In the present study, protective effects of Ananas comosus i.e., pineapple pulp (PA) against cobalt chloride (CoCl2)‑induced hypoxia in Caco-2 cells were evaluated. PA reduces levels of lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. It was proved to be cytoprotective and increased anti-oxidant activity against CoCl2-induced hypoxia. The inference drawn from this experiment was CoCl2-induced hypoxia that regulates hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), a transcription factor. It was also confirmed that PA pre-treatment inhibited the expression of HIF-1α, thereby downregulating the hypoxia-associated gene/protein expressions such as GLUT-1, VEGF, ANG and FGF. Finally, supplementation of PA could help in snow-balling the digestive hormones like leptin and CCK in hypoxic conditions. Therefore, this report provides substantial proof of reducing the hypoxia-induced loss of appetite at high-altitude environments. Graphical Abstract.
Keywords: Ananas comosus; Cobalt chloride; HIF-1α; High altitude; Hypoxia; Leptin.