Consequences of Exposure to Hypobaric Hypoxia Associated with High Altitude on Spermatogenesis and Seminal Parameters: A Literature Review
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2024
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Preclinical research has provided compelling evidence indicating that exposure to hypobaric
hypoxia (HH) results in a deterioration of spermatogenesis. This adverse effect extends to the
underlying molecular mechanisms, progressively leading to impairments in the seminiferous epithelium
and germ cells and alterations in semen parameters. Indeed, several studies have demonstrated
that animals exposed to HH, whether in natural high-altitude environments or under simulated
hypoxic conditions, exhibit damage to the self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogenesis, an
increase in germline cell apoptosis, and structural alterations in the seminiferous tubules. One of the
primary mechanisms associated with the inhibition of differentiation and an increase in apoptosis
among germ cells is an elevated level of oxidative stress, which has been closely associated with HH
exposure. Human studies have shown that individuals exposed to HH, such as mountaineers and
alpinists, exhibit decreased sperm count, reduced motility, diminished viability, and increased sperm
with abnormal morphology in their semen. This evidence strongly suggests that exposure to HH
may be considered a significant risk factor that could elevate the prevalence of male infertility. This
literature review aims to provide a comprehensive description and propose potential mechanisms
that could elucidate the infertility processes induced by HH. By doing so, it contributes to expanding
our understanding of the challenges posed by extreme environments on human physiology, opening
new avenues for research in this field.