Role of Mineralocorticoid Receptors in Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Metabolic Syndrome.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review will summarize recent developments in the research on the mineralocorticoid receptor and its impact on obstructive sleep apnea and metabolic syndrome.

RECENT FINDINGS: Aldosterone excess plays an important role in the association between resistant hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea. The prevalence of obesity is increasing rapidly worldwide and is especially common among patients with obstructive sleep apnea, resistant hypertension, and metabolic syndrome, suggesting probable mechanistic links between these three conditions. Mineralocorticoid receptor expression is increased in obese individuals, which may contribute to the common association between obesity and hyperaldosteronism. Mineralocorticoid receptor blockers reduce the severity of obstructive sleep apnea among resistant hypertension patients. A large body of literature demonstrates a strong association between obesity, hyperaldosteronism, resistant hypertension, and sleep apnea, including specific benefit of treatment with mineralocorticoid receptor blockers for these separate disorders.