npj Biofilms and Microbiomes (Apr 2025)

Unraveling the pathogenesis and prevention strategies of acute high-altitude illness through gut microecology

  • Ping Qi,
  • Xiansen Jiang,
  • Xiaojuan Wang,
  • Liang Sheng,
  • Jiawen Liang,
  • Lei Zhang

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41522-025-00701-1
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11, no. 1
pp. 1 – 10

Abstract

Read online

Abstract High-altitude environments, characterized by hypobaric and hypoxic conditions, induce acute hypoxia, resulting in decreased blood oxygen saturation. This hypoxic stress perturbs gut microecological homeostasis, significantly contributing to the pathogenesis of acute mountain sickness. Consequently, elucidating the mechanisms by which high altitude affects gut homeostasis is crucial for developing effective interventions.