Fig. 2

Potential mechanisms of hypobaric hypoxia-induced inflammation. Hypobaric hypoxia enhances the ROS level in body beyond the limit of tolerance, which further induces oxidative damage and alters the immune cell functions. The increased oxidative stress in turn heightens the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, generation of autoantibodies (e.g., anti-dsDNA, anti-elastin and anti-RBC autoantibodies) and conversion of T helper cells into auto-reactive T cells, eventually results in persistence inflammation and prolonged cell damage. ROS, Reactive oxygen species; IL, Interleukin