Simulation of long-haul flights in humans: prolonged mild hypoxia does not alter the circadian time structure of plasma testosterone and gonadotrophins

Mild hypobaric hypoxia caused by pressurisation may contribute to alter rhythmicity after long-haul flights, independently of the number of time zones crossed. In this controlled crossover study, we assessed the effects of two levels of hypoxia, equivalent to 8000 ft and 12,000 ft above sea level, on the rhythm of plasma concentrations of three hormones: testosterone, LH, and FSH. A hypoxia-induced decrease in LH and FSH has often been reported during mountaineering while testosterone is considered a marker of fatigue. Sixteen healthy male volunteers, aged 23-39 years, spent 8 h in a hypobaric chamber (08:00-16:30), simulating conditions at 8000 ft. This was followed by an additional 8 h four weeks later, simulating conditions at 12,000 ft. Plasma hormones were assayed every 2 h over two 24-h cycles (control and hypoxic-exposure cycles). We found no significant effects of hypoxia on the circadian profile of the gonadal axis hormones and, therefore, conclude that these hormones do not serve as valuable markers of post-flight alterations of the circadian system in human.