Interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome

In previous studies, significantly elevated levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have been reported in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). On the other hand, plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) have been significantly higher in mild sleep apneics than in normal controls. However, this study included a small number of patients and milder cases of OSAHS.

To assess the involvement of IL-6 and TNF-alpha in VEGF increases in patients with severe OSAHS, serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha were determined in patients with severe OSAHS (n=110) and compared to those of controls (n=45) using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

No significant increase in IL-6 or TNF-alpha was detected in the present study cohort. However, the body mass index was significantly correlated with the severity of the apnea-hypopnea index.

These data suggest that the elevation in VEGF is not directly related to IL-6 or TNF-alpha levels. However, the question of whether VEGF is the cause or the result of OSAHS remains to be determined. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of IL-6 and TNF-alpha in the pathogenesis of OSAHS, in which obesity should be entered as an independent factor.