Hypoxia. Impact of Hypoxia on Various Organ Systems. The Role of Hypoxia in aging

The absolute dependence of the mammalian brain on oxygen for ATP production makes it highly vulnerable to hypoxia, whether at high altitude or in the clinical setting of anemia or pulmonary disease. Hypoxia is critical to the pathogenesis of numerous neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Conversely, decreased oxygen in the environment, such as staying or living at high altitudes, may have favorable effects on aging and mortality. Moreover, controlled exposure to hypoxia may represent a treatment strategy for age-related neurological disorders. This review discusses the evidence for beneficial and deleterious effects of hypoxia on the aging brain and the molecular mechanisms that mediate these multidirectional effects.