Severe OSA May Be Associated With Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients With Nocturnal Hypertension

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Sleep Medicine
• Proteomics

Background:

• Nocturnal hypertension (NH) is a high-risk cardiovascular condition.
• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common in NH patients and linked to vascular injury.
• Molecular mechanisms connecting NH and OSA-induced vascular damage are poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore molecular mechanisms linking NH and severe OSA.
• To investigate protein alterations and endothelial dysfunction in NH patients with OSA.
• To utilize targeted proteomics and endothelial cell models.

Main Methods:

• Included adults with NH undergoing polysomnography (PSG).
• Classified participants into control (AHI <15) and severe OSA (AHI ≥30) groups, matched for key demographics and BP.
• Quantified proteins using Olink® platform and assessed endothelial integrity in cell models exposed to extracellular vesicles.

Main Results:

• 21 differentially abundant proteins were identified, enriched in cell adhesion and extracellular vesicle pathways.
• A 13-protein signature associated with OSA was linked to endothelial regulatory pathways.
• Extracellular vesicles from severe OSA patients showed a trend towards increased endothelial barrier disruption.

Conclusions:

• Severe OSA is associated with molecular alterations indicating endothelial dysfunction in NH patients.
• These findings offer preliminary mechanistic insights into the elevated cardiovascular risk.
• This may aid in refining risk stratification for NH patients with OSA.