Title:Neurogenesis, A Potential Target for Intermittent Hypoxia Leading to
Cognitive Decline
Volume: 19
Issue: 1
Author(s): Yuxing Liu, Jin Tan, Yuyang Miao and Qiang Zhang*
Affiliation:
- Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Geriatrics Institute, Tianjin, China
Keywords:
Neurogenesis, intermittent hypoxia, obstructive sleep apnea, hippocampus, disorder, alzheimer's disease.
Abstract: As a sleep breathing disorder, characterized by intermittent hypoxia (IH) and Obstructive sleep
apnea (OSA), is believed to decrease the cognitive function of patients. Many factors are thought to be
responsible for cognitive decline in OSA patients. Neurogenesis, a process by which neural stem cells
(NSCs) differentiate into new neurons in the brain, is a major determinant affecting cognitive function.
However, there is no clear relationship between IH or OSA and neurogenesis. In recent years, increasing
numbers of studies on IH and neurogenesis are documented. Therefore, this review summarizes the effects
of IH on neurogenesis; then discusses the influencing factors that may cause these effects and the
potential signaling pathways that may exist. Finally, based on this impact, we discuss potential methods
and future directions for improving cognition.