Bile acid receptor emerges as sleep apnea target to curb artery plaque

Article excerpt

Researchers have identified a bile acid receptor as a potential treatment target for sleep apnea, a condition affecting millions worldwide. Studies presented at ASM Microbe 2026 showed that microbes in the gut modify bile to protect mice from the cardiovascular and metabolic damage caused by sleep apnea, including arterial plaque buildup. The findings suggest a novel approach to preventing life-threatening heart complications in sleep apnea patients by leveraging the gut microbiome's natural protective mechanisms.