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Decrease in immunoreactive neutral endopeptidase in uvula epithelium of patients with obstructive sleep apnea

M Zakkar1, M Sekosan, B Wenig

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago 60612-7323, USA.

The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology
|June 1, 1997
PubMed
Summary
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Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to lower levels of neutral endopeptidase (NEP) in uvula epithelial cells. This finding suggests NEP may play a role in OSA pathogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Pathology
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder characterized by repeated episodes of upper airway collapse during sleep.
  • The uvula, a key component of the upper airway, may be involved in the pathophysiology of OSA.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression levels of neutral endopeptidase (NEP) in the uvula epithelium of patients with OSA compared to controls.
  • To determine if NEP is downregulated in the uvula tissue of individuals suffering from moderate OSA.

Main Methods:

  • Tissue samples were collected from seven patients with moderate OSA undergoing uvulopharyngopalatoplasty and five control individuals via autopsy.
  • Immunoperoxidase staining with antisera to human NEP was employed to localize and quantify NEP in uvula epithelial cells.

Related Experiment Videos

  • NEP expression was assessed by counting the number of epithelial cells positive for NEP staining in defined microscopic fields.

    • Main Results:

    • Neutral endopeptidase (NEP) was detected in the uvula epithelium of both OSA patients and control subjects.
    • A significant reduction in the number of NEP-positive epithelial cells was observed in patients with OSA compared to controls (67 ± 10 vs. 261 ± 33 cells, p < .05).
    • The intensity of NEP staining did not differ significantly between the two groups.

    Conclusions:

    • Immunoreactive neutral endopeptidase (NEP) is significantly decreased in the uvula epithelium of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
    • The downregulation of NEP in the uvula may contribute to the development or progression of OSA.