Baseline characteristics of the CXE 2007 Expedition Team and comparison between team members reaching the summit and members residing at Everest Base Camp during the 8-week expedition.

Data are presented as median (25th and 75th percentile). N =  number of subjects; M =  Male; F =  Female; BMI =  body mass index; HOMA-IR =  homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance; 8-isoPGF =  8-iso-Prostaglandin F2alpha; 4-HNE  =  4-Hydroxynonenal; GSH =  reduced glutathione; GSSG =  oxidized glutathione; IL-6 =  interleukin 6; CRP =  C-reactive protein; TNF-α =  tumour necrosis factor alpha; MIF =  macrophage migration inhibitory factor; SpO2 =  peripheral oxygen saturation. Data were transformed before analysis. T test was used to determine differences between the two groups. NS =  not statistically significant. ¥Data for these biomarkers were not available from the samples collected in London; therefore we have used the data derived from the samples collected in Kathmandu as baseline levels.