Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: Genetic and Biochemical Perspective

Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is a disorder characterized by repetitive complete or partial upper airway collapse occurring during sleep with daytime sleepiness. The health impact of obstructive sleep apnoea is enormous. Chronic intermittent nature of the physiologic disturbances associated with this disorder is major cause of its related morbidity e.g. the accompanying intermittent hypoxia with ventilatory overshoot hyperoxia, sympathetic nervous system surges, and enhanced state of inflammation, oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction are potential mechanistic pathways leading to conditions including hypertension, nocturnal cardiac arrhythmias, cardiovascular disease, stroke, insulin resistance and increased mortality.

Quality of life may also be affected in obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome with increased likelihood of drowsy driving/accidents, mood disorders and neurocognitive deficits. This study is an effort to identify potential perception for genetic and biochemical basis of risk factors of OSAS and related co-morbidities.