Exploring Associations Between Hypoxia, Serum Erythropoietin, and Cognition in Patients With Mood Disorders and Healthy Individuals

Purpose

Moderate repeated hypoxia (MRH) has shown neuroprotective and neuroplastic effects, partly mediated by erythropoietin (EPO) via hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs). This study examined the effects of 3 weeks of daily 3.5-h normobaric hypoxia (12% O2) versus normoxia (20% O2) combined with cognitive training on oxygen saturation (SpO2), cerebral side effects, hematology (including EPO and brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF]), and cognitive learning. We also assessed SpO2 associations with side effects, hematology, and learning outcomes, as well as potential clinical and demographic predictors of hypoxic response.