Workshop on Acclimatization and Adaptation to High Altitude in the Andes

Living at high altitude is a physiological challenge due to harsh environmental conditions. These include reduced oxygen partial pressure that leads to hypoxic conditions. The resulting hypoxemia is partially compensated for by increased erythropoiesis causing elevated hemoglobin levels. High altitude populations especially in the Andes cope well with this physiological response. However, some individuals originally well adapted to live at high altitude will suddenly develop excessive erythrocytosis resulting in a unique pathology named Chronic Mountain Sickness (CMS), first described in 1928 by the Peruvian Scientist Carlos Monge-Medrano. Despite the time gone by since its first description, little is known about the mechanisms leading to CMS. At the other end of the spectrum, anemia occurring at high altitude has recently gained attention. According to the WHO, about 25 per cent of the world population suffers from anemia, especially in developing countries. The reason for reduced erythropoiesis is not restricted to iron deficiency but includes, among other less frequent causes, inflammatory conditions.

The workshop with participants from Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Switzerland and Germany will deal with the impact of excessive erythropoiesis on health and the cause and definition of anemia. Additionally, impacts of reduced oxygen supply on cellular metabolism, muscular adaptation and performance as well as on cerebral neurovascular interactions and the circadian rhythm will be discussed.

The scientific coordinator on the side of the Leopoldina is Professor Max Gassmann ML, University of Zurich. Scientific coordinator on the Peruvian side is Professor Gustavo Gonzales, President of the Peruvian Academy of Sciences (Academia Nacional de Ciencias, ANC). The workshop was organized with the kind support of the Peruvian National Council of Science, Technology and Technological Innovation (CONCYTEC) and the Universidad Peruana Cayetano.

ML – Member of the Leopoldina

Photo: rov16 / stock.adobe.com