Assessment of the relationship between endocan and obstructive sleep apnea severity

Abstract

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and endothelial dysfunction are associated with cardiovascular risk factors and the development of atherosclerosis. Endocan is a marker of endothelial dysfunction, while obstructive sleep apnea is one of the causes of endothelial dysfunction. In this study, we investigated the relationship between endocan and obstructive sleep apnea severity. Material and methods: A total of 179 patients with snoring complaints were included. All patients underwent polysomnography, and based on the results, the participations were allocated to the control group (n = 39) or to the obstructive sleep apnea group (n = 140). The OSA group was classified as having mild (apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) = 5-15; n = 43), moderate (AHI = 15-30; n = 42), or severe OSA (AHI > 30; n = 55). All participations had their endocan levels measured. Results: Endocan levels in OSA patients were significantly higher than in the control group (11.8 (3.13-200) vs 3.13 (3.13-23) ng/ml, p < 0.001). Also, endocan levels were significantly higher in the severe OSA group than moderate and mild obstructive OSA (13.2 (3.13-200), 12.6 (3.13-200) and 8.44 (3.13-50.5) ng/ml, p = 0.015, respectively). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that smoking, age and endocan levels were independent predictors of OSA severity (p = 0.024, p = 0.037, p = 0.004, respectively). Conclusions: Endocan seems to be a potential risk stratification marker in this patient population.

Association between elevated endocan levels and obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome in Turkey and China: A meta-analysis

“…Among these 28 studies, 16 were excluded; the reasons for exclusion are listed in Figure 1. Ultimately, 12 studies [17,18,[25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34] were included in the meta-analysis.…”

“…Six studies [17,25,26,28,31,32] addressed the association between endocan levels and AHI, FMD, minimal O 2 saturation, CIMT, and BMI. Moreover, 5 studies [18,[25][26][27][28] reported serum endocan levels as an independent risk factor for OSAHS. All studies had NOS scores ≥ 5.…”

“…Five studies [18,[25][26][27][28] identified serum endocan level as an independent risk factor for OSAHS and reported adjusted ORs. Results of the meta-analysis are expressed as adjusted OR and corresponding 95% CI.…”

“…[16,17] Therefore, we hypothesized that endocan may serve as a biomarker for OSAHS, in which vascular endothelial function plays an important role. Pusuroglu et al [18] reported that individuals with OSAHS exhibited elevated serum endocan levels, which can serve as an independent predictor of OSAHS severity. Kanbay et al [17] also noted that these levels are strongly linked to the degree of vascular endothelial dysfunction and OSAHS.…”

Continuous positive airway pressure may improve hypertension in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress

“…Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is recognized as the most effective therapy for patients suffering from OSAHS [ 6 ]. However, it still needs to be clarified whether CPAP is effective in treating hypertension in patients suffering from OSAHS.…”