Circulating endothelial cells and endothelial progenitor cells in obstructive sleep apnea
Kevin Martin1,2, Michael Stanchina3,2, Nicola Kouttab4
1Vascular Research Laboratory, Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 830 Chalkstone Avenue, Providence, RI, 02908, USA.
Lung
|April 11, 2008
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) did not show differences in circulating endothelial cells (CECs) or endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) compared to controls in individuals without vascular disease. Further research is needed to understand OSA
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Sleep Medicine
- Endothelial Biology
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to cardiovascular disease and endothelial dysfunction.
- Elevated circulating endothelial cells (CECs) and reduced endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are markers of vascular injury and disease risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if OSA is associated with altered levels of CECs and EPCs in individuals without pre-existing vascular disease.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 17 OSA patients and 10 controls, all without vascular disease.
- Quantified CECs and EPCs using magnetic bead separation and flow cytometry.
- Compared cell counts between groups and correlated with apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and nadir SaO(2).
Main Results:
- No significant differences in CEC or EPC counts were found between OSA patients and controls.
- OSA patients had higher AHI, lower nadir SaO(2), and increased sleepiness.
Conclusions:
- This study found no association between OSA and altered CEC or EPC levels in subjects without vascular disease.
- OSA may not impact these specific markers of endothelial cell injury in the absence of underlying vascular conditions.
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