title: Statins May Prevent Atherosclerotic Disease in OSA Patients without Co-Morbidities?
abstract: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is characterized by repetitive interruptions of breathing, causing Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia (CIH) that can be involved in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. There is evidence showing a close relationship between OSA and atherosclerosis, even in patients who do not show co-morbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, high levels of lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), cigarette smoking and obesity, which can activate the endothelium. This endothelium activation due to CIH and specific to OSA seems to be dependent on a different pathway. The current first line therapy for OSA is the application of the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), but it alone is not enough to reduce cardiometabolic risk in patients with OSA. In contrast, statins, via their pleiotropic property, might be able to change inflammation and early atherosclerosis, lipid profile and cardiovascular outcomes in OSA. The role of statins in OSA patients with or without any co-morbidities could potentially prevent coronary vascular risk and stroke and in the future, represent an additional treatment option along with CPAP therapy. Strengthening the prevention strategies against atherosclerosis in OSA should be one of the focal aims for healthcare programs of the future.
authors.forename: Domenico Maurizio
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Toraldo
authors.forename: Michele De
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Benedetto
authors.forename: Luana
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Conte
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Human Anatomy and Neuroscience, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, str. Prov.le Lecce- Moneteroni, Ecotekne Center, 73100 Lecce, Italy. francesco.denuccio@unisalento.it.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: De Nuccio
mesh_terms: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015897:Comorbidity; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012307:Risk Factors; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors