Endothelial cell apoptosis in obstructive sleep apnea: a link to endothelial dysfunction
Ali A El Solh1, Morohunfolu E Akinnusi, Fadi H Baddoura
1Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Erie County Medical Center, 462 Grider Street, Buffalo, NY 14215, USA. solh@buffalo.edu
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
|February 3, 2007
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients show increased apoptotic endothelial cells linked to vascular dysfunction. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy reduced these cells, suggesting a mechanism for OSA-related vascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular research
- Sleep medicine
- Endothelial cell biology
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk.
- Endothelial cell injury is a proposed early mechanism in atherosclerosis development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between circulating apoptotic endothelial cells and vasomotor dysfunction in OSA patients.
- To assess the impact of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on these markers.
Main Methods:
- Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation measured in 14 OSA patients and 10 controls.
- Circulating apoptotic endothelial cells (CD146(+) Annexin V(+)) quantified via flow cytometry.
- Measurements taken at baseline and after 8 weeks of CPAP therapy.
Main Results:
- OSA patients had significantly higher apoptotic endothelial cells compared to controls (39.2 vs 17.8 cells/mL).
- Elevated apoptotic cells correlated with impaired vascular function (r=-0.61) and apnea-hypopnea index (r=0.56).
- CPAP therapy reduced apoptotic cells (to 22.3 cells/mL) and showed a trend towards improved vasodilation (r=0.49).
Conclusions:
- Endothelial cell apoptosis is associated with impaired vasodilation in OSA.
- CPAP therapy effectively reduces circulating apoptotic endothelial cells.
- These findings highlight a mechanism contributing to vascular disease in OSA patients.
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