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Effect of a high-altitude expedition to a Himalayan peak (Pumori, 7,161 m) on plasma and erythrocyte antioxidant profile

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Abstract

The effects of a high-altitude exposure were studied in six mountaineers who spent 3 weeks at an altitude range between 5,250 and 7,161 m after 1 week in an acclimatization trek (2,800–5,250 m). Blood drawn from the antecubital vein was collected at sea level 1 day before and 1 day after the expedition to analyse some haematological variables [haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (Htc) and red blood cell (RBC) count], erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activity [superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (Gr)] and membrane fatty acid profile [mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), saturated fatty acids (SFA), trans fatty acids (TRANS)]. Moreover, total antioxidant status (TAS), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), thiol protein groups (SH), SOD, GPx and Gr were measured in plasma. High-altitude exposure induced polycythaemia, with significant increases in RBC count (5.26%), Hb concentration (4.83%) and Htc (6.26%). Furthermore, a significant increase in plasma TBARS, SOD and Gr was observed after the expedition, whereas SH, TAS and GPx decreased. Erythrocyte glutathione-cycle-related antioxidant enzyme activity was upregulated, whereas SOD activity was maintained after the expedition. In addition, despite the unchanged (MUFA+PUFA)/SFA ratio, the membrane erythrocyte fatty acid content showed a significant increase in PUFAs and a decrease in TRANS, suggesting enhanced membrane fluidity. In conclusion, it seems that high-altitude exposure, besides quantitative variations in RBC expression, induced plasma oxidative stress and damage, and significant changes in erythrocyte components, namely in antioxidant enzyme activity and membrane fatty acid profile that might modify RBC functionality.

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Acknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge to João Garcia for his contribution as leader of the Pumori expedition, and we especially thank all the climbers who kindly participated in this study and disposed themselves to all the constraints related to data collection.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sport Biology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Plácido Costa, 91, 4200-450 , Porto, Portugal

    José Magalhães, António Ascensão, José M. C. Soares, Rita Ferreira, Maria J. Neuparth & José A. Duarte

  2. Department of Clinical Analysis and Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy/IBMC, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal

    Franklim Marques

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  1. José Magalhães
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  2. António Ascensão
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  3. Franklim Marques
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  4. José M. C. Soares
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  5. Rita Ferreira
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  6. Maria J. Neuparth
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  7. José A. Duarte
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Correspondence to José Magalhães.

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Magalhães, J., Ascensão, A., Marques, F. et al. Effect of a high-altitude expedition to a Himalayan peak (Pumori, 7,161 m) on plasma and erythrocyte antioxidant profile. Eur J Appl Physiol 93, 726–732 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-004-1222-2

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