Sleep apnea may be more dangerous than previously thought

Studies show that the condition can also increase the risk of cancer

Do you always wake up very tired, snore and suspect you suffer from sleep apnea? Know that you now have one more reason to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by frequent interruptions in breathing during the night, which in most cases occur without the person waking up. Several studies have already linked this sleep disorder to serious conditions, such as hypertension, heart and neurological problems.

Cancer risk

Now, new evidence shows that sleep apnea may also increase the risk of certain cancers, including those affecting the digestive system, kidneys and breast. In other words, the condition may pose more serious health risks than previously imagined.

The most recent study on the topic, published in Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicinefound that of a total of 1,990 patients with sleep apnea, 181 developed cancer during the 13-year follow-up period. This is about 9% of the patient sample, a significantly high percentage, according to sleep doctor Ram Kishun Verma of Indiana University (USA), one of the reviewers of the research.

Previous work has shown that overall cancer rates are about 26% higher in people diagnosed with sleep apnea compared to the general population. The new study also found that the more severe the apnea, the greater the risk of cancer.

It is estimated that nearly 1 billion people worldwide – and 39% of adults in the United States – suffer from sleep apnea. What’s worse is that the condition is vastly underdiagnosed and undertreated: up to 9 in 10 people with OSA don’t know they have the problem.

Too little oxygen damages DNA

According to researchers, the lack of oxygen resulting from obstructed airflow can trigger a series of biochemical reactions in the body that can lead to cancer.

Low oxygen levels during sleep can create molecules that damage DNA, causing harmful genetic changes and increasing the risk of cancer.

This is because repeated cycles of oxygen depletion can cause oxidative stress, an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cell membranes, proteins and DNA, triggering inflammation. To protect itself from inflammation, the body produces proteins called cytokines.

These proteins contain molecules called “cell adhesion molecules”. One of these, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), plays a significant role in cancer development by helping tumor cells attach to cells lining blood vessels. This leads to tumor growth and the spread of cancer.

Freediving classifications

In the new study, patients underwent polysomnography, the standard test for assessing the severity of sleep apnea, using a tool called the “apnea-hypopnea index.”

By averaging the number of times per hour the airway is completely blocked by the nose and mouth (apnea) and counting the number of times the airway is only partially blocked (hypopnea), sleep experts can classify the severity of the problem. condition.

Ranking is measured in events per hour. A person with mild apnea may have 5 to 15 events per hour while sleeping, while a person with severe apnea will have more than 30.

Another “clue” associated with cancer

Study participants had blood drawn to measure levels of inflammatory biomarkers. In a subgroup of 427 patients, VCAM-1 was found at elevated levels, along with another key biomarker: endostatin.

Endostatin prevents the formation of new blood vessels, a process called angiogenesis. Tumors rely on new blood vessels to grow, so blocking this process helps slow their growth.

However, high levels of endostatin have been linked to a higher risk of cancer. This is because endostatin is a marker of systemic inflammation, especially in colorectal cancer.

“Both biomarkers were elevated in the samples [de pacientes] who later developed cancer,” Verma said.

As the severity of sleep apnea increased, so did the risk of cancer. So, if the apnea-hypopnea index increases by 10, this equates to an 8% increased cancer risk. If the index goes from 20 to 40 the risk of cancer increases by 16%.

Treatment prevents illnesses and accidents

Controlling sleep apnea with appropriate treatment has been shown to reduce other health risks, such as heart attack, stroke, and diabetes. Not to mention the risk of accidents due to chronic fatigue.

The same may be true for cancer risk, although more research is needed to know for sure.

Warning signs of sleep apnea include:

• snoring loudly and panting
• choking at night (often, the partner notices)
• headache in the morning and feeling tired
• drowsiness during the day

The risk is greater for those who are overweight or obese, smoke, drink alcohol, have high blood pressure or diabetes. But even thin people can suffer from sleep apnea.

If you suspect the condition, see your doctor, who will order a polysomnography test.

The most common treatment for apnea is the use of a positive airway pressure mask, which helps restore oxygen supply to the lungs.

Source: WebMD

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.