The Role of Endothelial-Derive Factors in Acute Mountain Sickness

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) that caused by rapid ascent to altitude, is a pathophysiological symptom complex. Accordingly, aim of the study was to investigate the endothelial related factors changes in individual with a weak tolerance to high altitude.
21 healthy male (31.7±8.5 year) participated in the study and fasting blood samples were taken from antecubital vein before (sea level) and after 1 and 24-h exposure to high altitude (3550 m) by telecabin. Then, Serum VEGF and Endothelin-1 were measured by ELISA method. AMS status was measured by the Lake Louise score at 6 h after exposure to high altitude.
11 of participants suffer from AMS. Statistical analyses showed that serum VEGF and Endothelin-1 at sea level in AMS-susceptible individuals were less than that of AMS-resistant individuals (P≤0.05). VEGF and Endothelin levels were significantly increased at 1 and 24 h after exposure to altitude in two groups (P≤0.05). The levels of VEGF and Endothelin-1 at tree time points were more in AMS-resistant individuals in compared to AMS-susceptible individuals (P≤0.05).
The results showed that the response of these proteins after exposure to altitude in AMS susceptibility individuals was less than AMS-resistant individuals. Susceptibility to AMS may be associated with a less response of VEGF and Endothelin-1 after exposure to altitude.