Large-scale genome sequencing redefines the genetic footprints of high-altitude adaptation in Tibetans

BACKGROUND

Tibetans are genetically adapted to high-altitude environments. Though many studies have been conducted, the genetic basis of the adaptation remains elusive due to the poor reproducibility for detecting selective signatures in the Tibetan genomes.

RESULTS

Here, we present whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data of 1001 indigenous Tibetans, covering the major populated areas of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau in China. We identify 35 million variants, and more than one-third of them are novel variants. Utilizing the large-scale WGS data, we construct a comprehensive map of allele frequency and linkage disequilibrium and provide a population-specific genome reference panel, referred to as 1KTGP. Moreover, with the use of a combined approach, we redefine the signatures of Darwinian-positive selection in the Tibetan genomes, and we characterize a high-confidence list of 4320 variants and 192 genes that have undergone selection in Tibetans. In particular, we discover four new genes, TMEM132C, ATP13A3, SANBR, and KHDRBS2, with strong signals of selection, and they may account for the adaptation of cardio-pulmonary functions in Tibetans. Functional annotation and enrichment analysis indicate that the 192 genes with selective signatures are likely involved in multiple organs and physiological systems, suggesting polygenic and pleiotropic effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the large-scale Tibetan WGS data and the identified adaptive variants/genes can serve as a valuable resource for future genetic and medical studies of high-altitude populations.

Effects of 24-Form Tai Chi on Cardio-Pulmonary Functions, Exercise Performances, and Cognitive Functions of the Aged

BACKGROUND

The study aimed to discuss the influences of 24-form Tai Chi on cardio-pulmonary functions, exercise performances, and cognitive functions of the aged.

METHODS

Forty old people in Pingdingshan of China were selected through convenient sampling method from 2020 to 2021. They were randomly divided into the observation group (n=20) and the control group (n=20). The observation group exercised 24-form Tai Chi for 8 weeks, three times per week, 45 min per session. The respondents were evaluated by cardiopulmonary exercise testing, sitting-standing test, 6-min walking test, and the Berg balance scale. The P300 test was performed to evaluate the cognitive functions of respondents.

RESULTS

After the intervention, the observation group was significantly (P<0.05) superior to the control group concerning maximal oxygen consumption, anaerobic threshold, vital capacity, stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left end-diastolic velocity (EDV), sitting-standing test, 6-min walking test, and the Breg balance function scores, showing statistically significant differences (P<0.05). The content of body fat and body mass index (BMI) of the observation group decreased significantly, whereas muscle mass and fat-free mass increased dramatically, which were however significantly lower than those of the controlled group (P<0.05). Moreover, the P3b amplitude of the observation group increased significantly (P<0.05) and was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The 24-form Tai Chi not only improves cardio-pulmonary functions and exercise performances of the aged but also increases cognitive functions of the aged.

Cardio-Pulmonary Changes After Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction with Endobronchial One-Way Valves

INTRODUCTION

To evaluate the cardio-pulmonary hemodynamics changes before and after valve treatment, and their correlation with lobe volume reduction.

METHODS

This retrospective multicentre study included consecutive patients undergoing bronchoscopic valve treatment for heterogeneous emphysema. In addition to standard functional evaluation, patients underwent cardiac evaluation by Doppler trans-thoracic echocardiography. The difference in respiratory and cardio-pulmonary hemodynamics indexes before and 3-month after the procedure, and their relationship with changes in lobar volume were evaluated.

RESULTS

Seventy-seven patients were included in the study; of these 13 (17%) presented pulmonary hypertension. Only patients with target lobar volume reduction ≥ 563 mL (n = 50) presented a significant improvement of forced expiratory volume in one second, residual volume, 6 min-walk test, and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire score; a significant reduction of pulmonary artery pressure, and an improvement of left and right ventricle end-systolic volume; of left and right ventricle end-diastolic volume, and of left and right ventricle stroke volume. The change in residual volume was significantly correlated with changes in forced expiratory volume in one second (r = 0.68; p < 0.001); in 6 min-walk test (r = 0.71; p < 0.001); in St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (r = 0.54; p < 0.001); in pulmonary artery pressure (r = 0.39; p = 0.001), in left (r = 0.28; p = 0.01) and right (r = 0.33; p = 0.002) ventricle end-systolic volume, in left (r =  - 0.29; p = 0.008) and right (r =  - 0.34; p = 0.007) end-diastolic volume, and in left (r =  - 0.76; p = 0.009) and right (r =  - 0.718; p = 0.001) ventricle stroke volume.

CONCLUSION

Bronchoscopic valve treatment seemed to have positive effects on cardio-pulmonary hemodynamics, and these changes were correlated with reductions of lobar volume.