NAP peptide modulated proteome profiling of rat brain cortex under hypobaric hypoxia

In the present study, we have employed conventional proteomics techniques to investigate cortical proteome profiling under hypoxic conditions along with the impact of supplementation of NAP peptide (NAPVSIPQ). Rats from the hypoxia group as well as from NAP supplemented hypoxia group were subjected to heights of 25000 ft for 3, 6, and 12 hrs. Comparison of proteome profiling of hypoxia and NAP-supplemented rats enabled us to identify the number of proteins upregulated as well as downregulated in both groups. Nrf2-mediated oxidative stress response was observed in both groups. A comparison of biological processes showed energy-regulated biological processes in the hypoxia group while antioxidant and free radical detoxification in NAP supplemented group. Additionally, overexpression of certain proteins related to reactive oxygen species and upregulation of peroxiredoxins was identified in NAP supplemented group versus the hypoxic group. Levels of proteins associated with cellular response to stress as well as proteins associated with oxidoreductase activity and respiratory and electron transport chain were also analysed. The GSH/GSSG ratio was discovered to be decreased in hypoxia-exposed rat brain cortex and no significant decrease was observed after NAP supplementation. These results suggest the therapeutic potential of NAP supplementation in case of oxidative stress caused by hypoxia.