Obstructive sleep apnea research: Challenges and new horizons

摘要

Badran et al. [1] provide an overview of insights into obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) research with a focus on cardiovascular-specific areas including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, stroke and heart failure, and updates of the role of oxida-tive stress, systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction as intermediate pathways. A discussion on the role of experimental animal models to enhance the elucidation of underlying mechanistic pathways is also provided, particularly in terms of isolating the unique effects of specific OSA-related pathophysiologic processes including models of upper airway occlusion and intermittent hypoxia. Undoubtedly our field of sleep medicine has made great strides in our knowledge base in terms of experimental, clinic-based and epidemiologic research. However, there is much need for further investigation not only to inform our understanding of OSA biology, but also to enhance our clinical practice.