TNF-α promotes insulin resistance in obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Sleep Medicine
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is a severe sleep-disordered breathing condition in children.
• Insulin resistance is a growing concern in obese children with OSAHS.
• The molecular mechanisms linking OSAHS to insulin resistance require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in modulating glucose transporter type 4 insulin-responsive (GLUT-4) expression.
• To determine if TNF-α promotes insulin resistance through the TNF-α/IKKβ/IKβ/NF-κB signaling pathway in pediatric OSAHS.
• To compare molecular markers between obese children with and without OSAHS.

Main Methods:

• Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry were used to detect protein expression in adenoid tissues.
• Quantified TNF-α, inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ), and signaling pathway proteins (IKKβ, IKβ, NF-κB).
• Assessed expression of insulin resistance markers, including insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) and GLUT-4.

Main Results:

• Elevated TNF-α expression was observed in adenoid tissues of children with OSAHS.
• Increased levels of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ) and activated TNF-α/IKKβ/IKβ/NF-κB pathway were found in OSAHS.
• Reduced expression of IRS1 and GLUT-4, indicative of insulin resistance, was associated with OSAHS.

Conclusions:

• TNF-α expression is upregulated in pediatric OSAHS.
• The TNF-α/IKKβ/IKβ/NF-κB pathway is activated in children with OSAHS.
• TNF-α suppresses GLUT-4 expression, contributing to insulin resistance in OSAHS through this signaling pathway.