Proteomic analysis related to the mechanism of high-altitude polycythemia in tibetans

High-altitude polycythemia (HAPC) is a prevalent chronic condition affecting high-altitude populations. It is characterized by excessive erythrocytosis and has a high prevalence rate, posing significant risks to both physical and mental health. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate the pathogenesis of HAPC and identify potential therapeutic targets, using a proteomics analysis to characterize changes in plasma protein profiles between Tibetan patients with HAPC and Tibetan controls from the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Proteomics analysis revealed 58 up-regulated and 54 down-regulated in patients with HAPC, compared to those in normal controls. GO and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses revealed that the dysregulated proteins were primarily involved in the NF-κB signal pathway. ELISA validation in the population sample demonstrated that NF-κB p50 was down-regulated. Furthermore, a rat HAPC model was established to assess the expression level of NF-κB p50 in the bone marrow and spleen. Both the bone marrow and spleen showed down-regulated NF-κB p50 expression. These findings indicate that down-regulated NF-κB p50 expression is associated with the pathogenesis and progression of HAPC, providing novel insights into its prevention and treatment.