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Moya EA, Yu JJ, Brown S, Gu W, Lawrence ES, Carlson R, Brandes A, Wegeng W, Amann K, McIntosh SE, Powell FL, Simonson TS. Tibetans exhibit lower hemoglobin concentration and decreased heart response to hypoxia during poikilocapnia at intermediate altitude relative to Han Chinese. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1334874. [PMID: 38784113 PMCID: PMC11112024 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1334874] [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: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background High-altitude populations exhibit distinct cellular, respiratory, and cardiovascular phenotypes, some of which provide adaptive advantages to hypoxic conditions compared to populations with sea-level ancestry. Studies performed in populations with a history of high-altitude residence, such as Tibetans, support the idea that many of these phenotypes may be shaped by genomic features that have been positively selected for throughout generations. We hypothesize that such traits observed in Tibetans at high altitude also occur in Tibetans living at intermediate altitude, even in the absence of severe sustained hypoxia. Methodology We studied individuals of high-altitude ancestry (Tibetans, n = 17 females; n = 12 males) and sea-level ancestry (Han Chinese, n = 6 females; n = 10 males), both who had been living at ∼1300 m (∼4327 ft) for at least 18 months. We measured hemoglobin concentration ([Hb]), hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR), and hypoxic heart rate response (HHRR) with end-tidal CO2 (PetCO2) held constant (isocapnia) or allowed to decrease with hypoxic hyperventilation (poikilocapnia). We also quantified the contribution of CO2 on ventilation and heart rate by calculating the differences of isocapnic versus poikilocapnic hypoxic conditions (Δ V ˙ I /ΔPetCO2 and ΔHR/ΔPetCO2, respectively). Results Male Tibetans had lower [Hb] compared to Han Chinese males (p < 0.05), consistent with reports for individuals from these populations living at high altitude and sea level. Measurements of ventilation (resting ventilation, HVR, and PetCO2) were similar for both groups. Heart rate responses to hypoxia were similar in both groups during isocapnia; however, HHRR in poikilocapnia was reduced in the Tibetan group (p < 0.03), and the heart rate response to CO2 in hypoxia was lower in Tibetans relative to Han Chinese (p < 0.01). Conclusion These results suggest that Tibetans living at intermediate altitude have blunted cardiac responses in the context of hypoxia. Hence, only some of the phenotypes observed in Tibetans living at high altitude are observed in Tibetans living at intermediate altitude. Whereas blunted cardiac responses to hypoxia is revealed at intermediate altitudes, manifestation of other physiological adaptations to high altitude may require exposure to more severe levels of hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. A. Moya
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep Medicine, and Physiology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - J. J. Yu
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep Medicine, and Physiology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - S. Brown
- Department of Anesthesiology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, United States
| | - W. Gu
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep Medicine, and Physiology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - E. S. Lawrence
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep Medicine, and Physiology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - R. Carlson
- School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - A. Brandes
- School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - W. Wegeng
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep Medicine, and Physiology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - K. Amann
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - S. E. McIntosh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - F. L. Powell
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep Medicine, and Physiology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - T. S. Simonson
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep Medicine, and Physiology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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Simpson LL, Stembridge M, Siebenmann C, Moore JP, Lawley JS. Mechanisms underpinning sympathoexcitation in hypoxia. J Physiol 2024. [PMID: 38533641 DOI: 10.1113/jp284579] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Sympathoexcitation is a hallmark of hypoxic exposure, occurring acutely, as well as persisting in acclimatised lowland populations and with generational exposure in highland native populations of the Andean and Tibetan plateaus. The mechanisms mediating altitude sympathoexcitation are multifactorial, involving alterations in both peripheral autonomic reflexes and central neural pathways, and are dependent on the duration of exposure. Initially, hypoxia-induced sympathoexcitation appears to be an adaptive response, primarily mediated by regulatory reflex mechanisms concerned with preserving systemic and cerebral tissue O2 delivery and maintaining arterial blood pressure. However, as exposure continues, sympathoexcitation is further augmented above that observed with acute exposure, despite acclimatisation processes that restore arterial oxygen content (C a O 2 ${C_{{\mathrm{a}}{{\mathrm{O}}_{\mathrm{2}}}}}$ ). Under these conditions, sympathoexcitation may become maladaptive, giving rise to reduced vascular reactivity and mildly elevated blood pressure. Importantly, current evidence indicates the peripheral chemoreflex does not play a significant role in the augmentation of sympathoexcitation during altitude acclimatisation, although methodological limitations may underestimate its true contribution. Instead, processes that provide no obvious survival benefit in hypoxia appear to contribute, including elevated pulmonary arterial pressure. Nocturnal periodic breathing is also a potential mechanism contributing to altitude sympathoexcitation, although experimental studies are required. Despite recent advancements within the field, several areas remain unexplored, including the mechanisms responsible for the apparent normalisation of muscle sympathetic nerve activity during intermediate hypoxic exposures, the mechanisms accounting for persistent sympathoexcitation following descent from altitude and consideration of whether there are sex-based differences in sympathetic regulation at altitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia L Simpson
- Department of Sport Science, Performance Physiology and Prevention, Universität Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mike Stembridge
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Jonathan P Moore
- School of Psychology and Sport Science, Institute of Applied Human Physiology, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - Justin S Lawley
- Department of Sport Science, Performance Physiology and Prevention, Universität Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, EURAC Research, Bolzano, Italy
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Peng W, Li H, Xia C, Guo Y, Xu X, Zeng W, Liu K, Che Q, Jiang Y, Xiang K, Zhou X, Li G, Li Z. Cardiovascular indicators associated with ventricular remodeling in chronic high-altitude disease: a cardiovascular MRI study. Eur Radiol 2023; 33:6267-6277. [PMID: 37036481 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-09574-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess biventricular function and mechanics in patients with the chronic high-altitude disease (CHAD) using cardiovascular MRI and explore the possible risk factors associated with ventricular remodeling. METHODS In this prospective study, consecutive CHAD patients and healthy controls at high-altitude (HA) and at sea level (SL) underwent cardiovascular MRI. Right ventricular (RV) and left ventricular (LV) function and global strain parameters were compared. To identify risk factors associated with ventricular remodeling, multiple linear regression analyses were used. RESULTS A total of 33 patients with CHAD (42.97 years ± 11.80; 23 men), 33 HA (41.18 years ± 8.58; 21 men), and 33 SL healthy controls (43.48 years ± 13.40; 21 men) were included. A Significantly decreased biventricular ejection fraction was observed in patients (all p < 0.05). Additionally, the HA group displayed lower magnitudes of biventricular longitudinal peak strain (PS) (RV, - 13.67% ± 4.05 vs. - 16.22% ± 3.03; LV, - 14.68% ± 2.20 vs. - 16.19% ± 2.51; both p < 0.05), but a higher LV circumferential PS (- 20.74% ± 2.02 vs. - 19.17% ± 2.34, p < 0.05) than the SL group. Moreover, multiple linear regression analyses revealed that HGB (β = 0.548) was related to the LV remodeling index, whereas BUN (β = 0.570) was associated with the RV remodeling index. CONCLUSIONS With the deterioration of RV function in patients with CHAD, LV function was also impaired concomitantly. Hypoxia-induced erythrocytosis may contribute to LV impairment, while BUN was considered an independent risk factor for RV remodeling. KEY POINTS • A significantly lower biventricular ejection fraction was observed in patients, with a decreased magnitude of left ventricular (LV) peak systolic strain rate (radial and circumferential) and peak diastolic strain rate (all p < 0.05). • High-altitude healthy natives showed a lower biventricular longitudinal peak strain (all p < 0.05). • Hemoglobin was related to LV remodeling (β = 0.548), while BUN (β = 0.570) was independently associated with RV remodeling in CHAD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanlin Peng
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 37# Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongwei Li
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital of Chengdu Office of People's Government of Tibetan Autonomous Region, 20# Ximianqiao Street, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Chunchao Xia
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 37# Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yingkun Guo
- Department of Radiology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, 20# South ren Min Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Obstetric & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, 20# South Ren Min Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xu Xu
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 37# Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Wen Zeng
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 37# Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Keling Liu
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 37# Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Qianqiu Che
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital of Chengdu Office of People's Government of Tibetan Autonomous Region, 20# Ximianqiao Street, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuexin Jiang
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of Chengdu Office of People's Government of Tibetan Autonomous Region, 20# Ximianqiao Street, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Kejin Xiang
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of Chengdu Office of People's Government of Tibetan Autonomous Region, 20# Ximianqiao Street, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoyue Zhou
- MR Collaboration, Siemens Healthineers Ltd., Shanghai, 200126, China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Radiology, The People's Hospital of Ningnan County Sichuan Province, Ningnan, 615400, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhenlin Li
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 37# Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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Pruter WW, Klassen SA, Dominelli PB, Wiggins CC, Senefeld JW, Roy TK, Joyner MJ, Baker SE. Attenuated cardiac autonomic function in humans with high-affinity hemoglobin and compensatory polycythemia. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2023; 324:R625-R634. [PMID: 36878486 PMCID: PMC10085552 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00113.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
During hypoxic exposure, humans with high-affinity hemoglobin (and compensatory polycythemia) have blunted increases in heart rate compared with healthy humans with typical oxyhemoglobin dissociation curves. This response may be associated with altered autonomic control of heart rate. Our hypothesis-generating study aimed to investigate cardiac baroreflex sensitivity and heart rate variability among nine humans with high-affinity hemoglobin [6 females, O2 partial pressure at 50% [Formula: see text] (P50) = 16 ± 1 mmHg] compared with 12 humans with typical affinity hemoglobin (6 F, P50 = 26 ± 1 mmHg). Participants breathed normal room air for a 10-min baseline, followed by 20 min of isocapnic hypoxic exposure, designed to lower the arterial partial pressure O2 ([Formula: see text]) to ∼50 mmHg. Beat-by-beat heart rate and arterial blood pressure were recorded. Data were averaged in 5-min periods throughout the hypoxia exposure, beginning with the last 5 min of baseline in normoxia. Spontaneous cardiac baroreflex sensitivity and heart rate variability were determined using the sequence method and the time and frequency domain analyses, respectively. Cardiac baroreflex sensitivity was lower in humans with high-affinity hemoglobin than controls at baseline and during isocapnic hypoxic exposure (normoxia: 7 ± 4 vs. 16 ± 10 ms/mmHg, hypoxia minutes 15-20: 4 ± 3 vs. 14 ± 11 ms/mmHg; group effect: P = 0.02, high-affinity hemoglobin vs. control, respectively). Heart rate variability calculated in both the time (standard deviation of the N-N interval) and frequency (low frequency) domains was lower in humans with high-affinity hemoglobin than in controls (all P < 0.05). Our data suggest that humans with high-affinity hemoglobin may have attenuated cardiac autonomic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wyatt W Pruter
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Stephen A Klassen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
- Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paolo B Dominelli
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chad C Wiggins
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Jonathon W Senefeld
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Tuhin K Roy
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Michael J Joyner
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Sarah E Baker
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
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Moore JP, Simpson LL, Drinkhill MJ. Differential contributions of cardiac, coronary and pulmonary artery vagal mechanoreceptors to reflex control of the circulation. J Physiol 2022; 600:4069-4087. [PMID: 35903901 PMCID: PMC9544715 DOI: 10.1113/jp282305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Distinct populations of stretch‐sensitive mechanoreceptors attached to myelinated vagal afferents are found in the heart and adjoining coronary and pulmonary circulations. Receptors at atrio‐venous junctions appear to be involved in control of intravascular volume. These atrial receptors influence sympathetic control of the heart and kidney, but contribute little to reflex control of systemic vascular resistance. Baroreceptors at the origins of the coronary circulation elicit reflex vasodilatation, like feedback control from systemic arterial baroreceptors, as well as having characteristics that could contribute to regulation of mean pressure. In contrast, feedback from baroreceptors in the pulmonary artery and bifurcation is excitatory and elicits a pressor response. Elevation of pulmonary arterial pressure resets the vasomotor limb of the systemic arterial baroreflex, which could be relevant for control of sympathetic vasoconstrictor outflow during exercise and other states associated with elevated pulmonary arterial pressure. Ventricular receptors, situated mainly in the inferior posterior wall of the left ventricle, and attached to unmyelinated vagal afferents, are relatively inactive under basal conditions. However, a change to the biochemical environment of cardiac tissue surrounding these receptors elicits a depressor response. Some ventricular receptors respond, modestly, to mechanical distortion. Probably, ventricular receptors contribute little to tonic feedback control; however, reflex bradycardia and hypotension in response to chemical activation may decrease the work of the heart during myocardial ischaemia. Overall, greater awareness of heterogeneous reflex effects originating from cardiac, coronary and pulmonary artery mechanoreceptors is required for a better understanding of integrated neural control of circulatory function and arterial blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mark J Drinkhill
- Leeds Institute for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Leeds, UK
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Hansen AB, Amin SB, Hofstätter F, Mugele H, Simpson LL, Gasho C, Dawkins TG, Tymko MM, Ainslie PN, Villafuerte FC, Hearon CM, Lawley JS, Moralez G. Global Reach 2018: sympathetic neural and hemodynamic responses to submaximal exercise in Andeans with and without chronic mountain sickness. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2022; 322:H844-H856. [PMID: 35333117 PMCID: PMC9018046 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00555.2021] [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: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Andeans with chronic mountain sickness (CMS) and polycythemia have similar maximal oxygen uptakes to healthy Andeans. Therefore, this study aimed to explore potential adaptations in convective oxygen transport, with a specific focus on sympathetically mediated vasoconstriction of nonactive skeletal muscle. In Andeans with (CMS+, n = 7) and without (CMS-, n = 9) CMS, we measured components of convective oxygen delivery, hemodynamic (arterial blood pressure via intra-arterial catheter), and autonomic responses [muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA)] at rest and during steady-state submaximal cycling exercise [30% and 60% peak power output (PPO) for 5 min each]. Cycling caused similar increases in heart rate, cardiac output, and oxygen delivery at both workloads between both Andean groups. However, at 60% PPO, CMS+ had a blunted reduction in Δtotal peripheral resistance (CMS-, -10.7 ± 3.8 vs. CMS+, -4.9 ± 4.1 mmHg·L-1·min-1; P = 0.012; d = 1.5) that coincided with a greater Δforearm vasoconstriction (CMS-, -0.2 ± 0.6 vs. CMS+, 1.5 ± 1.3 mmHg·mL-1·min-1; P = 0.008; d = 1.7) and a rise in Δdiastolic blood pressure (CMS-, 14.2 ± 7.2 vs. CMS+, 21.6 ± 4.2 mmHg; P = 0.023; d = 1.2) compared with CMS-. Interestingly, although MSNA burst frequency did not change at 30% or 60% of PPO in either group, at 60% Δburst incidence was attenuated in CMS+ (P = 0.028; d = 1.4). These findings indicate that in Andeans with polycythemia, light intensity exercise elicited similar cardiovascular and autonomic responses compared with CMS-. Furthermore, convective oxygen delivery is maintained during moderate-intensity exercise despite higher peripheral resistance. In addition, the elevated peripheral resistance during exercise was not mediated by greater sympathetic neural outflow, thus other neural and/or nonneural factors are perhaps involved.NEW & NOTEWORTHY During submaximal exercise, convective oxygen transport is maintained in Andeans suffering from polycythemia. Light intensity exercise elicited similar cardiovascular and autonomic responses compared with healthy Andeans. However, during moderate-intensity exercise, we observed a blunted reduction in total peripheral resistance, which cannot be ascribed to an exaggerated increase in muscle sympathetic nerve activity, indicating possible contributions from other neural and/or nonneural mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander B Hansen
- Division of Performance, Physiology and Prevention, Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sachin B Amin
- Division of Performance, Physiology and Prevention, Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Florian Hofstätter
- Division of Performance, Physiology and Prevention, Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hendrik Mugele
- Division of Performance, Physiology and Prevention, Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Lydia L Simpson
- Division of Performance, Physiology and Prevention, Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christopher Gasho
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, University of Loma Linda, Loma Linda, California
| | - Tony G Dawkins
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Michael M Tymko
- Physical Activity and Diabetes Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Centre of Heart, Lung, and Vascular Health, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Philip N Ainslie
- Centre of Heart, Lung, and Vascular Health, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Francisco C Villafuerte
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Comparada/Fisiología del Transporte de Oxígeno Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Christopher M Hearon
- Department of Applied Clinical Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Dallas, Dallas, Texas
| | - Justin S Lawley
- Division of Performance, Physiology and Prevention, Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gilbert Moralez
- Department of Applied Clinical Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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Does Altitude of Birth Influence the Performance of National- to Elite-Level Colombian Cyclists? Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2022; 17:1756-1759. [DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2022-0245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To determine whether the altitude of birth/childhood influences the values in peak power output (PPO) and estimated maximum oxygen uptake (estVO2max) in male Colombian road cyclists of different performance levels. This study also aimed to determine whether cyclists born at high altitudes tend to be more successful. Methods: Eighty riders aged between 17 and 22 years of 3 performance levels (U23 world-class level, WC, n = 8; U23 national level, N23, n = 41; junior national level, J, n = 31) and 3 altitude levels (<800 m, low; 800–2000 m, moderate; >2000 m, high) performed an ergocycle maximal incremental test to exhaustion at an altitude of 2570 m. Results: Altogether, while cyclists born at an altitude >2000 m represented ∼50% of the analyzed sample, there was a significantly higher proportion (84%) of these cyclists who had participated as professionals in a Grand Tour (χ2[1, N = 80] = 4.58, P < .05). Riders of the low group had lower values of PPO and estVO2max than cyclists of moderate and high altitudes, while no differences were noted between moderate- and high-altitude groups. In N23, PPO and estVO2max were lower in the low- than in the moderate-altitude group, while in the J cyclists, PPO and estVO2max were lower in the low-altitude compared with both moderate- and high-altitude groups. Discussion: Among the cyclists tested at altitude in junior and U23, there is an overrepresentation of individuals who reached an elite level and were born at a high altitude (>2000 m). As no clear differences were observed between moderate- and high-altitude cyclists, the higher prevalence of elite cyclists in the latter group may originate from various—still unclear—mechanisms.
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Macarlupú JL, Vizcardo-Galindo G, Figueroa-Mujíca R, Voituron N, Richalet JP, Villafuerte FC. Sub-maximal aerobic exercise training reduces haematocrit and ameliorates symptoms in Andean highlanders with chronic mountain sickness. Exp Physiol 2021; 106:2198-2209. [PMID: 34555237 PMCID: PMC9293431 DOI: 10.1113/ep089975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
New Findings What is the central question of this study? What is the effect of sub‐maximal aerobic exercise training on signs and symptoms of chronic mountain sickness (CMS) in Andean highlanders? What is the main finding and its importance? Aerobic exercise training (ET) effectively reduces haematocrit, ameliorates symptoms and improves aerobic capacity in CMS patients, suggesting that a regular aerobic ET programme might be used as a low‐cost non‐invasive/non‐pharmacological management strategy of this syndrome.
Abstract Excessive erythrocytosis is the hallmark sign of chronic mountain sickness (CMS), a debilitating syndrome associated with neurological symptoms and increased cardiovascular risk. We have shown that unlike sedentary residents at the same altitude, trained individuals maintain haematocrit within sea‐level range, and thus we hypothesise that aerobic exercise training (ET) might reduce excessive haematocrit and ameliorate CMS signs and symptoms. Eight highlander men (38 ± 12 years) with CMS (haematocrit: 70.6 ± 1.9%, CMS score: 8.8 ± 1.4) from Cerro de Pasco, Peru (4340 m) participated in the study. Baseline assessment included haematocrit, CMS score, pulse oximetry, maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing and in‐office plus 24 h ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring. Blood samples were collected to assess cardiometabolic, erythropoietic, and haemolysis markers. ET consisted of pedalling exercise in a cycloergometer at 60% of V˙O2peak for 1 h/day, 4 days/week for 8 weeks, and participants were assessed at weeks 4 and 8. Haematocrit and CMS score decreased significantly by week 8 (to 65.6 ± 6.6%, and 3.5 ± 0.8, respectively, P < 0.05), while V˙O2peak and maximum workload increased with ET (33.8 ± 2.4 vs. 37.2 ± 2.0 ml/min/kg, P < 0.05; and 172.5 ± 9.4 vs. 210.0 ± 27.8 W, P < 0.01; respectively). Except for an increase in high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, other blood markers and BP showed no differences. Our results suggest that reduction of haematocrit and CMS symptoms results mainly from haemodilution due to plasma volume expansion rather than to haemolysis. In conclusion, we show that ET can effectively reduce haematocrit, ameliorate symptoms and improve aerobic capacity in CMS patients, suggesting that regular aerobic exercise might be used as a low‐cost non‐invasive and non‐pharmacological management strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Luis Macarlupú
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Comparada, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú.,Instituto de Investigaciones de la Altura (IIA), Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Gustavo Vizcardo-Galindo
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Comparada, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Rómulo Figueroa-Mujíca
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Comparada, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Nicolas Voituron
- Laboratoire Hypoxie et Poumon, UMR INSERM U1272, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny, France.,Laboratory of Excellence GReX, Paris, France.,Département STAPS, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny, France
| | - Jean-Paul Richalet
- Laboratoire Hypoxie et Poumon, UMR INSERM U1272, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny, France.,Laboratory of Excellence GReX, Paris, France
| | - Francisco C Villafuerte
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Comparada, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú.,Instituto de Investigaciones de la Altura (IIA), Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
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Steele AR, Skow RJ, Fraser GM, Berthelsen LF, Steinback CD. Sympathetic neurovascular transduction following acute hypoxia. Clin Auton Res 2021; 31:755-765. [PMID: 34528146 DOI: 10.1007/s10286-021-00824-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Following an acute exposure to hypoxia, sympathetic nerve activity remains elevated. However, this elevated sympathetic nerve activity does not elicit a parallel increase in vascular resistance suggesting a blunted sympathetic signaling [i.e. blunted sympathetic neurovascular transduction (sNVT)]. Therefore, we sought to quantify spontaneous sympathetic bursts and related changes in total peripheral resistance following hypoxic exposure. We hypothesized that following hypoxia sNVT would be blunted. METHODS Nine healthy participants (n = 6 men; mean age 25 ± 2 years) were recruited. We collected data on muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) using microneurography and beat-by-beat total peripheral resistance (TPR) via finger photoplethysmography at baseline, during acute hypoxia and during two periods of recovery (recovery period 1, 0-10 min post hypoxia; recovery period 2, 10-20 min post hypoxia). MSNA burst sequences (i.e. singlets, doublets, triplets and quads+) were identified and coupled to changes in TPR over 15 cardiac cycles as an index of sNVT for burst sequences. A sNVT slope for each participant was calculated from the slope of the relationship between TPR plotted against normalized burst amplitude. RESULTS The sNVT slope was blunted during hypoxia [Δ 0.0044 ± 0.0014 (mmHg/L/min)/(a.u.)], but unchanged following termination of hypoxia [recovery 1, Δ 0.031 ± 0.0019 (mmHg/L/min)/(a.u.); recovery 2, Δ 0.0038 ± 0.0014 (mmHg/L/min)/(a.u.) compared to baseline (Δ 0.038 ± 0.0015 (L/min/mmHg)/(a.u.)] (main effect of group p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS Contrary to our hypothesis, we have demonstrated that systemic sNVT is unchanged following hypoxia in young healthy adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R Steele
- Neurovascular Health Lab, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, , University of Alberta, 1-059D Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Research Innovation, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G 2E1
| | - Rachel J Skow
- Neurovascular Health Lab, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, , University of Alberta, 1-059D Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Research Innovation, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G 2E1
- Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Graham M Fraser
- Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Lindsey F Berthelsen
- Neurovascular Health Lab, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, , University of Alberta, 1-059D Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Research Innovation, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G 2E1
| | - Craig D Steinback
- Neurovascular Health Lab, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, , University of Alberta, 1-059D Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Research Innovation, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G 2E1.
- Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
- Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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10
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Tipton M. Experimental Physiology special issue: Extreme environmental physiology. Exp Physiol 2020; 106:1-3. [PMID: 33382514 DOI: 10.1113/ep089151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mike Tipton
- Extreme Environments Laboratory, School of Sport, Health & Exercise Science, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
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11
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Simpson LL, Steinback CD, Stembridge M, Moore JP. A sympathetic view of blood pressure control at high altitude: new insights from microneurographic studies. Exp Physiol 2020; 106:377-384. [PMID: 33345334 PMCID: PMC7898382 DOI: 10.1113/ep089194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the topic of the review? Sympathoexcitation and sympathetic control of blood pressure at high altitude. What advances does it highlight? Sustained sympathoexcitation is fundamental to integrative control of blood pressure in humans exposed to chronic hypoxia. The largest gaps in current knowledge are in understanding the complex mechanisms by which central sympathetic outflow is regulated at high altitude. ABSTRACT High altitude (HA) hypoxia is a potent activator of the sympathetic nervous system, eliciting increases in sympathetic vasomotor activity. Microneurographic evidence of HA sympathoexcitation dates back to the late 20th century, yet only recently have the characteristics and underpinning mechanisms been explored in detail. This review summarises recent findings and highlights the importance of HA sympathoexcitation for the regulation of blood pressure in lowlanders and indigenous highlanders. In addition, this review identifies gaps in our knowledge and corresponding avenues for future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia L Simpson
- Institute for Sport Science, Division of Physiology, Innsbruck University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Craig D Steinback
- Neurovascular Health Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Mike Stembridge
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Jonathan P Moore
- Extremes Research Group, School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
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12
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Bilo G, Acone L, Anza-Ramírez C, Macarlupú JL, Soranna D, Zambon A, Vizcardo-Galindo G, Pengo MF, Villafuerte FC, Parati G. Office and Ambulatory Arterial Hypertension in Highlanders: HIGHCARE-ANDES Highlanders Study. Hypertension 2020; 76:1962-1970. [PMID: 33175629 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.120.16010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Millions of people worldwide live at high altitude, being chronically exposed to hypobaric hypoxia. Hypertension is a major cardiovascular risk factor but data on its prevalence and determinants in highlanders are limited, and systematic studies with ambulatory blood pressure monitoring are not available. Aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of clinic and ambulatory hypertension and the associated factors in a sample of Andean highlanders. Hypertension prevalence and phenotypes were assessed with office and ambulatory blood pressure measurement in a sample of adults living in Cerro de Pasco, Peru (altitude 4340 m). Basic clinical data, blood oxygen saturation, hematocrit, and Qinghai Chronic Mountain Sickness score were obtained. Participants were classified according to the presence of excessive erythrocytosis and chronic mountain sickness diagnosis. Data of 289 participants (143 women, 146 men, mean age 38.3 years) were analyzed. Office hypertension was present in 20 (7%) participants, while ambulatory hypertension was found in 58 (20%) participants. Masked hypertension was common (15%), and white coat hypertension was rare (2%). Among participants with ambulatory hypertension, the most prevalent phenotypes included isolated nocturnal hypertension, isolated diastolic hypertension, and systodiastolic hypertension. Ambulatory hypertension was associated with male gender, age, overweight/obesity, 24-hour heart rate, and excessive erythrocytosis. Prevalence of hypertension among Andean highlanders may be significantly underestimated when based on conventional blood pressure measurements, due to the high prevalence of masked hypertension. In highlanders, ambulatory hypertension may be independently associated with excessive erythrocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Bilo
- From the Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences (G.B., M.F.P., G.P.), University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.,Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy Department of Medicine and Surgery (G.B., L.A., G.P.), University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Acone
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy Department of Medicine and Surgery (G.B., L.A., G.P.), University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Anza-Ramírez
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Comparada/Fisiología del Transporte de Oxígeno-LID. Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú (C.A.-R., J.L.M., G.V.-G., F.C.V.)
| | - José Luis Macarlupú
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Comparada/Fisiología del Transporte de Oxígeno-LID. Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú (C.A.-R., J.L.M., G.V.-G., F.C.V.)
| | - Davide Soranna
- Biostatistics Unit (D.S., A.Z.), University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Zambon
- Biostatistics Unit (D.S., A.Z.), University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.,Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods (A.Z.), University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Gustavo Vizcardo-Galindo
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Comparada/Fisiología del Transporte de Oxígeno-LID. Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú (C.A.-R., J.L.M., G.V.-G., F.C.V.)
| | - Martino F Pengo
- From the Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences (G.B., M.F.P., G.P.), University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Francisco C Villafuerte
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Comparada/Fisiología del Transporte de Oxígeno-LID. Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú (C.A.-R., J.L.M., G.V.-G., F.C.V.)
| | - Gianfranco Parati
- From the Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences (G.B., M.F.P., G.P.), University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.,Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy Department of Medicine and Surgery (G.B., L.A., G.P.), University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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13
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Berthelsen LF, Fraser GM, Simpson LL, Vanden Berg ER, Busch SA, Steele AR, Meah VL, Lawley JS, Figueroa-Mujíca RJ, Vizcardo-Galindo G, Villafuerte F, Gasho C, Willie CK, Tymko MM, Ainslie PN, Stembridge M, Moore JP, Steinback CD. Highs and lows of sympathetic neurocardiovascular transduction: influence of altitude acclimatization and adaptation. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2020; 319:H1240-H1252. [PMID: 32986967 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00364.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
High-altitude (>2,500 m) exposure results in increased muscle sympathetic nervous activity (MSNA) in acclimatizing lowlanders. However, little is known about how altitude affects MSNA in indigenous high-altitude populations. Additionally, the relationship between MSNA and blood pressure regulation (i.e., neurovascular transduction) at high-altitude is unclear. We sought to determine 1) how high-altitude effects neurocardiovascular transduction and 2) whether differences exist in neurocardiovascular transduction between low- and high-altitude populations. Measurements of MSNA (microneurography), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP; finger photoplethysmography), and heart rate (electrocardiogram) were collected in 1) lowlanders (n = 14) at low (344 m) and high altitude (5,050 m), 2) Sherpa highlanders (n = 8; 5,050 m), and 3) Andean (with and without excessive erythrocytosis) highlanders (n = 15; 4,300 m). Cardiovascular responses to MSNA burst sequences (i.e., singlet, couplet, triplet, and quadruplet) were quantified using custom software (coded in MATLAB, v.2015b). Slopes were generated for each individual based on peak responses and normalized total MSNA. High altitude reduced neurocardiovascular transduction in lowlanders (MAP slope: high altitude, 0.0075 ± 0.0060 vs. low altitude, 0.0134 ± 0.080; P = 0.03). Transduction was elevated in Sherpa (MAP slope, 0.012 ± 0.007) compared with Andeans (0.003 ± 0.002, P = 0.001). MAP transduction was not statistically different between acclimatizing lowlanders and Sherpa (MAP slope, P = 0.08) or Andeans (MAP slope, P = 0.07). When resting MSNA is accounted for (ANCOVA), transduction was inversely related to basal MSNA (bursts/minute) independent of population (RRI, r = 0.578 P < 0.001; MAP, r = -0.627, P < 0.0001). Our results demonstrate that transduction is blunted in individuals with higher basal MSNA, suggesting that blunted neurocardiovascular transduction is a physiological adaptation to elevated MSNA rather than an effect or adaptation specific to chronic hypoxic exposure.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study has identified that sympathetically mediated blood pressure regulation is reduced following ascent to high-altitude. Additionally, we show that high altitude Andean natives have reduced blood pressure responsiveness to sympathetic nervous activity (SNA) compared with Nepalese Sherpa. However, basal sympathetic activity is inversely related to the magnitude of SNA-mediated fluctuations in blood pressure regardless of population or condition. These data set a foundation to explore more precise mechanisms of blood pressure control under conditions of persistent sympathetic activation and hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey F Berthelsen
- Neurovascular Health Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
| | - Graham M Fraser
- Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Lydia L Simpson
- School of Sport, Health and Exercise Science, Bangor University, Bangor, United Kingdom
| | - Emily R Vanden Berg
- Neurovascular Health Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
| | - Stephen A Busch
- Neurovascular Health Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
| | - Andrew R Steele
- Neurovascular Health Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
| | - Victoria L Meah
- Neurovascular Health Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
| | - Justin S Lawley
- Department of Sport Science, Division of Physiology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Romulo J Figueroa-Mujíca
- Laboratorio de Fisiologia Comparada, Departamento de Ciencias Biologicas y Fisiologicas, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofia, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Gustavo Vizcardo-Galindo
- Laboratorio de Fisiologia Comparada, Departamento de Ciencias Biologicas y Fisiologicas, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofia, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Francisco Villafuerte
- Laboratorio de Fisiologia Comparada, Departamento de Ciencias Biologicas y Fisiologicas, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofia, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Chris Gasho
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California
| | - Christopher K Willie
- Centre for Heart, Lung, and Vascular Health, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, Canada
| | - Michael M Tymko
- Neurovascular Health Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada.,Centre for Heart, Lung, and Vascular Health, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, Canada
| | - Philip N Ainslie
- Centre for Heart, Lung, and Vascular Health, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, Canada
| | - Mike Stembridge
- Cardiff Centre for Exercise and Health, Cardiff School of Sport and Health, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan P Moore
- School of Sport, Health and Exercise Science, Bangor University, Bangor, United Kingdom
| | - Craig D Steinback
- Neurovascular Health Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
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