The link between obstructive sleep apnea, gut bacteria, and heart disease
Official title: Obstructive sleep apnea, the microbiome and cardiovascular disease
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11002010 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how obstructive sleep apnea might change the bacteria in your gut and how that could affect your heart health, and it invites patients to help by sharing samples or information to better understand these connections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $641,243 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL157445-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11002010 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, particularly those experiencing cardiovascular issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without obstructive sleep apnea or those with unrelated cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects the gut microbiome and its potential role in cardiovascular disease. By examining the effects of intermittent hypoxia and hypercapnia, which are key features of OSA, the study aims to uncover how these factors may alter gut bacteria and their metabolites, potentially leading to atherosclerosis. The research utilizes advanced sequencing technologies and bioinformatics to analyze changes in gut microbiome ecology and metabolism in response to OSA. Patients may be involved in providing samples or data to help understand these relationships better.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into how treating obstructive sleep apnea might reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between the gut microbiome and cardiovascular health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Haddad, Gabriel G — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Haddad, Gabriel G
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Finding which people with sleep apnea are at higher risk of heart disease
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Using machine learning to find sleep apnea patients at risk for heart disease
This study is looking at how advanced computer technology can help find people with obstructive sleep apnea who might be more likely to develop heart problems, so that doctors can tailor treatments to each person's needs and improve their care.
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Mechanisms of sex-specific responses to sleep apnea therapies
A research project at NYU School of Medicine is exploring how men and women may respond differently to treatments for obstructive sleep apnea and related heart risk.
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Deep learning to predict obstruction site and guide sleep apnea treatment
A patient-focused project uses snoring sounds and AI to predict where your airway collapses during sleep and to guide personalized treatments.
-
Personalized DISE-guided surgery for sleep apnea in children with Down syndrome
A personalized surgical approach guided by DISE sleep-endoscopy is being tested to better treat sleep apnea in children with Down syndrome who don’t always improve after standard surgery.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.