Chronic intermittent hypoxia induces atherosclerosis.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Obstructive sleep apnea, a condition leading to chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH), is associated with hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, and a high cardiovascular risk. A causal link between obstructive sleep apnea and atherosclerosis has not been established.

Objectives

The objective of the present study was to examine whether CIH may induce atherosclerosis in C57BL/6J mice.

Methods

Forty male C57BL/6J mice, 8 weeks of age, were fed either a high-cholesterol diet or a regular chow diet and subjected either to CIH or intermittent air (control conditions) for 12 weeks.

Measurements and main results

Nine of 10 mice simultaneously exposed to CIH and high-cholesterol diet developed atherosclerotic lesions in the aortic origin and descending aorta. In contr

SUBMITTER: Savransky V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2176090 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature