Plasma Adipokine and Hormone Changes in Mountaineers on Ascent to 5300 Meters

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Abstract
Objective: The current study evaluated multiple metabolic and inflammatory hormone responses in recreational climbers (7 men and 3 women, age 26–49 years) over 9 days. In particular, acylation-stimulating protein (ASP), which influences fat storage in adipose tissue, has not been measured at high altitude. Methods: Serial measurements were taken at sea level (SL), or 353 m, on day 0, 4000 m on day 3, 4750 m on day 6, and 5300 m on day 9 of the expedition. Results: Body mass index (BMI) decreased upon ascent to 5300 m from SL (SL 23.2 ± 1.5 kg/m2; 4000 m 23.2 ± 1.4 kg/m2; 4750 m 22.9 ± 1.3 kg/m2; 5300 m 22.3 ± 1.2 kg/m2; P < .001). Similarly, plasma non-esterified fatty acids and triglycerides increased, while HDL cholesterol decreased ( P < .05 to < .001) from SL to 5300 m. Acylation-stimulating protein (SL 42.2 ± 40.2 nm; 4000 m 117.0 ± 69.6 nm; 4750 m 107.9 ± 44.5 nm; 5300 m 82.2 ± 20.2 nm; P = .019) and adiponectin (SL 10.4 ± 6.5 ng/mL, 4000 m 13.9 ± 8.5 ng/mL, 4750 m 18.3 ± 8.3 ng/mL, 5300 m 14.7 ± 8.0 ng/mL; P = .015) increased, as did insulin and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels (up to 71% and 168%, respectively; P < .05) with no change in leptin, complement C3 (C3), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) or cortisol levels throughout the mountain ascent from SL to 5300 m. Conclusion: Acylation-stimulating protein and adiponectin are increased during a 9-day period of high altitude (SL to 5300 m) exposure despite weight loss in healthy mountaineers.

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