Increased plasma ANGPTL7 levels with increased obstructive sleep apnea severity

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Sleep Medicine
• Metabolic Surgery

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common in obese patients, with weight-loss surgery being a recommended treatment.
• While weight reduction improves OSA symptoms, the underlying biochemical mechanisms remain unclear.
• This study investigates the role of angiopoietin-like 7 (ANGPTL7) in OSA and its modulation by bariatric surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the association between ANGPTL7 levels and OSA severity.
• To examine the impact of bariatric surgery on ANGPTL7 levels in OSA patients.
• To understand the biochemical factors influencing OSA improvement post-surgery.

Main Methods:

• Quantified circulating ANGPTL7 and adipose tissue levels in 88 participants before and after bariatric surgery.
• Assessed ANGPTL7 expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue using confocal microscopy.
• Compared ANGPTL7 levels between patients with moderate-to-severe OSA and those with mild or no OSA.

Main Results:

• Circulating ANGPTL7 levels were significantly higher in patients with moderate-to-severe OSA compared to those with mild or no OSA (p=0.01).
• Increased ANGPTL7 positively correlated with apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and OSA severity (p<0.05).
• Bariatric surgery led to significant reductions in both ANGPTL7 levels and AHI.

Conclusions:

• Elevated ANGPTL7 in circulation and adipose tissue is associated with OSA severity and inflammation.
• Decreased ANGPTL7 levels post-bariatric surgery correlate with OSA improvement.
• ANGPTL7 may play a role in OSA progression or related mechanisms, offering a potential therapeutic target.