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Updated: Aug 29, 2026

Acupoint Application Combined with Ear Plaster Therapy for Treating Sleep Disorders with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
04:53

Acupoint Application Combined with Ear Plaster Therapy for Treating Sleep Disorders with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Published on: October 18, 2024

Plasma adrenomedullin and obstructive sleep apnea

Robert Wolk1, Anna Svatikova, Maria E Otto

  • 1Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.

American Journal of Hypertension
|January 1, 2004
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) does not significantly alter adrenomedullin (ADM) levels. Plasma ADM remained unchanged overnight and was unaffected by continuous positive airway pressure treatment in OSA patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is frequently linked to hypertension.
  • Adrenomedullin (ADM), a vasorelaxing peptide, might mitigate the effects of vasopressor substances released during OSA.
  • Investigating ADM’s role in OSA is crucial for understanding associated cardiovascular risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the impact of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on plasma adrenomedullin (ADM) levels.
  • To assess acute and chronic changes in ADM associated with OSA and its treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Plasma ADM levels were measured in 15 OSA patients and 10 controls at three time points: evening, early morning during untreated OSA, and morning after positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment.
  • Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) was administered for 4 hours.

Main Results:

  • Baseline plasma ADM levels were comparable between OSA patients and controls.
  • ADM levels did not exhibit significant overnight changes in either group.
  • Continuous positive airway pressure treatment did not affect plasma ADM concentrations.

Conclusions:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea does not appear to have significant acute or chronic effects on plasma ADM levels.
  • The findings suggest ADM may not play a direct role in the cardiovascular complications associated with OSA.
  • Further research is needed to explore other potential biomarkers in OSA-related hypertension.

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