Hematological and Lipid Profile Changes in Sea-Level Natives after Exposure to 3550-m Altitude for 8 Months

Siqués, Patricia, Julio Brito, Fabiola León-Velarde, Luis Barrios, Juan José De La Cruz, Vasthi López, and Rafael Herruzo. Hematological and lipid changes in sea-level natives after exposure to 3550-m altitude for 8 months. High Alt. Med. Biol. 8:286–295, 2007.—The aim of this epidemiological study was to determinate the effects on hematological and lipid profile in a young group of newcomers to altitude after being exposed chronically for 8 months to 3550 m (n = 50), age 17.8 ± 0.7; and not overweight, BMI 22.9 ± 0.5). Readings taken at altitude on day 1 and on month 8 were hematocrit (Hct, %), hemoglobin (Hb, g/dL), Sa_O2, total leukocyte and subset count (mm³, %), and lipid profile (mg/dL). The same measurements were taken in a comparative group (CG) at sea level (SL). At altitude, elevations of Hct (44.6 ± 0.4; 51.2 ± 0.4) and Hb (15.5 ± 0.1; 17.3 ± 0.1) were seen (p < 0.001) and none with Hb ≥ 21 g/dL. No correlation was observed between Hb and Sa_O2, r = 0.11, p > 0.05. Total leukocyte count showed no changes (6037 ± 74; 6002 ± 43), but a relative neutropenia (55.2 + −1.5; 50.6 + −1.3) and lymphocytosis (34.2 + 1; 42.4 + 1, p < 0.001) between periods were found and also when compared to SL. Also, an inverse relationship between Sa_O2 and total leukocytes on month 8 (r = 0.46; r² = 0.204), suggesting a probable representation of a hypoxia effect. Total cholesterol (153.8 ± 4.5; 157.3 ± 5.1; p, ns) showed no changes, but a mild decrease of LDL-cholesterol (88.4 ± 3.3; 81.0 ± 3.9; p < 0.05), and a rise in triglycerides (121.6 ± 10.9; 178.8 ± 11.7; p < 0.001) was found. Changes observed in leukocytes subset count and triglycerides could suggest a contributory role of hypoxic conditions, raising some future epidemiological concerns regarding immune system and fatty acid behaviour at altitude.