Using Composite Phenotypes to Reveal Hidden Physiological Heterogeneity in High-Altitude Acclimatization in a Chinese Han Longitudinal Cohort

摘要: Altitude acclimatization is a human physiological process of adjusting to the decreased oxygen availability. Since several processes are involved and their correlations complicated, analyses single traits insufficient in revealing complex mechanism high-altitude acclimatization. In this study, we examined these responses as composite phenotypes that represented by linear combination traits. We developed strategy combines both spectral clustering partial least squares path modeling (PLSPM) define based on cohort study 883 Chinese Han males. addition, captured 14 from 28 Using phenotypes, applied k-means reveal hidden population heterogeneity Furthermore, employed multivariate regression systematically model (Models 1 2) saturation (SpO2) changes evaluated fitness performance. Composite Model 2 fit better than trait-based all measurement indices. This new using may be potentially general for research such genetic loci discovery phenomics.