Physiological effects of high-altitude trekking on gonadal, thyroid hormones and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) responses in young lowlander women

Altitude hypoxia is often associated with impairment of human reproduction. In this study, hormones and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF, a pro-inflammatory cytokine with key roles in human reproduction) were determined in seven regularly menstruating, lowlander native women living at sea level participating in 14 days of trekking at moderate and high altitude. Blood and saliva samples were collected from each subject at high altitude (5050 m a.s.l.), and at sea level before and after the expedition. Testosterone level was lowered by high altitude and was restored after the end of the expedition, while progesterone decreased significantly in all participants at the end of the expedition, though most of the participants were in the luteal phase. The salivary concentration of MIF decreased greatly at altitude, but its levels were completely restored after the return to sea level. Our findings showed high sensitivity and rapid changes of the determined parameters in response to the high-altitude hypoxic environment, particularly MIF.