Abstract
Purpose of Review
Sleep disorders represent a significant comorbidity in the heart failure population, and there is mounting evidence that treatment of sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea can significantly improve cardiac function. However, the link between these two disorders is still not entirely clear.
Recent Findings
Recently, a novel neurohormonal pathway has been elucidated involving signaling molecules now collectively known as the orexins, which have been implicated in regulating autonomic function during sleep/wake cycles. Further evidence has mounted that orexin signaling is deeply perturbed in the setting of sleep disorders, and furthermore that abnormal orexin signaling may be implicated in the pathology of heart failure.
Summary
The orexin signaling pathway represents an enticing novel target for both the treatment of sleep disorders as well as heart failure, and may represent one facet of the “missing link” between these two prevalent and often comorbid diseases.
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Stephen Pan, Carolina S. Cabral, Euan A. Ashley, and Marco V. Perez declare that they have no conflict of interest.
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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Pathophysiology: Neuroendocrine, Vascular, and Metabolic Factors
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Pan, S., Cabral, C.S., Ashley, E.A. et al. Orexin: a Missing Link Between Sleep Disorders and Heart Failure?. Curr Heart Fail Rep 14, 100–105 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11897-017-0322-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11897-017-0322-3