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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
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Published on: December 6, 2016
Elevated levels of neopterin in sleep-disordered breathing
Naresh M Punjabi1, Brock A Beamer, Alka Jain
1Johns Hopkins University, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, 5501 Hopkins Bayview Circle, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA. npunjabi@jhmi.edu
Chest
|July 25, 2007
Summary
Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is linked to increased neopterin levels, a marker of macrophage activation. This suggests a role for inflammation in SDB-related cardiovascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Sleep Medicine
- Immunology
Background:
- Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is an independent risk factor for hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
- Systemic inflammation is a suspected mechanism linking SDB to cardiovascular effects.
- Limited data exist on cellular activation markers in SDB.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if neopterin, a marker of activated macrophages, is elevated in individuals with SDB.
- To determine the association between SDB severity and neopterin levels.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-five men without medical comorbidities underwent polysomnography.
- Fasting serum neopterin levels were measured.
- Multivariable regression analyzed the association between apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) quartiles and neopterin, controlling for BMI, waist circumference, and body fat percentage.
Main Results:
- Serum neopterin levels increased significantly with higher AHI quartiles (3.0% to 26.5% increase).
- A significant linear trend (p < 0.001) was observed between increasing AHI and neopterin levels.
- Elevated neopterin correlated with greater sleep-related hypoxemia, more stage 1 sleep, and less stage 2 sleep.
Conclusions:
- SDB severity is independently associated with elevated serum neopterin levels.
- Neopterin, as a marker of macrophage activation, may be involved in the development of cardiovascular disease linked to SDB.
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