Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Genes Expression
Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Genes Expression
Obstructive sleep apnea is a multi-component disease. This study will test the hypotheses
 that hypoxia per se modulates gene expression in animal model of sleep apnea and these
 results may be translated with alterations that occur in apneic patients. Thus, we aim to
 integrate basic and clinical research to shed light on novel candidate genes involved in
 sleep apnea.
Twenty-four male rats were exposed to chronic intermittent hypoxia (5% O2) or normoxia for 6
 wks. Following chronic intermittent hypoxia, a group of 8 rats were removed from the chronic
 intermittent hypoxia protocol and allowed to normoxic conditions over a period of 2 wks. For
 the clinical protocol, the AHI measured by overnight polysomnography will be use to select
 individuals with sleep-related breathing disorders, and controls (30-60 years, Body Mass
 Index (BMI) < 35kg/m2). Moreover, the investigators will evaluate the subjective sleep
 parameters (sleep disorders questionnaire, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, sleep diaries).
 After standard CPAP titration, men with severe obstructive sleep apnea will be assigned for
 the CPAP protocol for future assessment of the influence of 6 months obstructive sleep apnea
 treatment. A total of 84 genes are evaluated using the Hypoxia Signaling Pathway PCR Array
 (SA Biosciences, EUA).
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Male subjects aged between 30 and 60 years old

 -  Normal range of laboratory tests complete blood count (CBC), glucose, total
 cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very
 low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides

 -  Body Mass Index (BMI) < 35kg/m2

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Presence of clinical diseases (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma,
 interstitial lung diseases, neuromuscular diseases, heart failure, thyroid disease,
 rheumatologic and psychiatric) and other sleep disorders

 -  Smoking status

 -  Participants who had current or historical treatment with CPAP or any other treatment
 for OSA

 -  Presence of anatomical obstructive upper airway, tonsil grade III and IV septal
 deviation and grade III (severe) that may affect the outcome of CPAP

 -  Alcoholism

 -  Use of sleep-inducing medications