Association between the ADAMTS proteinases and obstructive sleep apnea

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Sleep Medicine

Background:

• A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type-1 motifs (ADAMTS) proteins are crucial for extracellular matrix remodeling.
• Dysregulation of ADAMTS proteins is implicated in various diseases.
• The specific roles of ADAMTS 2, 3, and 14 in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) remain largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between serum levels of ADAMTS 2, 3, and 14 (procollagen) and the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Main Methods:

• Eighty-six individuals suspected of OSA underwent polysomnography.
• Participants were categorized into control, mild-to-moderate OSA, and severe OSA groups based on apnea-hypopnea index (AHI).
• Serum concentrations of ADAMTS 2, 3, and 14 were quantified.

Main Results:

• Severe OSA patients exhibited significantly higher BMI and markedly lower serum levels of ADAMTS 3 compared to other groups.
• ADAMTS 3 levels showed a negative correlation with OSA severity, BMI, AHI, oxygen desaturation index (ODI), and CRP.
• ADAMTS 3 levels positively correlated with minimum SpO2.
• ADAMTS 2 and 14 levels did not differ significantly across the groups.

Conclusions:

• Serum ADAMTS 3 levels are significantly reduced in patients with severe OSA.
• The diminished ADAMTS 3 proteinase may play a role in OSA pathogenesis, potentially through impaired collagen synthesis.
• ADAMTS 3 levels are associated with OSA severity, BMI, and inflammatory markers.