Sleep apnea and intermittent hypoxia: does it contribute to adipose tissue dysfunction?

Obstructive sleep apnea is an important contributor of additional morbidity in obese patients. Obesity is a prevalent problem in children and adults often complicated by the metabolic syndrome. The components of the metabolic syndrome track from childhood to adulthood implicating an earlier onset of cardiovascular complications. It is therefore important to study the comorbidities that might have an additional contribution on obesity and its metabolic complications as well as the mechanism by which such interactions maycontribute to metabolic dysregulation. Adipose tissue is an important factor in the development of obesity and its associated comorbidities. The pathophysiological mechanisms linking obstructive sleep apnea and the metabolic syndrome are still under investigation, but a role for adipose tissue dysfunction caused by oxygen deprivation is suggested. This translational research project will focus on the impact of obstructive sleep apnea on the adipose tissue, investigating the possible crucial role of intermittent hypoxia, both in an animal model and a clinical study in adolescents and young adults.

Keywords:HYPOXIA, OBESITAS, SLEEP APNEA

Disciplines:Metabolic diseases, Respiratory medicine