intermittent hypoxic conditioning

Intermittent hypoxic conditioning (IHC) is a non-pharmacological therapeutic intervention being investigated for its potential to enhance recovery after an ischemic stroke. Developed by the Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, the treatment involves controlled, repeated exposure to reduced oxygen levels (hypoxia) followed by periods of normal oxygen levels (normoxia). This process is designed to trigger endogenous neuroprotective mechanisms, primarily through the activation of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF) and other pathways that promote neuroplasticity and brain repair. The intervention was studied in the Phase 1/2 PLASTIHC trial (NCT05210088), which aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of IHC in patients with subacute ischemic stroke, though the trial was ultimately withdrawn.

Other names

hypoxic post-conditioningintermittent hypoxia