NADPH oxidase-mitochondria axis-derived ROS mediate arsenite-induced HIF-1α stabilization by inhibiting prolyl hydroxylases activity.

•Arsenite induces HIF-1α stabilization in a ROS dependent manner.•Mitochondria are the major source of ROS induced by arsenite.•NADPH oxidase is required to initiate the mitochondrial ROS production.•ROS deplete ascorbate and Fe(II) leading to inhibition of PHDs activity.•Inhibition of PHDs activity contributes to the HIF-1α stabilization.