FIGURE 1.

Potential role of erythropoietin (Epo) on sleep apnea pathophysiology. Sleep apnea syndrome is characterized by augmented ROS and inflammatory molecules, which play a pivotal role on the pathophysiology by triggering augmented chemoreflex sensitivity which ultimately lead to altered breathing and cardiovascular events. Epo has been shown to reduce both ROS and inflammation in the brain and at peripheral chemoreceptors located primarily at the carotid body; however, its role on central chemoreceptors sensitivity remains to be studied. Thus, it is plausible to hypothesize that Epo administration and/or its derivates in the setting of sleep apnea may offer an anti-oxidant/inflammatory therapy to control for the augmented chemoreflex drive.