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.