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Hemoglobin (Hb) is a crucial molecule in the human body, consisting of four polypeptide chains, each bound to an iron-containing heme group. This unique structure enables hemoglobin to bind to oxygen, with each molecule capable of combining with four molecules of oxygen, leading to rapid and reversible oxygen loading. When fully loaded with oxygen, it is called oxyhemoglobin, while hemoglobin that has released oxygen is called reduced hemoglobin or deoxyhemoglobin. As hemoglobin binds oxygen,...
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The process of blood cell formation is called hematopoiesis. Hematopoiesis starts early during development, on the seventh day of embryogenesis. This phase of hematopoiesis is called the primitive wave, wherein the extraembryonic yolk sac allows the production of erythroid cells and endothelial cells from a common precursor called hemangioblast. The erythroid cells provide oxygen to support the growth of the rapidly dividing embryo. Hemangioblasts later develop into hematopoietic stem cells or...
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The cardiovascular system regulates the number of erythrocytes in the bloodstream to ensure optimal oxygen transport. It also prevents over-proliferation of these cells, which helps to maintain blood viscosity and flow rate.
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The blood in our bodies comprises three major components: blood plasma, formed elements, and the extracellular matrix. Blood plasma is a yellowish fluid that constitutes 55% of the total blood volume. It is primarily made up of water and essential substances such as electrolytes and proteins. Blood plasma serves as a medium for transporting blood cells and also contains nutrients, enzymes, hormones, antibodies, and gases.
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Optimal hematocrit theory: a review.

Michal Sitina1,2, Heiko Stark3,4, Stefan Schuster3

  • 1Department of Pathophysiology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.

Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|May 30, 2024
PubMed
Summary

Optimal hematocrit balances oxygen transport and blood flow. This theory predicts ideal red blood cell concentrations for maximum oxygen delivery in humans and animals, with implications for performance and health.

Keywords:
blood dopingblood viscosityhematocrit on exertionhigh-altitude adaptationoptimal hematocrit theory

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Area of Science:

  • Physiology
  • Cardiovascular System
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • A critical trade-off exists between erythrocyte concentration (hematocrit) for oxygen binding and blood viscosity for flow.
  • Evolution has optimized hematocrit to balance oxygen delivery with circulatory efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review theoretical approaches for calculating optimal hematocrit.
  • To discuss the physiological and medical implications of optimal hematocrit theory.

Main Methods:

  • Review of theoretical models for optimal hematocrit calculation.
  • Discussion of physiological contexts and implications.

Main Results:

  • Optimal hematocrit theory successfully predicts observed values (0.3-0.5) in systemic circulation.
  • The theory explains how higher hematocrit (0.5-0.7) can enhance exertional performance.

Conclusions:

  • Optimal hematocrit is a key evolutionary adaptation for efficient oxygen delivery.
  • Understanding optimal hematocrit has implications for blood doping, altitude adaptation, and dehydration.