Modulation of Hepatic Gene Expression Profiles by Vitamins B1, B2 and niacin Supplementation in Mice Exposed to Acute Hypoxia

This study was aimed to observe the effects of vitamins B1, B2 and niacin supplementation on hepatic gene expression profiles in mice exposed to acute hypoxia. Thirty mice were randomly divided into normal, acute hypoxia, and acute hypoxia plus vitamins B1, B2 and niacin supplementation groups and fed corresponding diets for two weeks and then exposed to a simulated altitude of 6000 meters for 8 hours. Hepatic gene expression profiles were analyzed using a microarray technique. Several biochemical markers were also assayed. The results showed that a total of 2476 genes were expressed differentially after acute hypoxia exposure (1508 up-regulated genes and 968 down-regulated genes). Compared to the acute hypoxia group, there were 1382 genes differentially expressed (626 up reregulated genes and 756 down regulated genes) in the acute hypoxia plus vitamins B1, B2 and niacin supplementation group. Pathway analysis indicated that carbohydrate, lipid and amino acid metabolism, as well as electron transfer chain...