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Circulating cell-derived microparticles in patients with minimally symptomatic obstructive sleep apnoea
Abstract:
Moderate-severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) has been associated with several pro-atherogenic mechanisms and increased cardiovascular risk, but it is not known if minimally symptomatic OSA has similar effects. Circulating cell-derived microparticles have been shown to have pro-inflammatory, pro-coagulant and endothelial function-impairing effects, as well as to predict subclinical atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk. In 57 patients with minimally symptomatic OSA, and 15 closely matched control subjects without OSA, AnnexinV-positive, platelet-, leukocyte- and endothelial cell-derived microparticles were measured by flow cytometry. In patients with OSA, median (interquartile range) levels of AnnexinV-positive microparticles were significantly elevated compared with control subjects: 2,586 (1,566-3,964) microL(-1) versus 1,206 (474-2,501) microL(-1), respectively. Levels of platelet-derived and leukocyte-derived microparticles were also significantly higher in patients with OSA (2,267 (1,102-3,592) microL(-1) and 20 (14-31) microL(-1), respectively) compared with control subjects (925 (328-2,068) microL(-1) and 15 (5-23) microL(-1), respectively). Endothelial cell-derived microparticle levels were similar in patients with OSA compared with control subjects (13 (8-25) microL(-1) versus 11 (6-17) microL(-1)). In patients with minimally symptomatic obstructive sleep apnoea, levels of AnnexinV-positive, platelet- and leukocyte-derived microparticles are elevated when compared with closely matched control subjects without obstructive sleep apnoea. These findings suggest that these patients may be at increased cardiovascular risk, despite being minimally symptomatic.
Insights
Minimally symptomatic obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is linked to elevated microparticle levels, indicating potential cardiovascular risks. These findings suggest increased risk even in less severe OSA cases.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Sleep Medicine
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is associated with cardiovascular risk.
- Cell-derived microparticles are implicated in pro-atherogenic mechanisms.
- The impact of minimally symptomatic OSA on microparticle levels is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether minimally symptomatic OSA elevates circulating microparticle levels.
- To compare microparticle levels in patients with minimally symptomatic OSA versus controls.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry was used to measure AnnexinV-positive, platelet-, leukocyte-, and endothelial cell-derived microparticles.
- Study included 57 patients with minimally symptomatic OSA and 15 matched controls.
Main Results:
- Patients with OSA showed significantly higher levels of AnnexinV-positive, platelet-derived, and leukocyte-derived microparticles.
- Endothelial cell-derived microparticle levels were similar between groups.
- Elevated microparticles suggest pro-inflammatory and pro-coagulant states.
Conclusions:
- Minimally symptomatic OSA is associated with increased levels of specific microparticles.
- These elevations suggest a potential increase in cardiovascular risk.
- Further research is warranted to confirm the clinical implications.
