Distribution of Human Tongue Fat and Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Abstract
Introduction: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a prevalent in the United States, presents serious health risks and is directly correlated with obesity. Treatment options are limited by patient compliance and risks associated with surgical procedures. Adipose reduction may offer a less invasive treatment modality. Airway obstruction, related to tongue adiposity, represents a more accessible location to reduce adipose as potential treatment for OSA. Objective: This study compiled complete histologic profile of the entire tongue to determine the locations of adipose tissue. Methods: Six cadaver (3 full and 3 partial) tongues were sectioned into anterior, middle and posterior. These were further sectioned into medial and lateral. Finally, these 6 sections were divided (microscopically) into dorsal and ventral to produce 12 distinct regions. The tissues were histologically prepared and examined using light microscopy (2x or 4x magnification) to quantify the percentage and volume (mm3) of adipose. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: This study demonstrated the ventral portion of the tongue had a significantly higher (p0.001) concentration of adipose tissue compared to the dorsal tongue and in particular within the middle and posterior thirds. Conclusion: The highest concentration of adipose was found in the middle and posterior thirds of the tongue, particularly in the ventral aspect. Knowledge of tongue adipose concentrations could provide crucial information to guide targeted therapies directed at tongue size to relieve airway obstruction in the treatment of OSA in the United States population including Active Duty and Retired Military personnel.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1182657
Entities
People
- Kerry B Baumann
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences