Effects of somatotropic axis on cognitive dysfunction of obstructive sleep apnea

Purpose

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with a variety of neuroendocrine disorders and may lead to many complications, including cognitive dysfunction. The aim of this study was to assess the change of somatotropic axis and to detect the relation between somatotropic axis hormone and cognitive dysfunction.

Methods

Sixty-six patients with OSA and 16 healthy controls were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Cognitive function assessment using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and polysomnography were performed on all individuals. Blood samples were taken the next morning following the polysomnography and the level of serum growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and growth hormone (GH) were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Compared with the control group, OSA patients showed significantly lower serum GH level (p?Conclusion

Decreased serum GH and GHRH levels were found among severe OSA patients with cognitive dysfunction who were overweight, which might promote the occurrence of cognitive dysfunction.