Disease mechanisms which can be modelled with experimental hypoxia
By isolating the effects of hypoxia in the absence of inflammation, laboratory-induced hypoxia studies can provide insights into the direct relationship between hypoxia and atherosclerosis. Additionally, human hypoxia models can be utilized to study respiratory failure in COPD [71]. Type I respiratory failure, characterized by a ventilation/perfusion mismatch with normal or low arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaCO2) levels and a reduced arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), can be modeled using hypoxia in combination with hypocapnia or isocapnia. Type II respiratory failure, characterized by elevated PaCO2 levels and reduced PaO2 levels, can be modeled using hypoxia and hypercapnia conditions. Human hypoxia models offer the opportunity to optimize treatment strategies during these phases of the disease.