Fasting improves tolerance to acute hypoxia in rats
Xiao-Ya Yue1, Xiao-Bo Wang2, Ru-Zhou Zhao2
1Department of Aerospace Physiology, Fourth Military Medical University, 169(#) Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, China; Department of Internal Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang, 712082, China.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|July 12, 2021
Summary
Fasting preconditioning significantly improves survival rates in rats exposed to high altitudes by activating cellular protective mechanisms. This study establishes a novel model for rapid adaptation to acute hypoxia, offering potential human applications.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Altitude Medicine
Background:
- Acute high-altitude illness poses significant health risks.
- Effective prevention and treatment methods are currently lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of fasting preconditioning in improving tolerance to acute high-altitude exposure.
- To establish a novel animal model for rapid adaptation to acute hypoxia.
Main Methods:
- Rats were subjected to simulated high-altitude conditions (7620 m for 24 h).
- Fasting preconditioning was applied, and its effects on survival rates and cardiac tissue markers were analyzed.
- Key molecular pathways including AMPK, autophagy, ROS, and NF-κB were examined.
Main Results:
- Fasting preconditioning significantly improved survival rates in rats exposed to acute hypoxia.
- Fasting activated AMPK, induced autophagy, decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS), and inhibited NF-κB signaling in cardiac tissues.
- Hypoxia tolerance increased with prolonged fasting duration and was higher in young rats compared to adult rats.
Conclusions:
- Fasting preconditioning enhances tolerance to acute hypoxia through specific molecular pathways.
- The study provides a foundation for developing strategies for rapid human adaptation to high altitudes.
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