A dataset of proteomic changes during human heat stress and heat acclimation

Abstract

Hotter climates have important impacts on human health and performance. Yet, the cellular and molecular responses involved in human heat stress and acclimation remain understudied. This dataset includes physiological measurements and the plasma concentration of 2,938 proteins collected from 10 healthy adults, before and during passive heat stress that was performed both prior to and after a 7-day heat acclimation protocol. Physiological measurements included body temperatures, sweat rate, cutaneous vascular conductance, blood pressure, and skin sympathetic nerve activity. The proteomic dataset was generated using the Olink Explore 3072 assay, enabling a high-multiplex antibody-based assessment of protein changes based on proximity extension assay technology. The data need to be interpreted in the context of the moderate level of body hyperthermia attained and the specific demographic of young, healthy adults. We have made this dataset publicly available to facilitate research into the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in human heat stress and acclimation, crucial for addressing the health and performance challenges posed by rising temperatures.

Fig. 1

Overview of the study design. Participants were exposed to passive heat stress with a water-perfused suit before and after heat acclimation. During the pre-acclimation visit, participants were heated until core temperature increased ~1.4 °C. During the post-acclimation visit, participants were heated until core temperature attained the same absolute value that was reached during the pre-acclimation visit (~38.2 °C). Blood samples were drawn before and at the end of heat stress for plasma proteomic analyses. The heat acclimation protocol involved hot water immersion at shoulder level until core temperature reached 38.6 °C, after which participants sat within the water bath to maintain core temperature ≥38.6 °C for 60 minutes.