KATHMANDU: An international research team is studying how the human body responds and adapts to low oxygen levels at the EvK2 International Pyramid Laboratory-Observatory at 5,050 metres in Lobuche, Nepal.

Led by Professor Vittore Verratti of the University of Chieti-Pescara in Italy, the multidisciplinary team is conducting research under the Pyramid26 expedition, examining physiological changes during progressive exposure to hypobaric hypoxia.

The research covers respiratory function during ascent and exercise, cerebral blood flow, cardiovascular responses and changes in haematological, inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers. Researchers are also conducting continuous daytime and overnight cardiorespiratory monitoring.

Pyramid Lab at Lobuche

Other areas of study include sleep and brain activity, ocular and retinal responses, nutrition and body composition, glucose levels and appetite-regulating hormones. The team is also assessing whether multi-strain probiotic supplementation affects physiological acclimatisation and blood oxygen saturation.

Measurements are being collected during the ascent and acclimatisation period and throughout the researchers' stay at the Pyramid, allowing them to track changes across multiple physiological systems as oxygen availability decreases with altitude.

The EvK2 Pyramid Laboratory-Observatory, located near Lobuche in the Everest region, has been used for high-altitude scientific research for several decades.