Conclusions
Endogenous CHOP is necessary for LTIH-induced HIF-1α, Nox2 upregulation, and oxidative stress; CHOP influences LTIH-induced apoptosis in neurons and loss of neurons. Findings support the concept that minimizing CHOP may provide neuroprotection in OSA.
Results
Relative to wild-type mice, CHOP-/- mice conferred resistance to oxidative stress (superoxide production/ carbonyl proteins) in brain regions examined: cortex, hippocampus, and motor nuclei. CHOP deletion prevented LTIH upregulation of Nox2 and HIF-1α in the hippocampus, cortex, and brainstem motoneurons and protected mice from neuronal apoptosis and motoneuron loss. Conclusions: Endogenous CHOP is necessary for LTIH-induced HIF-1α, Nox2 upregulation, and oxidative stress; CHOP influences LTIH-induced apoptosis in neurons and loss of neurons. Findings support the concept that minimizing CHOP may provide neuroprotection in OSA.