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Geographical ancestry affects normal hemoglobin values in high-altitude residents
Heimo Mairbäurl1,2, Max Gassmann3,4,5, Martina U Muckenthaler2,6,7,8
1Departmment of Translational Pneumology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|October 1, 2020
Summary
High-altitude populations show varied hemoglobin (Hb) increases. Andean and Han Chinese men have the highest Hb levels, while Tibetans, Ethiopians, and Sherpas have the lowest, influenced by genetics and plasma volume.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Human Adaptation
- Altitude Medicine
Background:
- High altitude (HA) environments present hypoxic stress.
- Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration increases to enhance oxygen transport.
- Significant population-level variations exist in this adaptive response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and compare Hb concentrations in diverse HA populations.
- To explore factors contributing to inter-population variability in Hb levels.
Main Methods:
- Comparative review of existing literature on HA residents.
- Analysis of Hb concentrations at comparable altitudes (3,500–4,500 m).
- Consideration of factors like plasma volume and genetic polymorphisms.
Main Results:
- All HA populations exhibit increased Hb concentrations.
- Highest mean Hb found in Andean males and Han Chinese; lowest in Ethiopians, Tibetans, and Sherpas.
- Lower plasma volume in Andeans and genetic factors (e.g., ACE alleles) partially explain observed Hb differences.
Conclusions:
- Population ancestry influences oxygen-dependent erythropoiesis and plasma volume regulation.
- Genetic and physiological differences contribute to varied Hb concentrations at high altitude.
- Understanding these variations is key to comprehending human adaptation to hypoxia.
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