Changes in Cytokines at Extreme Surroundings in Antarctica

• Main Authors: Otani Shinji, Kusagaya Hiromitsu
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Tottori University Faculty of Medicine 2003
• Subjects: Antarctica; cytokine; high altitude; interleukin-6; mountain sickness; Antarctic; Antarc*
• Online Access: https://repository.lib.tottori-u.ac.jp/?action=repository_uri&item_id=5102; http://id.nii.ac.jp/1824/00005096/; https://repository.lib.tottori-u.ac.jp/?action=repository_action_common_download&item_id=5102&item_no=1&attribute_id=22&file_no=1

We evaluated the impact of the extreme environmental conditions at high altitudes in Antarctica on health from the viewpoint of cytokines. The subjects were 7 men who joined an inland research party participating in the 40th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition. They underwent serial hematological examinations during the expedition for over 100 days at high altitudes (the highest point was 3810 m). The serum concentration of erythropoietin (EPO) increased promptly, indicating its usefulness for altitude adaptation. The serum concentration of interleukin-6 (IL-6) increased at high altitudes, and showed 2 peaks. Changes in IL-6 levels did not correlate with arterial oxygen tension, serum C-reactive protein or EPO levels. Some psychological stress and various factors may be related to IL-6 levels. Since the subject who suffered bone fractures had a very high concentration of IL-6 and his symptoms of mountain sickness were severer than the others, elevation of IL-6 may be related with mountain sickness. All subjects remained in relatively good health for 3 months. It is thought that the human body can protect itself against extreme surroundings in Antarctica.