Gut microbiome-derived exosomal microRNAs as potential biomarkers of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and cardiometabolic outcomes

• Grant number: 22/04265-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: March 01, 2024
• End date: February 28, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Luciano Ferreira Drager
• Grantee: Sara Quaglia de Campos Giampa
• Host Institution: Instituto do Coração Professor Euryclides de Jesus Zerbini (INCOR). Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da USP (HCFMUSP). Secretaria da Saúde (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 19/23496-8 - Impact of sleep disorders on hypertension: a multifaceted approach, AP.TEM

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is recognized as an independent cardiometabolic diseases risk factor. The mechanisms underlying this relationship are possibly mediated by intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation, landmark features of OSA. Recently, the role of the gut microbiome (GM) in this scenario has been highlighted. Preliminary studies suggest that these components of OSA promote changes potentially detected by GM, which in turn may mediate the development of cardiometabolic diseases through exosome secretion. Exosomes play an essential role in intercellular communication via the selective transfer of their cargo, including microRNAs (miRNAs). Exosomal miRNAs are involved in physiological and pathological conditions, modulating multiple processes. Thus, the aim of this study is to identify the profile and potential mechanisms of GM-derived exosomal miRNAs action on cardiometabolic outcomes associated with OSA. For this purpose, male Wistar rats will be distributed into two experimental groups: 1) control group and 2) group submitted to OSA induction. After 1 month of induction or not of OSA, the animals will be euthanized. Plasma, tissues from different organs and feces will be collected for further exosomal miRNAs analysis. Data from this study and with international collaboration may help to elucidate mechanisms by which GM-derived exosomal miRNAS mediates cardiometabolic diseases associated with OSA, as well as helping to develop potential therapeutic targets. (AU)