Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Hypercoagulability, and the Blood-Brain Barrier

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Cardiology
• Sleep Medicine

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) involves intermittent hypoxia (IH).
• OSA is an independent risk factor for vascular diseases.
• A pro-coagulant state and increased blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability are key consequences of OSA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the link between OSA-induced hypercoagulability and neural dysfunction.
• To critically evaluate evidence on OSA's effects on coagulation and BBB.
• To discuss how OSA therapy may impact coagulation and BBB integrity.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of existing literature.
• Analysis of pathophysiological cascades in OSA.
• Synthesis of data on BBB disruption and neural dysfunction.

Main Results:

• OSA promotes a hypercoagulable state with increased coagulation factor activity and platelet activation.
• Increased BBB permeability is a significant consequence of OSA.
• BBB disruption is linked to altered brain function and neurodegenerative disease risk.

Conclusions:

• OSA-induced hypercoagulability and BBB disruption contribute to neural dysfunction.
• Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for managing OSA-related risks.
• Therapeutic interventions for OSA may offer benefits for coagulation balance and BBB function.