A new study suggests that obstructive sleep apnea may contribute to an increased risk of developing abdominal aortic aneurysms. Researchers at the University of Missouri School of Medicine and NextGen Precision Health led this study.
The abdominal aortic aneurysms are the balloon-like bulgings of the aorta, which is the major vessel transporting blood from the heart, sometimes rupturing. This may cause life-threatening internal bleeding. Obstructive sleep apnea is a chronic condition whereby patients stop breathing for short periods during sleep. It predisposes one to increased cardiovascular complications.
Now, it is the turn of abdominal aortic aneurysms that scientists have documented more in people who are inflicted with obstructive sleep apnea. To explore the link, the researchers employed mouse models. In the experiment, the team discovered intermittent hypoxia-a critical condition when the organism does enough oxygen-caused by obstructive sleep apnea. Increased aneurysm diseases’ vulnerability in mice.
“Chronic intermittent hypoxia, alone is not enough to create an abdominal aortic aneurysm,” said Luis Martinez-Lemus, study author and professor of medical pharmacology and physiology. “But in patients with obstructive sleep apnea comorbid with metabolic conditions such as obesity. Our findings suggest that it may undermine aortic structures and set up those patients for the development of an aneurysm.”
This intermittent hypoxia occurs in obstructive sleep apnea when throat muscles relax and block airflow into the lungs. Lack of oxygen, it was discovered, turned on the activity of certain enzymes known as MMPs. Increased activity of these enzymes can degrade the extracellular matrix, which gives cells their structural support, thereby weakening the aorta.
Symptoms, other than possible back and belly pain, usually do not occur until the aneurysm ruptures. Neekun Sharma, the lead author of the study, stated that rapid surgical intervention is necessary to repair the aorta when that happens.
After all, understanding such development of aneurysms would provide pathways to better monitoring. And give strategies to delay the progression of such particularly in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. This study makes an important point on the recognition of the interrelationships between sleep disorders and significant vascular conditions. And gives lessons for future research and care of the patient.
ANI
