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Differential expression profiles and bioinformatics analysis of microRNAs in brown adipose tissue dysfunction induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia in obstructive sleep apnea

  • 0The Second Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China.
Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology +

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September 2, 2025

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September 2, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) causes brown adipose tissue (BAT) injury through abnormal microRNA (miRNA) expression, potentially explaining its link to metabolic syndrome (MS). This study identified specific miRNAs involved in OSA-related BAT dysfunction.

Area Of Science

  • Biomedical Research
  • Molecular Biology
  • Sleep Medicine

Background

  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep-related respiratory disorder linked to metabolic syndrome (MS).
  • The precise molecular mechanisms connecting OSA and MS, particularly concerning brown adipose tissue (BAT) injury, remain largely unknown.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in various physiological and pathological processes, including metabolic disorders.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To identify differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRs) in brown adipose tissue (BAT) following chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH), a model for OSA.
  • To elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms underlying OSA-induced BAT injury.
  • To establish a regulatory network of miRNAs and their target genes in the context of CIH-related BAT damage.

Main Methods

  • Establishment of mouse models of CIH-induced BAT injury using APOE mice.
  • miRNA sequencing (miRNA-seq) to analyze miRNA expression profiles in affected BAT.
  • Bioinformatic analyses including Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis.
  • Validation of key DEmiRs using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR).
  • Construction of a miRNA-mRNA network to predict miRNA-target gene interactions.

Main Results

  • CIH exposure led to significant alterations in miRNA expression in mouse BAT.
  • A total of 23 DEmiRs were identified: 7 upregulated and 16 downregulated.
  • RT-qPCR confirmed the differential expression of six key miRNAs.
  • GO and KEGG analyses revealed that these DEmiRs are involved in pathways related to metabolic regulation and inflammation.
  • A miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was constructed, highlighting potential targets of the identified DEmiRs.

Conclusions

  • OSA-induced BAT dysfunction is associated with widespread and specific changes in miRNA expression.
  • The identified DEmiRs and their predicted targets offer novel insights into the molecular mechanisms linking OSA to metabolic syndrome.
  • This study provides a foundation for understanding the role of miRNAs in OSA pathophysiology and suggests potential therapeutic targets.

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