Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is associated with cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities, including hypertension, dyslipidaemia, insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. Strong evidence suggests that OSA is associated with an altered lipid profile including elevated levels of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and decreased levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Intermittent hypoxia; sleep fragmentation; and consequential surges in the sympathetic activity, enhanced oxidative stress and systemic inflammation are the postulated mechanisms leading to metabolic alterations in OSA. Although the exact mechanisms of OSA-associated dyslipidaemia have not been fully elucidated, three main points have been found to be impaired: activated lipolysis in the adipose tissue, decreased lipid clearance from the circulation and accelerated de novo lipid synthesis. This is further complicated by the oxidisation of atherogenic lipoproteins, adipose tissue dysfunction, hormonal changes, and the reduced function of HDL particles in OSA. In this comprehensive review, we summarise and critically evaluate the current evidence about the possible mechanisms involved in OSA-associated dyslipidaemia.
Keywords: OSA; dyslipidaemia; lipid; metabolic dysfunction; obstructive sleep apnoea.