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Alterations in circulating T-cell lymphocyte populations in children with obstructive sleep apnea

Hui-Leng Tan1, David Gozal, Yang Wang

  • 1Section of Pediatric Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Pritzker School of Medicine, Biological Sciences Division, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.

Sleep
|June 5, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to fewer T regulatory cells and a shift towards inflammation. These immune changes in children with OSA may contribute to related health issues.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults is associated with changes in T lymphocyte function.
  • Limited research exists on T lymphocyte alterations in pediatric OSA.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between OSA and T lymphocyte subsets in children.
  • To specifically examine T regulatory lymphocytes (T regs) in pediatric OSA.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study involving children evaluated for habitual snoring.
  • Polysomnography (PSG) to assess OSA severity (controls, mild, moderate-severe).
  • Flow cytometry analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells for T lymphocyte subsets (CD4+, T regs, Th1, Th2).

Main Results:

  • Children with moderate-severe OSA showed significantly reduced T regulatory cells compared to controls.
  • Significant differences in T helper 1 (Th1) cells and Th1:Th2 ratios were observed across OSA severity groups.
  • Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) correlated with reduced T regs, reduced CD4+ lymphocytes, and increased Th1:Th2 ratios.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric OSA is associated with a diminished T regulatory cell population.
  • A shift towards a proinflammatory state (Th1 predominance) is indicated in pediatric OSA.
  • These T lymphocyte alterations may contribute to systemic inflammation and comorbidities in children with OSA.
Abstract

Keywords:
T cell lymphocyteschildreninflammationsleep apnea

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