Comprehensive biomarker profiling in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Sleep Medicine
• Biomarker Research

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality, but the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms require further elucidation.
• Comprehensive biomarker profiling is essential for understanding the complex links between OSAS and cardiovascular outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the pathophysiological links between OSAS and cardiovascular mortality using extensive biomarker profiling.
• To quantify hemodynamic cardiac stress, cardiomyocyte injury, inflammation, endothelial function, matrix turnover, and metabolism in OSAS patients.

Main Methods:

• Biomarker analysis (BNP, NT-proBNP, hs-cTnI, IL-6, VEGF, MMP-9, insulin) in 65 moderate/severe OSAS patients and 33 mild/no OSAS patients before and after sleep.
• Subgroup analysis with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on a second night.

Main Results:

• Moderate/severe OSAS patients exhibited higher pre-sleep insulin and post-sleep IL-6 levels compared to mild/no OSAS patients.
• Pre-sleep insulin was an independent predictor of moderate/severe OSAS; pre-sleep insulin and post-sleep IL-6 predicted severe OSAS with high accuracy (AUC 0.80).
• No significant differences in NT-proBNP, hs-cTnI, VEGF, or MMP-9 were observed; CPAP did not impact biomarker concentrations.

Conclusions:

• Significant OSAS is characterized by a distinct biomarker profile, notably elevated pre-sleep insulin and post-sleep IL-6.
• These biomarkers demonstrate potential for improved diagnosis and understanding of OSAS-related cardiovascular risks.