Circulating adropin concentrations in pediatric obstructive sleep apnea: potential relevance to endothelial function

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Pediatric Sleep Medicine
• Cardiovascular Physiology

Background:

• Adropin is a peptide hormone involved in metabolic and cardiovascular regulation.
• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk, potentially mediated by endothelial dysfunction.
• The role of adropin in pediatric OSA and its relationship with endothelial function remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate adropin concentrations in children with OSA, particularly in relation to endothelial dysfunction.
• To determine if adropin levels change after treatment for OSA.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of children was divided into three groups: controls, OSA with normal endothelial function (EF), and OSA with abnormal EF.
• Plasma adropin concentrations were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
• Endothelial function was assessed using a modified hyperemic test.

Main Results:

• Children with OSA and endothelial dysfunction exhibited significantly lower adropin levels compared to controls and OSA patients with normal EF.
• A plasma adropin concentration below 4.2 ng/mL was a reliable predictor of endothelial dysfunction.
• Adenotonsillectomy improved adropin levels in children with OSA and endothelial dysfunction, but not in those with normal EF.

Conclusions:

• Reduced adropin concentrations are linked to pediatric OSA with co-existing endothelial dysfunction.
• Circulating adropin levels may serve as a biomarker for vascular injury in children with OSA.
• Treatment of OSA can normalize adropin levels, suggesting a reversible link between OSA, endothelial function, and adropin.