Published October 30, 2026
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THE UPPER AIRWAY IN THE ERA OF GLP-1 RECEPTOR AGONISTS: IMPLICATIONS FOR OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA IN OBESITY
Authors/Creators
- 1. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Norte, Barranquilla, Colombia
- 2. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Cauca. Popayan, Colombia.
- 3. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Cali, Colombia
- 4. Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Antonio Nariño, Bogotá, Colombia
Description
Article type: Review article
Introduction: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have been shown to significantly reduce the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, their potential effects on upper airway anatomy and physiology remain poorly understood. This review examines the available evidence regarding the role of GLP-1RAs in upper airway remodeling.
Methods: A narrative review was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, clinical trials, clinical practice guidelines, and experimental studies published between January 2000 and June 2026 were included.
Results: Obesity induces anatomical remodeling of the upper airway that promotes pharyngeal collapse. Evidence from bariatric surgery demonstrates that these changes are partially reversible and that tongue fat reduction is an important mediator of OSA improvement. GLP-1RAs consistently reduce visceral and ectopic adiposity and, in a pilot study, decreased tongue fat. However, direct evidence that these agents induce upper airway remodeling remains lacking.
Conclusions: GLP-1RAs may improve OSA not only through weight loss but also by promoting upper airway remodeling. Longitudinal studies incorporating imaging techniques and physiological assessments are needed to confirm this hypothesis.
Abstract (Spanish)
Tipo de artículo: Artículo de revisión
Introducción: Los agonistas del receptor del péptido similar al glucagón tipo 1 (GLP-1RA) han demostrado reducir significativamente la gravedad del síndrome de apnea obstructiva del sueño (SAHOS). Sin embargo, sus posibles efectos sobre la anatomía y fisiología de la vía aérea superior permanecen poco explorados. Esta revisión analiza la evidencia disponible sobre el papel de los GLP-1RA en el remodelado de la vía aérea superior.
Métodos: Se realizó una revisión narrativa mediante búsquedas en PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus y Google Scholar. Se incluyeron revisiones sistemáticas, metaanálisis, ensayos clínicos, guías de práctica clínica y estudios experimentales publicados entre enero del 2000 y junio del 2026.
Resultados: La obesidad induce un remodelado anatómico de la vía aérea superior que favorece el colapso faríngeo. La evidencia derivada de la cirugía bariátrica demuestra que estos cambios son parcialmente reversibles y que la reducción de la grasa lingual constituye un mediador importante de la mejoría del SAHOS. Los GLP-1RA reducen la adiposidad visceral y ectópica y, en un estudio piloto, disminuyeron la grasa lingual; sin embargo, aún no existe evidencia directa de que induzcan un remodelado anatómico de la vía aérea superior.
Conclusiones: Los GLP-1RA podrían mejorar el SAHOS no solo mediante la pérdida de peso, sino también a través de un posible remodelado de la vía aérea superior. Estudios con técnicas de imagen y evaluaciones fisiológicas son necesarios para confirmar esta hipótesis.
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Additional details
Additional titles
- Translated title (Spanish)
- LA VÍA AÉREA SUPERIOR EN LA ERA DE LOS AGONISTAS DEL RECEPTOR DEL GLP-1: IMPLICACIONES PARA EL SÍNDROME DE APNEA OBSTRUCTIVA DEL SUEÑO EN LA OBESIDAD
Dates
- Collected
-
2026-09-25manuscrito recibido
- Accepted
-
2026-11-03evaluación doble ciego
- Available
-
2026-10-30publicación en número de la revista
Software
- Repository URL
- https://revistacientificasanum.com/
- Development Status
- Active
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