Increased Regional Brain Temperatures in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Adults

Motivation: OSA adults show impaired functions, likely resulting from brain changes in sites that mediate such functions, but the pathological mechanisms contributing to brain tissue changes are unclear. Intermittent hypoxia(IH) induces oxidative stress, leading to neuroinflammation and activation of immune and glial cells, which may contribute to increased regional brain temperature, leading to localized brain tissue changes. Goal(s): Our goal was to examine regional brain temperatures in OSA and control adults. Approach: Non-invasive 3D-EPSI data were used to generate temperature maps which were compared between groups. Results: We observed increased brain temperature in OSA adults, likely due to IH-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Impact: We observed increased regional brain temperature in OSA adults, which have never been studied before, and have implication in identifying interventions and improving the morbidity, mortality, and quality of life in the condition.