Oxidative damage is present in plasma and circulating neutrophils 4 weeks after a high mountain expedition

Abstract

It is well known that exposure to extreme environments, such as in high-mountain expeditions, is associated with increased production of reactive oxygen species and related oxidative damage. However, there is little information concerning antioxidant recovery after this type of expedition. Thus, the aim of this study is to analyze the antioxidant recovery status at sea level of five expert alpinists 4 weeks after climbing Cho-Oyu (8,201 m). Body composition, cardiorespiratory capacity, and circulating parameters were almost similar to the values obtained at the beginning of the study. However, the alpinists presented high erythrocyte number, related hemogram values, and ferritin. Sodium, alkaline phosphatase, and γ-glutamyltransferase plasma levels were lower. Concerning oxidative stress, plasma uric acid levels were significantly increased, as well as malondialdehyde and protein carbonyls. Neutrophils displayed significantly higher levels of malondialdehyde and lower catalase activity. Therefore, these data indicate that the oxidative stress during a high mountain expedition is the most probable cause to explain an incomplete recovery in plasma and neutrophil antioxidant status.

Responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to moderate exercise and hypoxia

“…Under both the low-and high-altitude conditions, the exercise training was performed at low to moderate intensity and the subjects maintained good status of health fitness. We can thus hypothesize that it is for this reason that the PBMCs did not show any detectable oxidative-damaged structures or apoptotic features, as has been shown for such cells from subjects exposed to high altitude and/or performing intense physical activity (Navalta et al, 2010;Carrera-Quintanar et al, 2012;Kruger & Mooren, 2014).…”

The α-globin chain of hemoglobin potentiates tissue plasminogen activator induced hyperfibrinolysis in vitro

“…Even moderate altitude may affect wound healing, platelet biology, and coagulation so that these studies should be repeated at lower elevations. [53][54][55][56] However, it is the initial TEG that is used for therapeutic decisions, which may include the administration of tranexamic acid and activation of trauma transfusion protocols, among others. Surprisingly, none of the SD patients died, and one may expect some mortality in this group especially compared with those with PF.…”

“…This pilot study has several limitations, including small sample size, the study patients being from a single level I trauma center at moderate altitude, and the samples collected being from only the initial time point. Even moderate altitude may affect wound healing, platelet biology, and coagulation so that these studies should be repeated at lower elevations 53–56 . However, it is the initial TEG that is used for therapeutic decisions, which may include the administration of tranexamic acid and activation of trauma transfusion protocols, among others.…”

The Role of Oxidative Stress in the Development of Acute Mountain Sicknessand Possible Methods of Prevention

“…Zaburzenie równowagi między wytwarzaniem reaktywnych form tlenu (RFT) a usuwaniem ich z komór ki za pomocą mechanizmów obrony antyoksydacyjnej określa się mianem stresu oksydacyjnego [6]. W warunkach wysokogórskich duży wysiłek fizyczny powodowany wspinaczką oraz narażeniem na niskie ciśnienie atmosferyczne może inicjować w organizmie człowieka tworzenie nadmiernych ilości wolnych rodników tlenowych [7,8]. Zalicza się do nich m.in.…”

“…An imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their removal from the cell using the mechanisms of antioxidant defence is known as oxidative stress [6]. At high altitudes, strenuous physical effort of climbing and exposure to low barometric pressure can trigger the human body to create excessive amounts of oxygen free radicals [7,8]. These include, among others: superoxide anion radical (O2 •-) hydroperoxide radical (HO2 •-), nitrogen oxides NO • , NO2 • , alkoxy radicals (RO • ), superoxide radicals (ROO • ), and the most reactive of them allhydroxyl radical (OH • ).…”