Imagine your body as a finely tuned machine, always adapting to the environment to stay in peak condition. Well, scientists have been studying how different types of oxygen levels during training and sleep can affect aging and age-related diseases. In this systematic review, they summarize the findings from 38 studies on intermittent hypoxia-normoxia training (IHNT), intermittent hypoxia-hyperoxia training (IHHT), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The results are fascinating! IHNT and IHHT seem to have positive effects on aspects like cognitive function, physical abilities, glucose levels, blood pressure, and more. They even found that moderate intermittent hypoxia can activate certain genes associated with youthfulness and resilience. On the other hand, intermittent hypoxia in OSA can lead to negative outcomes like hypertension, metabolic issues, cognitive decline, and accelerated aging. The key seems to be the intensity and duration of exposure. However, there is still no direct evidence that IHNT/IHHT can actually increase life expectancy in humans. So, more research is needed to fully understand the impact of intermittent hypoxia on aging and health. If you’re curious to learn more about this fascinating topic, check out the full article!
Several studies have assessed the effects of intermittent hypoxia-normoxia training (IHNT), intermittent hypoxia-hyperoxia training (IHHT), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on aging and age-related diseases in humans; however, the results remain contradictory. Therefore, this review aims to systematically summarize the available studies on the effects of IHNT, IHHT, and OSA on aging and age-related diseases. Relevant studies were searched from PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library databases, and through manual searching from reference lists of eligible studies. A total of 38 eligible studies were included in this systematic review. IHHT and IHNT provide positive effects on several age-related parameters including quality of life, cognitive and physical functions, plasma level of glucose and cholesterol/LDL, systolic blood pressure, red blood cells, and inflammation. Moreover, moderate intermittent hypoxia induces telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) activity and telomere stabilization, delays induction of senescence-associated markers expression and senescence-associated β-galactosidase, upregulates pluripotent marker (Oct4), activates a metabolic shift, and raises resistance to pro-apoptotic stimuli. On the contrary, intermittent hypoxia in OSA causes hypertension, metabolic syndrome, vascular function impairment, quality of life and cognitive scores reduction, advanced brain aging, increase in insulin resistance, plasma hydrogen peroxide, GSH, IL-6, hsCRP, leptin, and leukocyte telomere shortening. Thus, it can be speculated that the main factor that determines the direction of the intermittent hypoxia action is the intensity and duration of exposure. There is no direct study to prove that IHNT/IHHT actually increases life expectancy in humans. Therefore, further study is needed to investigate the actual effect of IHNT/IHHT on aging in humans.Systematic Review Registrationwww.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD42022298499.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.