Vascular endothelial growth factor and acute mountain sickness

Area of Science:

• Altitude Illness Research
• Human Physiology
• Biomarker Discovery

Background:

• Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a common ailment at high altitudes, yet its underlying mechanisms are not fully understood.
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is a protein involved in blood vessel formation and has been hypothesized to play a role in altitude-related illnesses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the pathophysiology of acute mountain sickness (AMS).
• To determine if elevated plasma VEGF levels correlate with the presence and severity of AMS symptoms in individuals ascending to high altitude.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study was conducted with healthy climbers ascending Mount McKinley (Denali) to 14,200 feet.
• Demographic data, ascent rates, and AMS symptom scores were collected, alongside pulse oximetry and plasma VEGF measurements.
• Comparisons were made between climbers who developed AMS and those who did not.

Main Results:

• Of 51 participants, 14 (27.5%) reported AMS symptoms. No significant differences in plasma VEGF levels were observed between the AMS and non-AMS groups.
• Factors including sex, age, ascent rate, pulse oximetry, and prior altitude illness history also did not show significant differences between groups.

Conclusions:

• The study found no evidence to support the hypothesis that plasma VEGF levels are correlated with the development of acute mountain sickness (AMS).
• Further research may be needed to explore other potential biomarkers or pathophysiological pathways involved in AMS.