Neurofilaments as markers of aging in obstructive sleep apnea

Scientific interest in biomarkers that predict early pathological aging is growing steadily. Preliminary pilot studies on molecular and cellular biomarkers and neurophysiological EEG patterns in sleep disorders formed the basis for the hypothesis about the connection between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and premature aging. The main triggering consequences of OSA — chronic intermittent nocturnal hypoxia and sleep fragmentation — increase neuronal damage and reduce synaptic plasticity, thereby contributing to the early onset of neurodegenerative disorders. Various hypoxic conditions can cause the destruction of the neuronal cytoskeleton with subsequent neuronal death; its components (neurofilaments) act as markers of neurodegeneration. Objective. To systematize current literature data on serum neurofilament light chains (NfL) in OSA as a model of premature aging. Materials and methods. We searched the eLibrary.ru, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases using the following keywords: neurofilament light chain, obstructive sleep apnea, aging, and neurodegeneration. The selection criteria were: papers published between 2000 and 2026 and consistency with the literature review topic. Results. Chronic intermittent hypoxia eventually leads to neuronal degeneration and the release of NfL. NfL readily cross the blood-brain barrier, making it possible to detect them in peripheral blood samples in patients with OSA. Conclusions. Considering the interdisciplinary research performed at the Scientific Centre for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, studying NfL in patients with OSA is highly relevant and provides prospects for personalized monitoring of therapeutic efficacy.