Abstract
BackgroundObstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a sleep disorder frequently observed in individuals living with obesity, consists of repeated involuntary breathing obstructions during sleep, leading to intermittent hypoxia (IH). In humans, acute continuous hypoxia slightly increases plasma triglycerides (TG). However, no study yet compared the postprandial TG response of individuals with or without OSA under intermittent hypoxia.MethodsUsing a randomized crossover design, seven individuals diagnosed with moderate OSA and eight healthy individuals without OSA were given a meal after which they were exposed for 6 h to normoxia or intermittent hypoxia (e.g., 15 hypoxic events per hour). Blood lipid levels were measured hourly during each session.ResultsPeak postprandial TG concentrations tended to be 22% higher under IH irrespective of group (IH × time interaction, p = 0.068). This trend toward higher total plasma TG was attributable to increased levels of denser TG-rich lipoproteins such as very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) and chylomicrons (CM) remnants. Irrespective of group, the postprandial TG concentrations in denser TG-rich lipoproteins was 20% higher under IH (IH × time interaction, p = 0.036), although IH had virtually no impact on denser TG-rich lipoprotein concentrations in the OSA group.ConclusionAcute intermittent hypoxia tends to negatively affect postprandial TG levels in healthy individuals, which is attributable to an increase in denser TG-carrying lipoprotein levels such as VLDL and CM remnants. This altered postprandial TG response to acute intermittent hypoxia was not observed in individuals with OSA.
Highlights
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a sleep disorder frequently observed in individuals living with obesity, consists of repeated involuntary breathing obstructions during sleep, leading to intermittent hypoxia (IH)
In the CTL group, IH induced a significant progressive increase in plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and a transient rise in total plasma TG, the latter mainly attributable to a rise in the TG content of denser triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRL) fraction composed of chylomicron remnants and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), and to a rise in buoyant TRL TG
The present work further supports our knowledge of the effects of hypoxia on lipid metabolism in healthy individuals and provides new information regarding the homeostasis of lipid metabolism in individuals with OSA
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a sleep disorder frequently observed in individuals living with obesity, consists of repeated involuntary breathing obstructions during sleep, leading to intermittent hypoxia (IH). OSA consists of repeated breathing obstructions during sleep, usually caused by the obstruction of the upper airway, inducing breathing difficulties. These events can cause rapid depletion/repletion of blood tissue oxygen content, a phenomenon referred to as intermittent hypoxia (IH) [9]. A potential explanatory factor linking OSA to increased risk of developing CVD is the disturbing effect of OSA on blood lipid levels, blood triglyceride (TG) levels. In this regard, individuals with OSA usually display 30% greater TG levels compared to individuals without OSA [29]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
