High altitude and free radicals.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Physiology
• Biochemistry
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• High altitude exposure reduces oxygen availability, leading to increased reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS).
• This elevated oxidative stress can damage lipids, proteins, and DNA, while downregulating antioxidant enzyme activity.
• Sources like mitochondria and nitric oxide synthase contribute to RONS production at high altitudes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of high altitude on oxidative stress and antioxidant systems.
• To explore the role of RONS in acute mountain sickness.
• To evaluate the potential benefits of antioxidant supplementation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on high altitude, oxidative stress, and antioxidants.
• Analysis of physiological responses to reduced oxygen pressure.
• Examination of RONS-generating pathways and antioxidant enzyme function.

Main Results:

• High altitude exposure significantly increases RONS formation and oxidative damage.
• Antioxidant enzyme systems are less effective at high altitudes.
• Physical exercise exacerbates altitude-associated oxidative stress.
• RONS are implicated as a causative factor in acute mountain sickness.

Conclusions:

• High altitude exposure induces significant oxidative stress, impacting cellular components and antioxidant capacity.
• Antioxidant supplementation is a potential strategy to counteract high altitude-induced oxidative stress and may prevent acute mountain sickness.