Physiological and Pathological Responses to Hypoxia and High Altitude, Volume IV

This Research Topic is part of the Physiological and Pathological Responses to Hypoxia and High Altitude series:

Physiological and Pathological Responses to Hypoxia and High Altitude

Physiological and Pathological Responses to Hypoxia and High Altitude, Volume II

Physiological and Pathological Responses to Hypoxia and High Altitude, Volume III

Hypoxia, characterized by reduced oxygen availability in tissues, arises from various causes, including high altitudes and pathological conditions such as respiratory and cardiovascular disorders. It plays a significant role in numerous human pathologies, affecting respiratory, cardiovascular, renal, and neurological systems across different life stages. Hypoxia is also implicated in altered exercise and sports performance, with a notable decrease in maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) by approximately 6-7% per 1,000 meters of altitude gain. While several mechanisms help maintain oxygen homeostasis, only a few cells can detect hypoxia and initiate systemic responses. In mammals, oxygen detection has been studied in various cell types, yet the precise mechanisms remain elusive. Proposed oxygen sensors include hem proteins, ion channels, and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase. Cellular adaptation to hypoxia involves the hypoxia-inducible factor-1, which regulates gene expression to manage reduced oxygen levels. Short-term hypoxic responses include ventilatory and hemodynamic adaptations, while prolonged exposure leads to metabolic shifts and enhanced blood oxygen capacity. However, the mechanisms underlying exercise performance impairment during hypoxia are not fully understood, with evidence on chemoreflex drive and peripheral chemoreceptor denervation being scarce and controversial.

This Research Topic aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the oxygen sensing mechanisms and the physiological and pathological responses to both acute and chronic hypoxia. It seeks to explore cellular, tissue, and organ adaptations to hypoxic environments, addressing the gaps in knowledge regarding the impairment of human performance during hypoxic exposure. By examining these aspects, the collection aims to elucidate the complex interactions between hypoxia and human physiology, ultimately contributing to improved management and therapeutic strategies for hypoxia-related conditions.

To gather further insights into the physiological and pathological responses to hypoxia and high altitude, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Mechanisms of oxygen sensing and detection in various cell types;

- Cellular and molecular adaptations to acute and chronic hypoxia;

- Impact of hypoxia on exercise performance and sports physiology;

- Hypoxia-induced changes in respiratory, cardiovascular, renal, and neurological systems;

- Therapeutic strategies and interventions for hypoxia-related pathologies;

- Comparative studies on hypoxia responses across different species and life stages;

- Innovations in measuring and modeling hypoxic responses in humans and animals.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: adaptation, acclimatization, oxygen homeostasis, pathological response, hypoxia

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.