[Brain damage in sleep-disordered breathing: the role of glia]

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is one of the most prevalent sleep-wake disorders and is associated with brain damage. In this review, we describe the role of astroglia, microglia and oligodendroglia as the main cellular mediators of brain damage in SDB based on the results of experimental studies. Specifically, we describe the role of the molecules that are expressed by glia and mediate oxidative stress (NADPH-oxidase), inflammation (hypoxia-inducible factor-1, inducible nitric oxide synthase, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines) and sympathetic hyperactivation (ATP, lactate).