Researchers at the University of Texas (UT) Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Dentistry have developed an obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) model to study chronic pain, according to a press release dated August 28 from the university.
Treatments addressing the chronic lack of oxygen or targeting peripheral macrophages may alleviate persistent pain in OSA patients, according to the release.
"Insight into the role of oxygen deprivation in pain sensitization will pave the way for innovative treatment approaches that could enhance patient outcomes," Dr. Peter Loomer, PhD, MBA, dean of the UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry, said in the release.
Globally, OSA affects more than 100 million people. It causes repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality and various health issues, including a significantly higher rate of chronic pain compared to those with normal sleep patterns, according to the release.
To better understand the connection between OSA and chronic pain, researchers created a mouse model. It mimicked OSA in mice by creating a chronic intermittent hypoxia environment.
After 14 days, an increase in cytokines, which are immune system molecules that induce inflammation, was observed. This inflammation sensitizes nociceptors, nerve cells that detect pain, leading to prolonged pain sensitivity.
The study's findings have broad implications for treating both OSA and the associated chronic pain. Many OSA patients go untreated, and those prescribed continuous positive airway pressure machines often do not use them consistently.
By identifying the pain mechanisms related to OSA, future research can explore more targeted treatments, according to the release.
"This study represents a significant advancement in our understanding of the relationship between sleep apnea and chronic pain," Loomer said.
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