Exosomes in obstructive sleep apnea-related diseases.
10.1097/CM9.0000000000003784
- Author:
Zhifeng CHEN
1
;
Yulin SHANG
2
;
Yanru OU
1
;
Subo GONG
3
;
Xudong XIANG
4
;
Xiaoying JI
5
;
Yating PENG
1
;
Ruoyun OUYANG
1
Author Information
1. Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.
2. Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology, Zigui County Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yichang, Hubei 443600, China.
3. Department of Geriatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.
4. Department of Emergency, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.
5. Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, China.
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Exosomes;
Intermittent hypoxia;
Obstructive sleep apnea;
Sleep fragmentation
- MeSH:
Humans;
Exosomes/physiology*;
Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/metabolism*;
Animals;
MicroRNAs/metabolism*
- From:
Chinese Medical Journal
2025;138(20):2540-2551
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a global public health concern characterized by repeated upper airway collapse during sleep. Research indicates that OSA is a risk factor for the development of various diseases, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, respiratory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Exosomes, extracellular vesicles released by most cell types, play a key role in intercellular communication by transporting their contents-such as microRNA, messenger RNA, DNA, proteins, and lipids-to target cells. Intermittent hypoxia associated with OSA alters circulating exosomes and promotes a range of cellular structural and functional disturbances involved in the pathogenesis of OSA-related diseases. This review discusses the potential roles of exosomes and exosome-derived molecules in the onset and progression of OSA-associated diseases, explores the possible underlying mechanisms, and highlights novel strategies for developing exosome-based therapies for these conditions.
