Abstract:
Sleep apnea is associated with cardiovascular dysfunction which is linked to fatigability associated with activities of daily living. A well-established treatment modality (continuous positive airway pressure) is often ineffective in mitigating these co-morbidities. Thus, the development of novel treatments to eliminate apnea and mitigate associated co-morbidities is imperative. We are addressing this mandate by determining if repeated exposure to mild intermittent hypoxia (MIH) mitigates cardiovascular dysfunction and enhances performance fatigability. We propose that exposure to MIH has a multipronged effect. MIH directly targets cardiovascular co-morbidities, while simultaneously enhancing upper airway stability and increasing the arousal threshold. These modifications may serve to directly mitigate apnea. Alternatively, these modifications may serve to improve treatment adherence with continuous positive airway pressure. Independent of its effect, MIH may serve as an adjunctive therapy which provides another path to mitigating cardiovascular co-morbidities that might ultimately result in improvements in performance fatigability.

Bio:
Dr. Mateika is a respiratory physiologist who is presently investigating the impact of genetically or spinal cord injury induced reductions in central nervous system serotonin on mechanisms that influence breathing stability and cardiovascular/autonomic function in mice. Dr. Mateika is also exploring if repeated daily exposure to mild intermittent hypoxia independently or combined with continuous positive airway pressure mitigates co-morbidities (i.e. hypertension) linked to sleep apnea in humans.