Advances in Molecular Pathology of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common syndrome that features a complex etiology and set of mechanisms. Here we summarized the molecular pathogenesis of OSA, especially the prospective mechanism of upper? airway dilator fatigue and the current breakthroughs. Additionally, we also introduced the molecular mechanism of OSA in terms of related studies on the main signaling pathways and epigenetics alterations, such as microRNA, long non-coding RNA, and DNA methylation. We also reviewed small molecular compounds, which are potential targets for gene regulations in the future, that are involved in the regulation of OSA. This review will be beneficial to point the way for OSA research within the next decade.

The Shanghai alliance of multilingual researchers: Fudan University, Tongji University, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, and Shanghai International Studies University, China

“…Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) is a sleep disorder with complex etiology, characterized by the disruption of the upper airway during sleep, resulting in sleep apnea, desaturation of oxyhemoglobin, and daytime sleepiness [1][2] . Chronic intermittent hypoxemia and sleep disorders result from affect the quality of life of patients and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, neurocognitive dysfunction, metabolic disorders and sudden death [3][4][5] .…”

Unraveling the Multifaceted Roles of Extracellular Vesicles: Insights into Biology, Pharmacology, and Pharmaceutical Applications for Drug Delivery

“…Thus, blocking the generation and release of EVs was found to reduce blood pressure in hypertensive rats [ 203 ]. Furthermore, an increase in circulatory EC-EV levels has been found in patients with endothelial dysfunction [ 204 ], obstructive sleep apnea [ 205 ], obesity [ 206 , 207 ], renal failure [ 208 ], coronary artery disease [ 209 ], myocardial infarction [ 210 , 211 , 212 ], β-thalassemia [ 213 ], and stroke [ 214 ]. Nevertheless, it is not clear if the increase in their number contributes to these conditions.…”

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Hypertensive Heart Disease: From Pathophysiology to Therapeutics

“…While the clinical diagnosis and treatment for OSA have become standardized and advanced rapidly, a greater emphasis should be placed on comprehending the core molecular mechanisms driving OSA pathogenesis in the context of treatment, with a goal of either preempting or curing OSA [ 33 ]. Certain miRNAs that are either up-regulated or down-regulated by intermittent hypoxemia (IH) serve as direct targets of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 , HIF-2 , nuclear factor B (NF- B), or their responsive genes, as well as certain inflammatory signaling pathways [ 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 ].…”