Is There a Relationship between Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Severity and Nesfatin-1?

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and obesity frequently occur together. The relationship between increased appetite and obesity is well known; however, despite existing knowledge about the relationship between OSAS and obesity, it is not fully understood.

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between OSAS and the appetite-suppressing hormone nesfatin-1 independent of body mass index (BMI).

A total of 134 cases were included in the study; 102 with OSAS (OSAS group) and 32 healthy controls (control group). All cases underwent polysomnography, and nesfatin-1 levels were determined.

Nesfatin-1 levels were significantly lower in the OSAS group compared to the control group (3,776.5 ± 204.8 and 4,056.2 ± 101.5 pg/ml, respectively; p < 0.001). In addition, there was a statistically significant negative correlation between nesfatin-1 and the apnea hypopnea index (r = -0.543; p < 0.001). The statistically significant relationship persisted after adjusting for confounding intergroup factors such as age, gender and BMI (p < 0.001). In the OSAS group, there was a statistically significant correlation between nesfatin-1 and neck circumference (r = -0.304; p = 0.02) but not between nesfatin-1 and BMI and waist circumference. There was no statistically significant difference in nesfatin-1 levels between the sexes.

OSAS patients have lower nesfatin-1 levels compared to controls, and a greater nesfatin-1 deficit corresponds to an increased severity of OSAS and an increased neck circumference. Replacement therapy may be a potential treatment for obese OSAS patients who have lower nesfatin-1 levels, which may have additional benefits through appetite suppression and weight loss.