Does chronic intermittent hypoxia induce atherosclerosis via activation of adipose angiopoietin-like 4?
HIF-1-mediated increase in adipose Angptl4 and the ensuing lipoprotein lipase inactivation may contribute to atherosclerosis in patients with sleep apnea.
The strong induction of IL-1beta in BV-positive women appears to be associated with the production of the hydrolytic enzymes sialidase and prolidase by BV-associated bacteria. However, these 2 enzymes may inhibit the expected amplification of the proinflammatory IL-1beta cascade as evaluated by the down-regulation of the IL-8/IL-1beta ratio. A blunted response to IL-1beta signals may cause the poor rise of neutrophils, which is peculiar to BV. This impairment of local defense may contribute to increased susceptibility to adverse outcomes in BV-positive pregnant women.