Association between continuous positive airway pressure and circulating omentin levels in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea

Purpose

Inflammation and oxidative stress play important roles in the pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS). Omentin is expressed in visceral adipose tissue and is associated with the inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between OSAS and omentin based on a comparison of its serum levels at baseline and after 3 months of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.

Methods

Ninety-six newly diagnosed OSAS patients and 31 non-apnoeic controls were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were obtained in the morning after polysomnography. Within the OSAS group, 30 patients were started on CPAP therapy and then reassessed clinically, including a blood test for serum omentin and other biochemical analysis, at 3 months.

Results

Serum omentin levels were significantly lower in the OSAS group than in the control group (27.7?±?7.6 and 42.5?±?5.2 ng/mL, P?P?2, oxygen desaturation index, and serum C-reactive protein levels. Treatment with CPAP resulted in a significant increase in circulating omentin levels after 3 months, from 22.7?±?1.4 to 41.2?±?3.3 ng/mL (P?

Conclusions

OSAS is associated with low serum omentin levels, and these levels can be reversed by effective CPAP treatment.