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World J Orthop. Apr 18, 2026; 17(4): 116246
Published online Apr 18, 2026. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v17.i4.116246
Published online Apr 18, 2026. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v17.i4.116246
Pathogenic links and mechanistic interactions between sarcopenia and obstructive sleep apnea
Yan-Xiong Chen, Department of Trauma Othopedics, Qujing Second People’s Hospital, Qujing 655000, Yunnan Province, China
Ying He, Department of Pain Management, Lincang People’s Hospital, Lincang 677000, Yunnan Province, China
Rui Wang, Department of Gastroenterology, Qujing Second People’s Hospital, Qujing 655000, Yunnan Province, China
Jian-Yue Cha, Department of Traumatology, Lincang People’s Hospital, Lincang 677000, Yunnan Province, China
Heng Zhao, Wen-Rong Lou, Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Yan’an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650051, Yunnan Province, China
Yang-XiaoZhi Zha, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650000, Yunnan Province, China
Co-first authors: Yan-Xiong Chen and Ying He.
Co-corresponding authors: Wen-Rong Lou and Yang-XiaoZhi Zha.
Author contributions: Zha YXZ conceptualised this review; Chen YX, Lou WR, and Zhao H collected and analysed the data; Wang R, He Y, and Cha JY drew the images; Zha YXZ and Lou WR reviewed the manuscript. All authors have read and approved the final submission.
Supported by Kunming City Health Science Talent Training Project - Medical Science Discipline Reserve Talent Training Plan, No. 2023-SW-03.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Corresponding author: Yang-XiaoZhi Zha, Researcher, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, No. 157 Jinbi Road, Xishan District, Kunming 650000, Yunnan Province, China. zhayang0415@163.com
Received: November 11, 2025
Revised: January 4, 2026
Accepted: March 4, 2026
Published online: April 18, 2026
Processing time: 153 Days and 1.5 Hours
Revised: January 4, 2026
Accepted: March 4, 2026
Published online: April 18, 2026
Processing time: 153 Days and 1.5 Hours
Core Tip
Core Tip: This review investigates the interconnected pathologies of sarcopenia and obstructive sleep apnea, with a focus on neuromuscular transmission abnormalities, central nervous system dysregulation, and oxidative stress. These shared mechanisms highlight the complex interplay between muscle dysfunction and respiratory control, suggesting areas for therapeutic intervention. By clearly distinguishing between established associations and causal relationships, this study highlights the complex interplay between muscular dysfunction and respiratory control, thereby providing guidance for future therapeutic approaches.