Childhood Gene Expression and Chronic Mountain Sickness
Author Information
Author(s): Huicho Luis, Xing Guoqiang, Qualls Clifford, Rivera-Ch María, Gamboa Jorge L, Verma Ajay, Appenzeller Otto
Primary Institution: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos
Hypothesis
Hypoxia-associated gene expression in children of men with chronic mountain sickness (CMS) might identify markers that predict the development of CMS in adults.
Conclusion
Children of CMS patients show impaired adaptation to hypoxia, which may be a key mechanism for adult CMS.
Supporting Evidence
- Children of CMS fathers had lower expression levels of key genes at high altitude.
- Gene expression patterns were indistinguishable among all groups at sea level.
- Lower expression of HPH3 and PDK1 in children of CMS patients may indicate future health risks.
Takeaway
Kids whose dads have a sickness from living in high places might show signs in their genes that they could get sick too when they grow up.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study comparing gene expression in children of high altitude natives with and without CMS and sea level children.
Potential Biases
Gender bias due to the predominance of male CMS patients in the recruitment list.
Limitations
The study had unavoidable gender bias and was limited by the number of subjects due to time constraints.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 5 to 17 years, native to and resident at high altitude.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website