Update on the aetiopathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea: Role of inflammatory and immune mediated mechanisms

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is often a lifestyle disease associated with obesity, which is rapidly evolving as a major health concern with diverse multisystemic implications. To prevent and mitigate its adverse effects and reduce its burden on society, its aetiopathogeneses must be precisely understood. Numerous studies focusing on the range of diverse anatomic, functional, and lifestyle factors have already been carried out to determine the possible contributory roles of these factors in OSA. Recently, evidence to validate the role of inflammatory pathways and immune mechanisms in the aetiopathogeneses of OSA is being developed. This allows for further research and translation of such knowledge for targeted therapeutic and preventive interventions in patients with or who are at risk of developing OSA.

Keywords: Sleep apnea; Obstructive; Polysomnography; Mendelian randomization analysis; Cytokines; C-reactive protein

Core Tip: Although sleep-disordered breathing is any abnormal respiration that occurs during sleep, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common sleep-related breathing disorder. Its pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of anatomical and functional factors, along with immune cell dysfunction owing to chronic intermittent hypoxia-induced oxidative stress. Thus, to develop specific therapeutic modalities and enhance clinical outcomes in patients with or who are at risk of OSA, these mechanisms must be understood.