Serum Romo1 is significantly associated with disease severity in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

We aim to evaluate reactive oxygen species modulator 1 (Romo1) levels in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and analyze its possible relationships to OSAS severity, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Additionally, we also investigated the effects of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) on serum Romo1.

One hundred and five patients diagnosed with OSAS were classified into the OSAS group, and 41 subjects without OSAS were recruited for the control group. The OSAS group was further divided into mild, moderate, and severe OSAS subgroups. Fifteen patients with moderate and severe OSAS were treated with nCPAP. Serum levels of Romo1, ROS, and CRP were also measured.

Serum Romo1, ROS, and CRP were the lowest in normal subjects and increased across OSAS severities (P < 0.05). Univariate analysis showed that serum Romo1 was positively correlated with apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), time spent below 90% oxygen saturation (Ts90%), arousal index, ROS, and CRP, and was negatively correlated with minimal oxygen saturation (miniSaO₂) (all P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that serum Romo1 level was significantly associated with AHI and ODI, after adjusting for age, gender, BMI, and CRP. After 6 months of nCPAP therapy, serum Romo1, ROS, and CRP were significantly decreased (P < 0.05).

The increase of serum Romo1 in OSAS patients was positively correlated with disease severity. Serum Romo1 may be an important parameter for monitoring the severity of OSAS and treatment efficiency.