HUMAN PHYSIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF ADAPTATION TO THE HIGH NORTH

Abstract

Aim: To study physiological conditions of the human body at different stages of adaptation to the climatic conditions of the High North. Methods: A longitudinal study included 17-21-year-old young men (n = 1 310) in the Magadan region (North-East of Russia) that were followed up for 10 years. Parameters of the cardio-respiratory system, the structure of the microvasculature, as well as the data of the biochemical profile and basic metabolism of the subjects were measured and analyzed. Results: Our main findings suggest that longer duration of residence in the High North is associated with decreased functional stress in cardiovascular and respiratory systems. The proportion of individuals with abnormal basal metabolic parameters and hyperglycemia was inversely associated with duration of stay in the High North. At the same time, the percentage of alterations in microcirculation indices increases from the 0 to the third generation of residents of the High North. Conclusion: The results of the study are in general in line with the results of earlier studies on conditions of the main physiological systems at different stages of adaptation. They provide additional support to the hypothesis of the formation of a new population of inhabitants in the Russian High North that were newcomers but gradually adapted to the conditions of the North.