AUTHOR=Liu Chunlei , Guo Ge , Li Xin , Shen Yanying , Xu Xiang , Chen Yibing , Li Hanlu , Hao Jianxiu , He Kunlun 

TITLE=Identification of novel urine proteomic biomarkers for high stamina in high-altitude adaptation

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Physiology

VOLUME=14

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2023.1153166

DOI=10.3389/fphys.2023.1153166

ISSN=1664-042X

ABSTRACT=<p><bold>Introduction:</bold> We aimed to identify urine biomarkers for screening individuals with adaptability to high-altitude hypoxia with high stamina levels. Although most non-high-altitude natives experience rapid decline in physical ability when ascending to high altitudes, some individuals with high-altitude adaptability continue to maintain high endurance levels.</p><p><bold>Methods:</bold> We divided the study population into two groups: the LC group (low change in endurance from low to high altitude) and HC group (high change in endurance from low to high altitude). We performed blood biochemistry testing for individuals at high altitudes and sea level. We used urine peptidome profiling to compare the HH (high-altitude with high stamina) and HL (high-altitude with low stamina) groups and the LC and HC groups to identify urine biomarkers.</p><p><bold>Results:</bold> Routine blood tests revealed that the concentration of white blood cells, lymphocytes and platelets were significantly higher in the HH group than in the HL group. Urine peptidome profiling showed that the proteins ITIH1, PDCD1LG2, NME1-NME2, and CSPG4 were significantly differentially expressed between the HH and HL groups, which was tested using ELISA. Urine proteomic analysis showed that LRG1, NID1, VASN, GPX3, ACP2, and PRSS8 were urine proteomic biomarkers of high stamina during high-altitude adaptation.</p><p><bold>Conclusion:</bold> This study provides a novel approach for identifying potential biomarkers for screening individuals who can adapt to high altitudes with high stamina.</p>