Relación entre células sanguíneas y variables metabólicas en mujeres indígenas de diferentes edades que viven a gran altitud

Some studies have found a positive relationship between the concentration of blood cells and metabolic alterations, suggesting that the concentration of blood cells should be included as a component of metabolic syndrome. However, these studies have been done at a low altitude, and it is unknown if this relationship is maintained at a high altitude, where the low atmospheric pressure and the high hypoxia affect the number of red cells and the presence of metabolic alterations. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between red blood cells and metabolic variables in Otomi women from Ixtenco-Tlaxcala living at 2500 meters above sea level. METHODS. The body mass index (BMI), concentration of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and complete blood count were measured in 309 women. Data were analyzed through correlations and binary logistic regressions. RESULTS.The BMI was positively correlated with the concentration of erythrocytes and hemoglobin, as well as with hematocrit. Independently of the age, women with overweight/obesity and dislipidemias have a big risk to have erythrocitosis, and low risk to have anemia. DISCUSSION. The relationship between the concentration of blood cells and obesity/ dislipidemias is affected by the altitude.