Next, western blot analysis indicated that TLR4 and p‐NF‐κB p65 expression in the soft palate from OSA patients increased significantly compared to of control individuals (Fig. 3B,C), indicating that over expression of HMGB1 could result in binding to TLR4 and activation of the TLR4/NF‐κB pathway. The gene discussed is HMGB1; the disease is obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.