Differences in body clock signals and brain chemical activity in obstructive sleep apnea

In a study of 166 obstructive sleep apnea patients and 64 controls, BDNF expression was positively correlated with multiple circadian rhythm genes in the OSA group.

• The expression of circadian rhythm genes BMAL1, CLOCK, CRY1, PER1, NPAS2, NR1D1, and HIF-1β was positively associated with BDNF in OSA patients.
• In the control group, only PER1 mRNA showed a correlation with BDNF expression.
• NF-κβ expression correlated positively with several circadian rhythm genes in both OSA patients and controls.
• HIF-1α and HIF-1β mRNA expressions were positively correlated with circadian rhythm genes regardless of OSA presence.
• These findings suggest complex interactions among circadian rhythm genes, neurotrophins, and transcription factors in obstructive sleep apnea.

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