Support for the research program on sleep apnea syndrome  [ Return towards  Scientific research in Healthcare/Respiration  ]

SAS affects nearly 10% of the population in France. This ailment manifests itself during sleep by repeated respiratory arrests (hypoxia) followed by the resumption of breathing (reoxygenation). But more globally, SAS has a more serious affect on health, notably leading to cardiovascular complications.

A research program, conducted over four years in the framework of the Sleep project at Bichat Hospital in Paris, was launched, combining both a clinical and a fundamental dimension. The fundamental research phase, supported by the Air Liquide Foundation, is being handled by the National institute of health and medical Research (Inserm) under the supervision of Prof. Marie-Pia d’Ortho.

The project’s objective is to determine the consequences that intermittent hypoxia can have on respiratory and vascular cells. The method? Through a series of tests and simulations on an in-vitro model of intermittent hypoxia, the physicians will be able to characterize the respiratory and vascular inflammatory response that it causes.

By identifying the causes of the general and respiratory inflammation linked to SAS, the study will make it possible to improve the treatment of the patients concerned, through the prescription of new anti-inflammatory medications.