Research progress in hypoxia inducible factors and body hypoxia tolerance

Hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs) are core molecules that enable the body to adapt to hypoxia environments. By sensing changes in intracellular oxygen pressure, HIFs regulate gene expression related to hypoxia adaptation, thereby enhancing the body′s hypoxia tolerance at cellular, tissue and organ levels. On the other hand, HIFs promote the generation of red blood cells, angiogenesis, and regulate the body′s energy metabolism, thereby improving its hypoxia tolerance. The enhancement of hypoxia tolerance is of great significance for the prevention and treatment of hypoxia-related diseases, upgrading of athletes′ performance, enhancement of workers′ efficiency at high-altitudes, and the improvement of individuals′ quality of life. This article reviews the relationships between HIFs and hypoxia tolerance as well as related mechanisms in order to provide strategies for enhancing hypoxia tolerance in the body.