Interval hypoxic conditioning: systemic and molecular mechanisms, possibilities of use in clinical practice

Abstract

The intermittent hypoxic conditioning approach is based on alternating exposure to hypoxic and normo-/hyperoxic conditions, facilitating adaptation to reduced oxygen availability. This technique, originally used in sports and altitude medicine, has shown promise in the treatment and rehabilitation of a variety of diseases.

This review presents data from studies investigating the protective role of intermittent hypoxic conditioning and its underlying mechanisms, demonstrating its potential in protecting organs and treating a wide range of diseases. The adaptive mechanisms induced by hypoxic conditioning include a number of processes, such as improved mitochondrial function, decreased oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, as well as increased expression of hypoxic genes, improving metabolic status.

The potential beneficial effects of hypoxic conditioning have been demonstrated in many areas, showing clinical efficacy: for example, lowering blood pressure in patients with hypertension, reducing coronary artery symptoms in patients with stable coronary artery disease, promoting faster and more complete recovery after coronary artery bypass grafting, preserving cognitive function in the elderly, promoting weight loss in overweight individuals.

Given that intermittent hypoxic conditioning promotes beneficial physiological responses in many organs and systems, this review aims to draw attention to the potential for clinical application of interval hypoxic conditioning as a multi-organ protective strategy.