What is one potential cause of Hypocretin (orexin) deficiency?

Hypocretin (orexin) deficiency is notably linked with several mechanisms that can lead to its disruption, and autoimmune-related factors are recognized as a significant potential cause. In conditions such as narcolepsy, particularly type 1 narcolepsy, there is evidence suggesting that the immune system may mistakenly attack the neurons that produce hypocretin. This results in a decrease in hypocretin levels, which are crucial for regulating wakefulness and preventing excessive daytime sleepiness.

While genetic predisposition can contribute to the risk of developing conditions like narcolepsy, and chronic stress exposure and environmental toxins can impact overall health, they are not directly implicated as primary causes of hypocretin deficiency in the same way that autoimmune responses are. Autoimmune mechanisms have a distinct and well-documented relationship with the loss of hypocretin-producing neurons, making it a strong candidate for understanding this deficiency.