The JAK1-STAT1 signaling pathway triggers inflammation responses in chronic obstructive sleep apnea rat model

Abstract

Background Chronic obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) drives systemic inflammation; the role of the JAK1-STAT1 pathway is unclear. Objective To elucidate JAK1-STAT1 involvement in OSA-related inflammation using a chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) model. Methods Sprague-Dawley rats underwent 8-week CIH (FiO₂ cycling 5–21%, 8h/day) or normoxia (Sham). Serum cytokines (ELISA) and lung p-JAK1/p-STAT1 (Western blot/IHC) were analyzed. A CIH subset received JAK1 inhibitor filgotinib. Airway resistance was assessed via forced oscillation. Results CIH elevated serum IL-6/TNF-α versus Sham (p < 0.05) and increased lung p-JAK1/p-STAT1. Filgotinib reduced cytokines, suppressed p-JAK1/p-STAT1, attenuated leukocyte infiltration/collagen deposition, and improved airway resistance. Lung p-STAT1 strongly correlated with serum IL-6 (r = 0.86) and TNF-α (r = 0.82) (both p < 0.001). Conclusion JAK1-STAT1 signaling critically mediates CIH-induced inflammation. JAK1 inhibition attenuates inflammatory responses, demonstrating therapeutic potential for OSA comorbidities.