Relationships between Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Treatment, and Inflammatory Cytokines

Abstract

The cardiovascular complications that frequently accompany obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) are thought to develop as a result of inflammatory stress associated with cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α. We conducted the current study to compare levels of these cytokines in OSAS patients (n = 33) and nonapneic controls (n = 24). Furthermore, we investigated the impact of a three-month regime of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α only in the OSAS patients. There were no significant differences in serum levels of either IL-6 (P = 0.782) or TNF- α (P = 0.722) or TNF-α (P = 0.722) between OSAS patients and nonapneic controls. Serum IL-6 levels correlated significantly with neck circumference in OSAS patients (P = 0.006). In OSAS patients, reduced levels of TNF-α and IL-6 correlated with increases in mean SaO2 after CPAP treatment (P = 0.020 and P = 0.051, resp.). However, neither of cytokine levels was significantly impacted by CPAP therapy (both P > 0.137). We have demonstrated that plasma cytokine levels are similar in both otherwise healthy subjects with OSAS and in nonapneic control, and we conclude that OSAS-related parameters and CPAP treatment do not play a significant role in altering cytokine levels.

Factors affecting fatigue severity in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

“…Our study targeted patients with OSA and investigated the relationship between fatigue severity and sleep related factors and identified the factors that affect fatigue severity. Some studies have demonstrated that the proinflammatory cytokines like IL‐6 and/or TNF‐alpha are elevated in disorders associated with OSA and fatigued patients . Thus this point might have relevance to linkage between OSA and fatigue in biochemical basis.…”

Does increased serum d-lactate mean subclinical hyperpermeability of intestinal barrier in middle-aged nonobese males with OSA?

“…[ 25 ] Results from previous studies on potential links between these cytokines, OSAS, and CPAP therapy, have been conflicting, possibly generated from the fact that cytokine levels are influenced by a number of factors, such as inflammatory diseases including hypertension per se, life styles such as smoking, and some medications and the difference in subjects. [ 26 ] In this study, grate care was given to match groups in terms of basic characteristics to establish the role of OSA. Thus, the limited sample size, small BMI ranges, normal blood glucose and age and potential effects of hypertension may explain the similarity on IL-6 and TNF-α in levels.…”

Inflammation in sleep apnea: An update

“…IL-6 and TNF-α levels were examined in a study of 33 OSA patients and 24 non-apneic, Body Mass Index (BMI)-matched controls as well as the impact of 3 months of CPAP therapy. At baseline, no differences in IL-6 or TNF-α were observed, nor any changes in the mean level of these cytokines with CPAP therapy [52]. Kritikou et al examined 24-hour profiles of IL-6, TNF-α receptor-1, leptin, adiponectin, hsCRP, glucose, and insulin in 77 middle-aged subjects.…”