Effects of different obesity-related adipokines on the occurrence of obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), characterized by recurrent episodes of apnea during sleep and daytime sleepiness, seriously affects human health and may lead to systemic organ dysfunction. The pathogenesis of OSA is complex and still uncertain, but multiple surveys have shown that obesity is an important factor, and the incidence of OSA in people with obesity is as high as 30%. Adipokines are a group of proteins secreted from adipocytes, which are dysregulated in obesity and may contribute to OSA. Here, we review the most important and representative research results regarding the correlation between obesity-related adipokines including leptin, adiponectin, omentin-1, chemerin, and resistin and OSA in the past 5 years, provide an overview of these key adipokines, and analyze possible intrinsic mechanisms and influencing factors. The existing research shows that OSA is associated with an increase in the serum levels of leptin, chemerin, and resistin and a decrease in the levels of adiponectin and omentin-1; the findings presented here can be used to monitor the development of OSA and obesity, prevent future comorbidities, and identify risk factors for cardiovascular and other diseases, while different adipokines can be linked to OSA through different pathways such as insulin resistance, intermittent hypoxia, and inflammation, among others. We hope our review leads to a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of OSA based on the relevant literature, which will also provide directions for future clinical research.

Adipokines and Obesity. Potential Link to Metabolic Disorders and Chronic Complications

“…Until now, a lot of substances secreted by adipose tissue have been discovered and described, and their metabolic effects and contribution to the pathogenesis of civilization-related diseases are being extensively studied [39][40][41][42]. It is interesting that both obese and lipodystrophic patients show similar clinical disorders: hypertriglyceridemia, insulin resistance and fatty liver [43][44][45]. The disorders lead to diabetes, hypertension, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), coronary artery disease (CAD) and cancers [45][46][47][48][49][50].…”

A Review of the Associations Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Possible Mechanisms of Disease

“…Leptin levels are higher in extreme situations where sleep time is shorter or longer [ 93 ]. Additionally, leptin levels were elevated in OSA and decreased after CPAP treatment, accompanying the increase of insulin secretion [ 94 , 95 ]. Meanwhile, leptin is significantly associated with IR in patients with moderate-to-severe OSA [ 96 ].…”

The Discovery, Validation, and Function of Hypoxia-Related Gene Biomarkers for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

“…For example, AREG and DUSP2 were associated with adipocytokine signaling. There is increasing evidence that IH mediates at least some of its detrimental effects through adipose tissue inflammation and dysfunction ( 47 ), and adipocytokines secreted by adipocytes such as leptin, chemerin, resistin, adiponectin, and omentin 1 are closely associated with OSA ( 48 ). ATF3 was related to TGF-β signaling, which has been reported to be necessary for nuclear accumulation of the ATF3/cJun transcription complex and induction of pro-inflammatory responses ( 49 ).…”