EGR2 and NLRP3 Pathways in Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Related Cognitive and Mood Disorders

Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common disorder in which repeated airway blockages during sleep lead to low oxygen levels, inflammation, and disrupted sleep. Many OSAS patients-both children and adults-experience problems with memory, attention, and mood, such as anxiety or depression. However, the exact molecular drivers of these brain changes are not fully understood.

This observational study will enroll:

Children (ages 2-18) and adults (>18 years) with OSAS, as well as age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers.

Clinical assessments: Children will undergo routine ENT examinations (including nasal endoscopy and X-rays); adults will have an overnight sleep study (polysomnography). All participants will complete questionnaires on sleepiness (e.g., ESS), mood (PHQ-9, GAD-7), and cognitive screening (MoCA for adults, age-appropriate scales for children).

Sample collection: A small blood draw (3 mL) and, when applicable (e.g., adults undergoing surgery), a tiny subcutaneous fat biopsy. Saliva samples will also be collected.

Laboratory tests:

Measure expression levels of two key inflammatory pathway genes-EGR2 and NLRP3-in blood cells, saliva, and fat tissue using RNA sequencing, RT-qPCR, and Western Blot.

Correlate these molecular markers with sleep parameters (AHI, oximetry), cognitive scores, and mood scores.

Data analysis: Develop and validate machine-learning models that integrate data from multiple tissues to predict who is at highest risk for cognitive or mood disturbances.