Analysis of Hypoxia-Steroidogenesis Interplay in Zebrafish

Hypoxia is a condition of insufficient oxygen to maintain adequate tissue homeostasis. Depending on its severity, hypoxic conditions in the body can lead to cell damage or metabolic imbalances, as well as contribute to chronic diseases like COPD, diabetes, and kidney disease. These responses are controlled through the regulation of oxygen homeostasis by the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF). Glucocorticoids (GCs) are lipophilic steroid hormones fundamental for physiological processes such as inflammation, stress response, metabolism, and lipid synthesis. Due to their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive responses, GCs are used to treat several pathologies linked to hypoxia, including rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and allergies, along with others. Thus, it is essential to understand how GC activity and hypoxia could correlate. Several in vitro studies have discussed the presence of a potential crosstalk between GCs and hypoxia-dependent pathways. In this thesis, we will explore the effects of hypoxia on the steroidogenesis pathway and GC activities. Zebrafish larvae (Danio rerio) were used to analyze this interaction in vivo.