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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
07:54
Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Published on: December 6, 2016
Mitochondrial dysfunction in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea
Ti-Ni Huang1, Yao-Pang Chung2, Rong-Jaan Lin3
1Ph.D Program for Aging, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
Sleep Medicine
|June 15, 2026
Summary
Severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to lower mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN), a marker of mitochondrial health. This suggests OSA may contribute to cellular aging and metabolic issues.
Area of Science:
- Mitochondrial biology
- Sleep medicine
- Biomarker research
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder linked to intermittent hypoxia and oxidative stress.
- These factors can impair mitochondrial function and accelerate cellular aging.
- Mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN) serves as a biomarker for mitochondrial health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in mtDNA-CN between individuals with severe OSA and those without.
- To explore the association between severe OSA and mtDNA-CN levels.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 97 participants at Taichung Hospital, Taiwan.
- Overnight polysomnography and blood tests were conducted.
- Leukocyte DNA was extracted to measure mtDNA-CN.
Main Results:
- Severe OSA was associated with significantly lower mtDNA-CN compared to non-severe OSA.
- Individuals with severe OSA also showed higher blood glucose, HbA1c, AST, ALT, and creatinine levels.
- A lower estimated glomerular filtration rate was observed in severe OSA patients.
Conclusions:
- Severe OSA is significantly associated with reduced mtDNA-CN, even after adjusting for confounders.
- Findings suggest a connection between OSA, mitochondrial dysfunction, and metabolic alterations.
- The cross-sectional design prevents establishing causal relationships.
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