Electroacupuncture Treats Obesity-Related OSA By Inhibiting Adipose Inflammation

This study examines the impact of adipose metabolites on upper airway dilator muscle structure and sleep respiratory function in obese mice, and explores the neurobiological mechanisms of electroacupuncture in regulating adipose inflammation. The findings aim to provide a theoretical basis for using electroacupuncture to treat obesity-related obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Obese mice were induced using a high-fat diet and identified through sleep respiratory monitoring with whole-body plethysmography, electroencephalogram, electromyogram, and oximetry. Electroacupuncture was applied at 2 Hz for 15 minutes per session over 2 weeks. Efficacy was assessed via respiratory function tests, while mechanisms were investigated using genetic manipulation, electrophysiology, imaging, and molecular biology assays. The obesity-OSA mouse model was successfully established. After 14 weeks of high-fat diet, the mice exhibited impaired respiratory function, increased airway narrowing, and significant fat accumulation around the upper airways. Elevated systemic and cervical fat inflammation levels were observed, along with muscle fiber atrophy and reduced electrical activity in upper airway dilator muscles. Electroacupuncture treatment resulted in significant weight loss, improved respiratory function, and reduced serum inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) in 67% of the treated mice, while IL-10 levels increased. Electroacupuncture effectively downregulates obesity-induced inflammation, reduces body weight, and improves respiratory function in obese mice. This study supports the potential clinical application of electroacupuncture for treating OSA.