Department of Biology, McMaster UniversityHamiltonCanada
- Department of Biology University of MiamiCoral GablesUnited States
| | - Luis Alza
- Department of Biology University of MiamiCoral GablesUnited States
- University of Alaska Museum and Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska FairbanksFairbanksUnited States
- Centro de Ornitología y Biodiversidad - CORBIDILimaPeru
| | | | - Graham R Scott
- Department of Biology, McMaster UniversityHamiltonCanada
| | - Kevin G McCracken
- Department of Biology University of MiamiCoral GablesUnited States
- University of Alaska Museum and Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska FairbanksFairbanksUnited States
- Centro de Ornitología y Biodiversidad - CORBIDILimaPeru
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, University of MiamiMiamiUnited States
- Human Genetics and Genomics, Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiamiUnited States
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Gassmann M, Mairbäurl H, Livshits L, Seide S, Hackbusch M, Malczyk M, Kraut S, Gassmann NN, Weissmann N, Muckenthaler MU. The increase in hemoglobin concentration with altitude varies among human populations. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2019; 1450:204-220. [PMID: 31257609 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Decreased oxygen availability at high altitude requires physiological adjustments allowing for adequate tissue oxygenation. One such mechanism is a slow increase in the hemoglobin concentration ([Hb]) resulting in elevated [Hb] in high-altitude residents. Diagnosis of anemia at different altitudes requires reference values for [Hb]. Our aim was to establish such values based on published data of residents living at different altitudes by applying meta-analysis and multiple regressions. Results show that [Hb] is increased in all high-altitude residents. However, the magnitude of increase varies among the regions analyzed and among ethnic groups within a region. The highest increase was found in residents of the Andes (1 g/dL/1000 m), but this increment was smaller in all other regions of the world (0.6 g/dL/1000 m). While sufficient data exist for adult males and females showing that sex differences in [Hb] persist with altitude, data for infants, children, and pregnant women are incomplete preventing such analyses. Because WHO reference values were originally based on [Hb] of South American people, we conclude that individual reference values have to be defined for ethnic groups to reliably diagnose anemia and erythrocytosis in high-altitude residents. Future studies need to test their applicability for children of different ages and pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Gassmann
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty and Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (UPCH), Lima, Peru
| | - Heimo Mairbäurl
- Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Leonid Livshits
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty and Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Svenja Seide
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Informatics (IMBI), University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthes Hackbusch
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Informatics (IMBI), University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Monika Malczyk
- Excellence Cluster Cardiopulmonary System, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, University of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simone Kraut
- Excellence Cluster Cardiopulmonary System, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, University of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Norina N Gassmann
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty and Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Norbert Weissmann
- Excellence Cluster Cardiopulmonary System, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, University of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martina U Muckenthaler
- Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit, University of Heidelberg, Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), German Center for Lung Research, Heidelberg, Germany
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7
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Bosco G, Paoli A, Rizzato A, Marcolin G, Guagnano MT, Doria C, Bhandari S, Pietrangelo T, Verratti V. Body Composition and Endocrine Adaptations to High-Altitude Trekking in the Himalayas. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1211:61-68. [PMID: 31309516 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2019_414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Long-term exposure to high altitude causes adaptive changes in several blood biochemical markers along with a marked body mass reduction involving both the lean and fat components. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of extended physical strain, due to extensive trekking at high altitude, on body composition, selected biomarkers in the blood, and the protective role of a high-protein diet in muscle dysfunction. We found that physical strain at high altitude caused a significant reduction in body mass and body fat, with a concomitant increase in the cross-sectional area of thigh muscles and an unchanged total lean body mass. Further, we found reductions in plasma leptin and homocysteine, while myoglobin, insulin, and C-reactive protein significantly increased. Creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and leptin normalized per body fat were unchanged. These findings demonstrate that high-altitude hypoxia, involving extended physical effort, has an impact on muscle function and body composition, facilitating sarcopenia and affecting body mass and fat distribution. It also activates pro-inflammatory metabolic pathways in response to muscular distress. These changes can be mitigated by a provision of a high-protein diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Bosco
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Antonio Paoli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alex Rizzato
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Marcolin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Guagnano
- Department of Medicine and Aging, "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Christian Doria
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Suwas Bhandari
- Department of Critical Care and Internal Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tiziana Pietrangelo
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Vittore Verratti
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Health and Territory "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
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8
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Dawson NJ, Ivy CM, Alza L, Cheek R, York JM, Chua B, Milsom WK, McCracken KG, Scott GR. Mitochondrial physiology in the skeletal and cardiac muscles is altered in torrent ducks, Merganetta armata, from high altitudes in the Andes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 219:3719-3728. [PMID: 27618861 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.142711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Torrent ducks inhabit fast-flowing rivers in the Andes from sea level to altitudes up to 4500 m. We examined the mitochondrial physiology that facilitates performance over this altitudinal cline by comparing the respiratory capacities of permeabilized fibers, the activities of 16 key metabolic enzymes and the myoglobin content in muscles between high- and low-altitude populations of this species. Mitochondrial respiratory capacities (assessed using substrates of mitochondrial complexes I, II and/or IV) were higher in highland ducks in the gastrocnemius muscle - the primary muscle used to support swimming and diving - but were similar between populations in the pectoralis muscle and the left ventricle. The heightened respiratory capacity in the gastrocnemius of highland ducks was associated with elevated activities of cytochrome oxidase, phosphofructokinase, pyruvate kinase and malate dehydrogenase (MDH). Although respiratory capacities were similar between populations in the other muscles, highland ducks had elevated activities of ATP synthase, lactate dehydrogenase, MDH, hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase and creatine kinase in the left ventricle, and elevated MDH activity and myoglobin content in the pectoralis. Thus, although there was a significant increase in the oxidative capacity of the gastrocnemius in highland ducks, which correlates with improved performance at high altitudes, the variation in metabolic enzyme activities in other muscles not correlated to respiratory capacity, such as the consistent upregulation of MDH activity, may serve other functions that contribute to success at high altitudes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neal J Dawson
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S4K1, Canada .,Department of Biology and Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Catherine M Ivy
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S4K1, Canada
| | - Luis Alza
- Department of Biology and Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA.,Institute of Arctic Biology and University of Alaska Museum, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA.,Centro de Ornitología y Biodiversidad - CORBIDI, Lima 33, Peru
| | - Rebecca Cheek
- Institute of Arctic Biology and University of Alaska Museum, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
| | - Julia M York
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T1Z4, Canada
| | - Beverly Chua
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T1Z4, Canada
| | - William K Milsom
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T1Z4, Canada
| | - Kevin G McCracken
- Department of Biology and Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA.,Institute of Arctic Biology and University of Alaska Museum, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
| | - Graham R Scott
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S4K1, Canada
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Association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in CAPN1, CAST and MB genes with meat color of Brahman and crossbreed cattle. Meat Sci 2016; 117:44-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2016.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Revised: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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10
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Brutsaert T. Why Are High Altitude Natives So Strong at High Altitude? Nature vs. Nurture: Genetic Factors vs. Growth and Development. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 903:101-12. [PMID: 27343091 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4899-7678-9_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Among high-altitude natives there is evidence of a general hypoxia tolerance leading to enhanced performance and/or increased capacity in several important domains. These domains likely include an enhanced physical work capacity, an enhanced reproductive capacity, and an ability to resist several common pathologies of chronic high-altitude exposure. The "strength" of the high-altitude native in this regard may have both a developmental and a genetic basis, although there is better evidence for the former (developmental effects) than for the latter. For example, early-life hypoxia exposure clearly results in lung growth and remodeling leading to an increased O2 diffusing capacity in adulthood. Genetic research has yet to reveal a population genetic basis for enhanced capacity in high-altitude natives, but several traits are clearly under genetic control in Andean and Tibetan populations e.g., resting and exercise arterial O2 saturation (SaO2). This chapter reviews the effects of nature and nurture on traits that are relevant to the process of gas exchange, including pulmonary volumes and diffusion capacity, the maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), the SaO2, and the alveolar-arterial oxygen partial pressure difference (A-aDO2) during exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Brutsaert
- Department of Exercise Science, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA.
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11
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Xin Y, Tang X, Wang H, Lu S, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Chen Q. Functional characterization and expression analysis of myoglobin in high-altitude lizard Phrynocephalus erythrurus. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2015; 188:31-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2015.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Revised: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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12
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HIF2A Variants Were Associated with Different Levels of High-Altitude Hypoxia among Native Tibetans. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0137956. [PMID: 26368009 PMCID: PMC4569405 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0137956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 07/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia inducible factors, including HIF1A and HIF2A, play central roles in response to high-altitude hypoxia and genetic variants of HIF1A or HIF2A were associated with high-altitude sickness or adaptation. However, it remains to determine whether they are associated with tolerance to different levels of high-altitude selection pressure among native Tibetans. We recruited 189 Tibetan subjects living at 2,700 meters (Low level of high altitude, LHA), 197 at 3,200 meters (Middle level of high altitude of high altitude, MHA), 249 at 3,700 meters (High level of high altitude, HHA) and 269 at 4,700 meters (Very high level of high altitude, VHA) and performed association analysis of twelve tSNPs (tagging SNPs) in HIF1A and HIF2A with high-altitude. We found (1) a increasing trend of HIF2A rs5621780-C(18.4%, 15.9%, 32.8% and 31.1%, respectively, in LHA, MHA, HHA and VHA)(P = 3.56E-9); (2) increasing trends of HIF2A rs6756667-A(68.7%, 73.4%, 79.9% and 89.6%), rs7589621- G(74.6%, 77.9%, 83.7%, and 92.1%) and rs1868092-A(64.1%, 67.3%, 75.1% and 84.4%) (P = 3.56E-9, 4.68E-16, 1.17E-13 and 7.09E-14, respectively); (3) a increasing trend of haplotype AG (68.7%, 73.1%, 79.9% and 89.6%) (P = 2.22E-7) which was constructed by rs6756667 and rs7589621; (4) a strong linear correlation between major alleles of rs6756667-A (R2 = 0.997, P = 0.002), rs7589621-G (R2 = 0.994, P = 0.003), rs1868092-A (R2 = 0.985, P = 0.008) and altitude by linear correlation test. The associations between HIF2A variants and different level of high altitude support that extremely high-altitude hypoxia challenge imposes selective effects on HIF2A variants among native Tibetans.
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13
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Blum K, Thompson B, Demotrovics Z, Femino J, Giordano J, Oscar-Berman M, Teitelbaum S, Smith DE, Roy AK, Agan G, Fratantonio J, Badgaiyan RD, Gold MS. The Molecular Neurobiology of Twelve Steps Program & Fellowship: Connecting the Dots for Recovery. JOURNAL OF REWARD DEFICIENCY SYNDROME 2015; 1:46-64. [PMID: 26306329 PMCID: PMC4545669 DOI: 10.17756/jrds.2015-008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
There are some who suggest that alcoholism and drug abuse are not diseases at all and that they are not consequences of a brain disorder as espoused recently by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). Some would argue that addicts can quit on their own and moderate their alcohol and drug intake. When they present to a treatment program or enter the 12 Step Program & Fellowship, many addicts finally achieve complete abstinence. However, when controlled drinking fails, there may be successful alternatives that fit particular groups of individuals. In this expert opinion, we attempt to identify personal differences in recovery, by clarifying the molecular neurobiological basis of each step of the 12 Step Program. We explore the impact that the molecular neurobiological basis of the 12 steps can have on Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS) despite addiction risk gene polymorphisms. This exploration has already been accomplished in part by Blum and others in a 2013 Springer Neuroscience Brief. The purpose of this expert opinion is to briefly, outline the molecular neurobiological and genetic links, especially as they relate to the role of epigenetic changes that are possible in individuals who regularly attend AA meetings. It begs the question as to whether "12 steps programs and fellowship" does induce neuroplasticity and continued dopamine D2 receptor proliferation despite carrying hypodopaminergic type polymorphisms such as DRD2 A1 allele. "Like-minded" doctors of ASAM are cognizant that patients in treatment without the "psycho-social-spiritual trio," may not be obtaining the important benefits afforded by adopting 12-step doctrines. Are we better off with coupling medical assisted treatment (MAT) that favors combining dopamine agonist modalities (DAM) as possible histone-deacetylase activators with the 12 steps followed by a program that embraces either one or the other? While there are many unanswered questions, at least we have reached a time when "science meets recovery," and in doing so, can further redeem joy in recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Blum
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Addiction Research and Therapy, Malibu Beach Recovery Center, Malibu Beach, CA, USA
- Dominion Diagnostics, Inc., North Kingstown, RI, USA
- IGENE, LLC., Austin, TX, USA
- RDSolutions, Del Mar, CA, USA
- National Institute for Holistic Medicine, North Miami Beach, FL, USA
| | - Benjamin Thompson
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Boston University School of Medicine, and Boston VA Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zsolt Demotrovics
- Eötvös Loránd University, Institute of Psychology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - John Femino
- Dominion Diagnostics, Inc., North Kingstown, RI, USA
- Meadows Edge Recovery Center, North Kingstown, RI, USA
| | - John Giordano
- National Institute for Holistic Medicine, North Miami Beach, FL, USA
| | - Marlene Oscar-Berman
- Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, and Boston VA Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Scott Teitelbaum
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - David E. Smith
- Dominion Diagnostics, Inc., North Kingstown, RI, USA
- Institute of Health & Aging, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Gozde Agan
- Dominion Diagnostics, Inc., North Kingstown, RI, USA
| | | | - Rajendra D. Badgaiyan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota College of Medicine, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Mark S. Gold
- Director of Research, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Educational Foundation, Washington, D.C, USA
- Departments of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at the Keck, University of Southern California, School of Medicine, CA, USA
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14
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Gilbert-Kawai ET, Milledge JS, Grocott MP, Martin DS. King of the Mountains: Tibetan and Sherpa Physiological Adaptations for Life at High Altitude. Physiology (Bethesda) 2014; 29:388-402. [DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00018.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Anecdotal evidence surrounding Tibetans' and Sherpas' exceptional tolerance to hypobaric hypoxia has been recorded since the beginning of high-altitude exploration. These populations have successfully lived and reproduced at high altitude for hundreds of generations with hypoxia as a constant evolutionary pressure. Consequently, they are likely to have undergone natural selection toward a genotype (and phenotype) tending to offer beneficial adaptation to sustained hypoxia. With the advent of translational human hypoxic research, in which genotype/phenotype studies of healthy individuals at high altitude may be of benefit to hypoxemic critically ill patients in a hospital setting, high-altitude natives may provide a valuable and intriguing model. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of the scientific literature encompassing Tibetan and Sherpa physiological adaptations to a high-altitude residence. The review demonstrates the extent to which evolutionary pressure has refined the physiology of this high-altitude population. Furthermore, although many physiological differences between highlanders and lowlanders have been found, it also suggests many more potential avenues of investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward T. Gilbert-Kawai
- University College London Centre for Altitude Space and Extreme Environment Medicine, UCLH NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Sport and Exercise Health, London, United Kingdom
- University College London Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- University College Hospital London NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, London, United Kingdom
| | - James S. Milledge
- University College London Centre for Altitude Space and Extreme Environment Medicine, UCLH NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Sport and Exercise Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael P.W. Grocott
- University College London Centre for Altitude Space and Extreme Environment Medicine, UCLH NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Sport and Exercise Health, London, United Kingdom
- University College Hospital London NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, London, United Kingdom
- Integrative Physiology and Critical Illness Group, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Anaesthesia and Critical Care Research Unit, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom; and
- Southampton NIHR Respiratory Biomedical Research Unit, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel S. Martin
- University College London Centre for Altitude Space and Extreme Environment Medicine, UCLH NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Sport and Exercise Health, London, United Kingdom
- University College London Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- University College Hospital London NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, London, United Kingdom
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15
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Natural selection and adaptive evolution of leptin. CHINESE SCIENCE BULLETIN-CHINESE 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s11434-012-5635-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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16
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Scorciapino MA, Spiga E, Vezzoli A, Mrakic-Sposta S, Russo R, Fink B, Casu M, Gussoni M, Ceccarelli M. Structure–Function Paradigm in Human Myoglobin: How a Single-Residue Substitution Affects NO Reactivity at Low pO2. J Am Chem Soc 2013; 135:7534-44. [DOI: 10.1021/ja400213t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alessandra Vezzoli
- Institute for Bioimaging and
Molecular Physiology, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Segrate (MI), Italy
| | - Simona Mrakic-Sposta
- Department of Pathophysiology
and Transplantation−Physiology Section, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Rosaria Russo
- Department of Pathophysiology
and Transplantation−Physiology Section, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Bruno Fink
- Noxygen Science Transfer and Diagnostics GmbH, Elzach, Germany
| | | | - Maristella Gussoni
- Department of Pathophysiology
and Transplantation−Physiology Section, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Institute for Macromolecular
Studies, CNR, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Ceccarelli
- Istituto Officina dei Materiali del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IOM-CNR), UOS, Cagliari, Italy
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17
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Molecular evolution of stress-response gene Leptin in high-altitude Chinese snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus genus). CHINESE SCIENCE BULLETIN-CHINESE 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s11434-010-4221-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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18
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Bigham A, Bauchet M, Pinto D, Mao X, Akey JM, Mei R, Scherer SW, Julian CG, Wilson MJ, López Herráez D, Brutsaert T, Parra EJ, Moore LG, Shriver MD. Identifying signatures of natural selection in Tibetan and Andean populations using dense genome scan data. PLoS Genet 2010; 6:e1001116. [PMID: 20838600 PMCID: PMC2936536 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1001116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 404] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2010] [Accepted: 08/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
High-altitude hypoxia (reduced inspired oxygen tension due to decreased barometric pressure) exerts severe physiological stress on the human body. Two high-altitude regions where humans have lived for millennia are the Andean Altiplano and the Tibetan Plateau. Populations living in these regions exhibit unique circulatory, respiratory, and hematological adaptations to life at high altitude. Although these responses have been well characterized physiologically, their underlying genetic basis remains unknown. We performed a genome scan to identify genes showing evidence of adaptation to hypoxia. We looked across each chromosome to identify genomic regions with previously unknown function with respect to altitude phenotypes. In addition, groups of genes functioning in oxygen metabolism and sensing were examined to test the hypothesis that particular pathways have been involved in genetic adaptation to altitude. Applying four population genetic statistics commonly used for detecting signatures of natural selection, we identified selection-nominated candidate genes and gene regions in these two populations (Andeans and Tibetans) separately. The Tibetan and Andean patterns of genetic adaptation are largely distinct from one another, with both populations showing evidence of positive natural selection in different genes or gene regions. Interestingly, one gene previously known to be important in cellular oxygen sensing, EGLN1 (also known as PHD2), shows evidence of positive selection in both Tibetans and Andeans. However, the pattern of variation for this gene differs between the two populations. Our results indicate that several key HIF-regulatory and targeted genes are responsible for adaptation to high altitude in Andeans and Tibetans, and several different chromosomal regions are implicated in the putative response to selection. These data suggest a genetic role in high-altitude adaption and provide a basis for future genotype/phenotype association studies necessary to confirm the role of selection-nominated candidate genes and gene regions in adaptation to altitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Bigham
- Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America.
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19
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Bigham AW, Mao X, Mei R, Brutsaert T, Wilson MJ, Julian CG, Parra EJ, Akey JM, Moore LG, Shriver MD. Identifying positive selection candidate loci for high-altitude adaptation in Andean populations. Hum Genomics 2010; 4:79-90. [PMID: 20038496 PMCID: PMC2857381 DOI: 10.1186/1479-7364-4-2-79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
High-altitude environments (>2,500 m) provide scientists with a natural laboratory to study the physiological and genetic effects of low ambient oxygen tension on human populations. One approach to understanding how life at high altitude has affected human metabolism is to survey genome-wide datasets for signatures of natural selection. In this work, we report on a study to identify selection-nominated candidate genes involved in adaptation to hypoxia in one highland group, Andeans from the South American Altiplano. We analysed dense microarray genotype data using four test statistics that detect departures from neutrality. Using a candidate gene, single nucleotide polymorphism-based approach, we identified genes exhibiting preliminary evidence of recent genetic adaptation in this population. These included genes that are part of the hypoxia-inducible transcription factor ( HIF ) pathway, a biochemical pathway involved in oxygen homeostasis, as well as three other genomic regions previously not known to be associated with high-altitude phenotypes. In addition to identifying selection-nominated candidate genes, we also tested whether the HIF pathway shows evidence of natural selection. Our results indicate that the genes of this biochemical pathway as a group show no evidence of having evolved in response to hypoxia in Andeans. Results from particular HIF -targeted genes, however, suggest that genes in this pathway could play a role in Andean adaptation to high altitude, even if the pathway as a whole does not show higher relative rates of evolution. These data suggest a genetic role in high-altitude adaptation and provide a basis for genotype/phenotype association studies that are necessary to confirm the role of putative natural selection candidate genes and gene regions in adaptation to altitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail W Bigham
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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20
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Stobdan T, Karar J, Pasha MAQ. High Altitude Adaptation: Genetic Perspectives. High Alt Med Biol 2008; 9:140-7. [DOI: 10.1089/ham.2007.1076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tsering Stobdan
- Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Delhi, India, and Department of Biotechnology, University of Pune, Pune, India
| | - Jayashree Karar
- Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Delhi, India, and Department of Biotechnology, University of Pune, Pune, India
| | - M. A. Qadar Pasha
- Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Delhi, India, and Department of Biotechnology, University of Pune, Pune, India
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21
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Beall CM. Detecting natural selection in high-altitude human populations. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2007; 158:161-71. [PMID: 17644049 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2007.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2007] [Revised: 05/26/2007] [Accepted: 05/29/2007] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
High-altitude natives have distinctive biological characteristics that appear to offset the stress of hypoxia. Evolutionary theory reasons that they reflect genetic adaptations resulting from natural selection on traits with heritable variation. Furthermore, high-altitude natives of the Andean and Tibetan Plateaus differ from one another, perhaps resulting from different evolutionary histories. Three approaches have developed a case for the possibility of population genetic differences: comparing means of classical physiological traits measured in samples of natives and migrants between altitudes, estimating genetic variance using statistical genetics techniques, and comparing features of species with different evolutionary histories. Tibetans have an inferred autosomal dominant major gene for high oxygen saturation that is associated with higher offspring survival, a strong indicator of ongoing natural selection. New approaches use candidate gene and genomic analyses. Conclusive evidence about population genetic differences and associations with phenotypes remains to be discovered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia M Beall
- Case Western Reserve University, Department of Anthropology, Cleveland, OH 44106-7125, United States.
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22
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Beall CM. Two routes to functional adaptation: Tibetan and Andean high-altitude natives. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2007; 104 Suppl 1:8655-60. [PMID: 17494744 PMCID: PMC1876443 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0701985104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 493] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Populations native to the Tibetan and Andean Plateaus are descended from colonizers who arrived perhaps 25,000 and 11,000 years ago, respectively. Both have been exposed to the opportunity for natural selection for traits that offset the unavoidable environmental stress of severe lifelong high-altitude hypoxia. This paper presents evidence that Tibetan and Andean high-altitude natives have adapted differently, as indicated by large quantitative differences in numerous physiological traits comprising the oxygen delivery process. These findings suggest the hypothesis that evolutionary processes have tinkered differently on the two founding populations and their descendents, with the result that the two followed different routes to the same functional outcome of successful oxygen delivery, long-term persistence and high function. Assessed on the basis of basal and maximal oxygen consumption, both populations avail themselves of essentially the full range of oxygen-using metabolism as populations at sea level, in contrast with the curtailed range available to visitors at high altitudes. Efforts to identify the genetic bases of these traits have included quantitative genetics, genetic admixture, and candidate gene approaches. These reveal generally more genetic variance in the Tibetan population and more potential for natural selection. There is evidence that natural selection is ongoing in the Tibetan population, where women estimated to have genotypes for high oxygen saturation of hemoglobin (and less physiological stress) have higher offspring survival. Identifying the genetic bases of these traits is crucial to discovering the steps along the Tibetan and Andean routes to functional adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia M Beall
- Department of Anthropology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
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23
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Abstract
Since the beginning of the Himalayan climbing era, the anecdotal extraordinary physical performance at high altitude of Sherpas and Tibetans has intrigued scientists interested in altitude adaptation. These ethnic groups may have been living at high altitude for longer than any other population, and the hypothesis of a possible evolutionary genetic adaptation to altitude makes sense. Reviewed here is the evidence as to whether Tibetans are indeed better adapted for life and work at high altitude as compared to other populations and, if so, whether this better adaptation might be inborn. Tibetans, compared to lowlanders, maintain higher arterial oxygen saturation at rest and during exercise and show less loss of aerobic performance with increasing altitude. Tibetans have greater hypoxic and hypercapnic ventilatory responsiveness, larger lungs, better lung function, and greater lung diffusing capacity than lowlanders. Blood hemoglobin concentration is lower in Tibetans than in lowlanders or Andeans living at similar altitudes. Tibetans develop only minimal hypoxic pulmonary hypertension and have higher levels of exhaled nitric oxide than lowlanders or Andeans. Tibetans' sleep quality at altitude is better and they desaturate less at night. Several of these findings are also found in Tibetans born at low altitude when exposed for the first time to high altitude once adult. In conclusion, Tibetans indeed seem better adapted to life and work at high altitude, and this superior adaptation may very well be inborn, even though its exact genetic basis remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Wu
- National Key Laboratory of High Altitude Medicine, Department of Hypoxic Physiology and Mountain Medicine, High Altitude Medical Research Institute, Xining, Qinghai, P. R. China
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24
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Wu T, Wang X, Wei C, Cheng H, Wang X, Li Y, Zhao H, Young P, Li G, Wang Z. Hemoglobin levels in Qinghai-Tibet: different effects of gender for Tibetans vs. Han. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2005; 98:598-604. [PMID: 15258131 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01034.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Tibetan population, long a resident on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, has lower hemoglobin concentrations than Han Chinese migrants, but it is incompletely known how gender affects the hemoglobin concentrations in the two populations at various altitudes. Measurements of hemoglobin concentration were obtained in 5,887 healthy male and female Tibetan and Han residents aged 5–60 yr, at altitudes of 2,664, 3,813, 4,525, and 5,200 m. Multiple regression equations showed the β-coefficients for altitude and for age were higher ( P < 0.05) in Han men than in Tibetan men and in Han women than in Tibetan women. Analysis indicated a significant three-way interaction between altitude, gender, and ethnicity (χ2 = 3.72, P = 0.05). With increasing altitude, men progressively had more hemoglobin than women in the Han, but not the Tibetan, population. Above 2,664 m, this gender-related difference in hemoglobin concentration increased from childhood to young adulthood more in Han than in Tibetans. We suggest that the Han-Tibetan ethnic difference in the effect of altitude on hemoglobin concentration depends to a large extent on gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Wu
- High Altitude Medical Research Institute, Nanchua West Road #344, Xining, Qinghai, 810012, PR China.
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25
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Etnier SA, Dearolf JL, McLellan WA, Pabst DA. Postural role of lateral axial muscles in developing bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Proc Biol Sci 2004; 271:909-18. [PMID: 15255045 PMCID: PMC1691682 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2004.2683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Foetal dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are bent ventrolaterally, such that the tailflukes and lower jaw are juxtaposed. The lateral flexibility required en utero may compromise the efficiency of the dorsoventral oscillations required of the swimming neonate. The m. intertransversarius caudae dorsalis (IT) is the most laterally placed epaxial muscle. Bilateral contractions of the IT could limit lateral deformations of the flexible tailstock of the early neonate. We test the hypothesis that the IT is functioning as a postural muscle in neonates by examining its morphological, histological and biochemical properties. The neonatal IT has a relatively large cross-sectional area and bending moment, as well as a large proportion of slow-twitch fibres and elevated myoglobin concentrations. Our results demonstrate that the IT is functionally capable of performing this specific postural function in neonatal dolphins. In later life-history stages, when postural control is no longer needed, the IT serves to fine-tune the position of the tailstock during locomotion. The changing function of the adult IT is concomitant with changes in morphology and biochemistry, and most notably, with an increase in the proportion of fast-twitch fibres. We suggest that these changes reflect strong selective pressure to improve locomotor abilities by limiting lateral deformations during this critical life-history stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelley A Etnier
- Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA.
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26
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Gelfi C, De Palma S, Ripamonti M, Eberini I, Wait R, Bajracharya A, Marconi C, Schneider A, Hoppeler H, Cerretelli P. New aspects of altitude adaptation in Tibetans: a proteomic approach. FASEB J 2004; 18:612-4. [PMID: 14734630 DOI: 10.1096/fj.03-1077fje] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A prolonged sojourn above 5500 m induces muscle deterioration and accumulation of lipofuscin in Caucasians, probably because of overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Because Sherpas, who live at high altitude, have very limited muscle damage, it was hypothesized that Himalayan natives possess intrinsic mechanisms protecting them from oxidative damage. This possibility was investigated by comparing the muscle proteomes of native Tibetans permanently residing at high altitude, second-generation Tibetans born and living at low altitude, and Nepali control subjects permanently residing at low altitude, using 2D gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. Seven differentially regulated proteins were identified: glutathione-S-transferase P1-1, which was 380% and 50% overexpressed in Tibetans born and living at high and low altitude, respectively; Delta2-enoyl-CoA-hydratase, which was up-regulated in both Tibetan groups; glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase, which were both slightly down-regulated in Tibetans born and living at high altitude; phosphoglycerate mutase, which was 50% up-regulated in the native Tibetans; NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase, slightly overexpressed in Tibetans born and living at high altitude; and myoglobin, which was overexpressed in both Tibetan groups. We concluded that Tibetans at high altitude, and to some extent, those born and living at low altitude, are protected from ROS-induced tissue damage and possess specific metabolic adaptations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Gelfi
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, CNR, Segrate, Italy.
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27
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Moore LG. Fetal growth restriction and maternal oxygen transport during high altitude pregnancy. High Alt Med Biol 2003; 4:141-56. [PMID: 12855048 DOI: 10.1089/152702903322022767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
High altitude reduces birth weights, averaging a 100-g fall per 1000 m elevation gain, as the result of restriction of third trimester fetal growth. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) raises neonatal or infant mortality at low as well as at high altitude, but existing studies are unclear as to whether IUGR-specific mortality at high altitude is similar to, less than, or greater than at low altitude. Pregnancy increases maternal ventilation and raises arterial O(2) saturation at high altitude, which helps to protect against altitude-associated IUGR. Chronic hypoxia interferes with the maternal circulatory adjustments to pregnancy such that blood volume is lower and the rise in cardiac output diminished compared with sea level. The growth and remodeling of the uterine artery and other uteroplacental vessels is incomplete at high compared with low altitude, with the result that there is less redistribution of common iliac flow from the external iliac to the uterine arteries and lower uterine artery blood flow near term. Adaptations in multigenerational high altitude populations (e.g., Andeans and Tibetans) permit higher uterine artery blood flows and protect against altitude-associated IUGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorna G Moore
- Women's Health Research Center and Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Laboratory, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO, USA.
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