All methods in this study were performed in accordance with the medical ethics committee in Hospital of Stomatology, Hebei Medical University. Animal use and care was in accordance with the guidelines of the medical ethics committee for the housing and care of animals bred, supplied and used for scientific purposes. All experiments were performed in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations. The work was approved by the medical ethics committee in Hospital of Stomatology, Hebei Medical University (Certificate No. [2017]016). Animal model development. Every effort was made to minimize animal pain and suffering. A total of 18 male 6-month-old New Zealand white rabbits (initial weight, 3-3.5 kg) were randomly divided into three groups: the OSHAS, MAD, and control groups, with 6 rabbits in each group. All of the animals were housed under normal laboratory conditions. Food and water were available ad libitum. The animal models were developed in the same way as in our previous studies 12,13. Briefly, OSAHS was induced via injection of gel into the submucous muscular layer in the centre of the soft palate 1.5 cm away from the junction of the soft and hard palate (Fig. 1). No gel was injected in the control group. Animals in these two groups were later confirmed to have OSAHS by clinical signs, CBCT scanning and polysomnography (PSG).