Plasma protein(s)-based conceptual diagnostic tool for assessing high-altitude acclimation in humans

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Altitude Medicine
• Proteomics

Background:

• High altitude exposure (above 3000m) results in either acclimation or high-altitude maladies.
• Plasma proteome modifications are differential, reflecting either acclimation or mal-acclimation responses.
• Hypoxia-responsive plasma protein trends can serve as indicators of acclimation status.

Purpose of the Study:

• To statistically evaluate the trendlines of hypoxia-responsive plasma proteins during high-altitude exposure.
• To identify robust protein markers for assessing individual acclimation.
• To investigate altitude- and day-specific protein responses.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of plasma protein levels in 20 male individuals exposed to 3520m and 4420m.
• Statistical evaluation of protein trendlines at various time points (HAD1, HAD4, HAD7L, HAD7H, HAD30, HAD120).
• Comparison of protein levels against baseline and lower altitude measurements.

Main Results:

• Thioredoxin (Trx), glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx-3), and apolipoprotein AI (Apo-AI) are robust markers for assessing acclimation.
• Sulfotransferase 1A1 (ST1A1) levels increase specifically in cases of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), acting as a negative control.
• Specific proteins show altitude- and exposure-day-dependent patterns for acclimation assessment.

Conclusions:

• Plasma protein trend analysis offers a reliable method for monitoring high-altitude acclimation.
• Identifying deviations from acclimation trends can aid in the early prevention of high-altitude illnesses.
• Specific proteins like Trx, GPx-3, and Apo-AI are key biomarkers for successful acclimatization.