The Central Role of Oxidative Stress in the Pathogenesis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: Mechanisms, Biomarkers, and Clinical Implications

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome is an increasingly prevalent sleep disorder characterized by recurrent upper airway obstructions and associated intermittent episodes of hypoxia.OSA is associated with cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurological morbidity.Recent evidence indicates that the oxidative stress and inflammation caused by intermittent hypoxia play a central role in the pathophysiological consequences of OSA.This review aims to summarize the mechanistic links between OSA and oxidative stress, biomarkers, clinical implications, and treatment approaches.Future research directions are also discussed in light of emerging data from human and animal studies.