Hypoxic preconditioning induces neuroprotection against oxidative stress

Brain is an oxyregulator organ, however extremely vulnerable to oxygen. Both high and low oxygen concentrations generate free radicals and may cause oxidative stress and damage because of an insufficient response of the antioxidant system. Hypoxic preconditioning (HP) exerts neuroprotective effects and may be a protecting tool against oxygen fluctuations, thus preventing neuronal damage in events such as ischaemia, acute hypoxia, stroke, or traumatic brain injury, among others. This review aims to discuss the molecular mechanisms involved in the neuroprotective action of HP against oxidative stress and subsequently upon the brain under pro-oxidant conditions. Activation of the antioxidant d…