Effects of Exposure to Intermittent Hypoxia on Oxidative Stress and Acute Hypoxic Ventilatory Response in Humans

• DOI: 10.1164/rccm.200905-0671oc
• Publication Date: 2009-08-28T01:48:24Z
• Authors: Vincent Pialoux; Patrick J. Hanly; Glen E. Foster; Julien V. Brugniaux; Andrew E. Beaudin; Sara E. Hartmann; Matiram Pun; Cailean T. Duggan; Marc J. Poulin
• Keywords: Intermittent hypoxia; Hypoxia; Hypoxic ventilatory response

Rationale: Periodic occlusion of the upper airway in patients with obstructive sleep apnea leads to chronic intermittent hypoxia, which increases acute hypoxic ventilatory response (AHVR). Animal studies suggest that oxidative stress may modulate AHVR by increasing carotid body sensitivity hypoxia. This has not been shown humans.Objectives: To determine whether 4 days exposure hypoxia and strength association between AHVR.Methods: After two normoxic control (Day −4 Day 0), 10 young healthy men were exposed awake (Days 1–4) for 6 hours per day.Measurements Main Results: AHVR, assessed using an isocapnic protocol, was determined as slope linear regression ventilation oxygen desaturation. Oxidative evaluated measuring plasma DNA, lipid protein oxidation, uric acid antioxidant status α-tocopherol, total vitamin C, enzymatic activities. Between baseline 4, there significant DNA acid, whereas activities α-tocopherol unchanged. There strong correlations changes oxidation (r = 0.88; P 0.002).Conclusions: Chronic production reactive species without a compensatory increase activity. human study shows overproduction modulates increased AHVR. These mechanisms be responsible apnea.