0000000000951293
AUTHOR
Bonsignore M R
Sleep apnoea as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease: current evidence, basic mechanisms and research priorities
Considerable evidence is available in support of an independent association between obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) and cardiovascular disease, which is particularly strong for systemic arterial hypertension and growing for ischaemic heart disease, stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation and cardiac sudden death. The pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease in OSAS is not completely understood but likely to be multifactorial, involving a diverse range of mechanisms including sympathetic nervous system overactivity, selective activation of inflammatory molecular pathways, endothelial dysfunction, abnormal coagulation and metabolic dysregulation, the latter particularly involving in…
Increased airway inflammatory cells in endurance athletes: what do they mean?
Inflammatory cells are increased in the airways of endurance athletes, but their role in causing exercise-induced respiratory symptoms and bronchoconstriction, or their possible long-term consequences, are uncertain.To put the results of athlete studies in perspective, by analysing the pathogenesis of airway cell changes and their impact on respiratory function.Athletes of different endurance sports at rest showed increased airway neutrophils. Elite swimmers and skiers also showed large increases in airway eosinophils and lymphocytes, possibly related to chronic, exercise-related exposure to irritants or cold and dry air, respectively. Post-exercise studies reported variable responses of ai…