Human adaptative behavior to Antarctic conditions: A review of physiological aspects

Abstract

The Antarctic environment induces adaptive metabolic and neuroendocrine changes associated with survival, as well as increased risks to physical and mental health. Circadian disruption has been observed in Antarctic expeditioners. The main consequences appear in quality of sleep, which can affect physical and cognitive performance. Physiological adaptation to cold is mediated by the norepinephrine and thyroid hormones (T3 and 3,5‐T2 metabolite). The observed changes in the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid (HPT) axis of expeditioners varied according to temperature, photoperiod, time spent in the cold environment and stress level. The decrease in T3 levels has frequently been associated with mood swings. Psychological and physical stressors cause disturbances in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, with consequent maintenance of high cortisol levels, leading to memory impairment, immunosuppression, and cardiometabolic and reproductive disorders. Preventive measures, such as provision of adequate food, well‐established eating times, physical activity and even the use of phototherapy, can all help maintain the circadian rhythm. In addition, the use of high‐tech clothing and room temperature control in research stations provide greater protection against the effects of intense cold. However, psychological stress requires a more individualized approach based on the crew's sociocultural characteristics, but it can be mitigated by mental healthcare and training in coping strategies. This article is categorized under: Cardiovascular Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology Cardiovascular Diseases > Environmental Factors Metabolic Diseases > Environmental Factors

Relationship between Urinary Metabolomic Profiles and Depressive Episode in Antarctica

“…The metabolic pathways related to these studies include fat-soluble intermediate metabolites. Alternatively, the current study analyzed only hydrophilic metabolites, which may explain the few overlaps in altered metabolites between our data and the above-mentioned studies [ 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 ].…”

“…No metabolomic study has analyzed the relationship between urinary metabolites and mental health in JARE. However, various teams have investigated the relationship between mental illnesses and metabolic changes in the Antarctic area [ 34 , 35 ]. For example, metabolism related to bone-mass density is disturbed by vitamin D deficiency caused by limited ultraviolet light exposure [ 36 , 37 ].…”

Need for dental care among medical staff working in the China Antarctic stations

“…Psychological symptoms and sleep problem have always been hot study topics in Antarctic, because the polar day/polar night, dry air, geography and social isolation make depression common in there [ 22 , 23 ]. Physical condition can also be affected by the harsh environment, worsening the quality of sleep and leading to a consequence of low physical and cognitive performance [ 24 ]. In the 30th Chinese Antarctic Research Expedition, psychological problem visits accounts for 20% of the total visits, among them, most were complaints about sleep disruption [ 1 ].…”