Sleep Apnoea, Liver Health, and Potential Solutions
Unveiling the connection
Sleep is essential for our well-being, but what happens when our sleep is disrupted by conditions like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)? A recent study explores the link between OSA and liver health, shedding light on how intermittent hypoxia (IH) during sleep could be impacting our livers.
Here’s the latest research on this.
The mouse model
Researchers created a mouse model to mimic long-term intermittent hypoxia, a condition where the body experiences periods of reduced oxygen levels during sleep. This model aimed to capture the effects of OSA on the liver and understand the molecular changes that occur.
Investigating the liver
Unravelling the molecular signature
The study found that long-term intermittent hypoxia alone, without other factors like excessive weight, could trigger molecular changes in the liver. These changes resembled the patterns seen in human steatohepatitis, a more severe form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
In simple terms, disrupted sleep might be impacting our livers in ways we didn’t fully grasp before.
Boost in inflammation
Long-term intermittent hypoxia led to an increase in immune cells, like neutrophils and monocytes, entering the liver. This influx of immune cells contributes to inflammation, a key factor in the progression of liver diseases.
Bridging the gap with Multi-omics
Connecting the dots
To get a comprehensive picture, scientists used various techniques like transcriptomics, lipidomics, and serum proteomics. They identified specific markers associated with early inflammation in the liver and the overall system. These markers could serve as indicators of potential liver issues linked to sleep apnea.
Practical implications
Advocating for sleep apnea tests
The study suggests that individuals with sleep apnea should undergo systematic tests for liver diseases. Understanding the connections between these conditions could help in better diagnosing and managing health issues related to disrupted sleep.
Potential for clinical trials
The molecular links uncovered in this study open doors for further exploration in clinical trials. Integrating sleep apnea diagnosis into liver disease evaluation could lead to more targeted and effective treatments.
In summary, this research provides crucial insights into how disrupted sleep, specifically due to obstructive sleep apnea, might influence liver health. The identified molecular signatures offer potential diagnostic markers and highlight areas for therapeutic interventions.
As researchers unravel the connections between sleep and our organs, they move closer to developing strategies to address the complex interplay of conditions like NAFLD and OSA.
Sources:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2024.108837
User License: Creative Commons Attribution — NonCommercial — NoDerivs (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)
