RNA-Seq analysis unveils differential gene expression patterns following intermittent hypoxia in the mandibular condyles of growing male rats

Comparative measurements between IH and normoxia showed thinning of all cartilage layers in these regions under IH. In contrast, the anterior region exhibited thicker proliferative and maturative layers but a thinner hypertrophic layer under IH. RNA sequencing identified 342 upregulated and 45 downregulated genes in the IH group, including key regulators of bone and cartilage metabolism, such as gremlin-2, fibroblast growth factor 2, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2, interleukin-1B, bone gamma-carboxyglutamate protein, wingless-related integration site 2, and SRY-box transcription factor 11.

These findings suggest that IH alters expression of critical genes in mandibular cartilage development, potentially contributing to growth deficits.