Brain chemistry and temperature changes in adults with obstructive sleep apnea

Brain Metabolites and Temperature Changes in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Adults

NIH-funded research University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11187019

This project uses advanced brain scans to measure chemical and temperature changes in adults with obstructive sleep apnea.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Los Angeles NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project IDNIH-11187019 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If you join, you'll have noninvasive MRI-based scans that measure brain chemicals and map regional brain temperature. The team will compare people with obstructive sleep apnea to people without it to find changes in brain areas that control breathing, mood, and thinking. They will measure metabolites like N‑acetyl-aspartate, choline, creatine, myo-inositol, lactate, and antioxidants such as glutathione to learn about cell health, energy use, and inflammation. The aim is to identify patterns that might explain symptoms and guide ways to protect the brain.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults (21 years and older) diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea who can safely undergo MRI scans and follow study procedures are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People without OSA, anyone unable to have MRI (for example due to certain implants or severe claustrophobia), or those seeking immediate changes in their clinical care may not directly benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal brain changes that explain OSA symptoms and suggest targets for treatments or protective strategies.

How similar studies have performed: Previous imaging work has shown brain differences in OSA, but combining 3D spectroscopic chemical mapping with temperature imaging is relatively new and exploratory.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired brain injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.