Free radicals and obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract

In this chapter, the pathophysiology of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a disease which affects a large number of patients, is introduced in relation to reactive oxygen species (ROS) biology. Recurrent episodes of partial or complete collapse of the upper airway during sleep are associated with the occurrence of intermittent hypoxia, which generates ROS. OSA, if untreated, results in serious cardiovascular and neuronal dysfunctions, and the evidence suggests that ROS play important roles. Thus, antioxidant therapy may be a logical and potentially promising strategy to prevent OSA-associated complications. However, to date, no direct evidence indicating the beneficial effects of the use of antioxidants is yet available.