CHEST Guidelines-OSA-Is-Associated-With-the-Human-Gut-Microbiota-Co

OSA-Is-Associated-With-the-Human-Gut-Microbiota-Co

Pdf Summary

The study "OSA Is Associated With the Human Gut Microbiota Composition and Functional Potential in the Population-Based Swedish CardioPulmonary bioImage Study" explores the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and gut microbiota in adults. OSA is a common disorder associated with repeated episodes of obstructed breathing during sleep, leading to low oxygen levels (hypoxia) and increased cardiovascular risks. Prior animal studies indicated that such hypoxia from OSA could alter gut microbiota, affecting various health outcomes like hypertension and glucose metabolism.<br /><br />This study utilized data from up to 3,570 participants aged 50-64 from the Swedish Cardiopulmonary Bioimage Study (SCAPIS), analyzing their sleep patterns and gut microbiota composition through metagenomic sequencing of fecal samples. Researchers examined the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), percentage of sleep time with oxygen saturation below 90% (T90), and oxygen desaturation index (ODI) to determine their associations with gut microbiota.<br /><br />Findings revealed that OSA parameters, especially those related to hypoxia (T90 and ODI), were linked to decreased gut microbiota diversity and specific bacterial species. Notably, 128 bacterial species were associated with hypoxia, including Blautia obeum and Collinsella aerofaciens—species linked to increased systolic blood pressure. Moreover, hypoxia correlated with certain gut microbiota metabolic pathways involved in lactate-derived propionate production, a metabolite with potential health implications.<br /><br />These results suggest a significant connection between OSA-related hypoxia and specific gut microbiota species and functions. The study underscores the potential for future investigations into how these gut microbiota changes might mediate health effects in OSA patients, providing a foundation for exploring microbiota-targeted interventions to mitigate OSA-associated health risks.

Keywords

obstructive sleep apnea

gut microbiota

hypoxia

cardiovascular risks

metagenomic sequencing

apnea-hypopnea index

oxygen desaturation index

Blautia obeum

Collinsella aerofaciens

lactate-derived propionate