Causal role of immune cells in obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome:Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND Despite being one of the most prevalent sleep disorders,obstructive sleep apnea hypoventilation syndrome(OSAHS)has limited information on its immunologic foundation.The immunological underpinnings of certain major psychiatric diseases have been uncovered in recent years thanks to the extensive use of genome-wide association studies(GWAS)and genotyping techniques using highdensity genetic markers(e.g.,SNP or CNVs).But this tactic hasn't yet been applied to OSAHS.Using a Mendelian randomization analysis,we analyzed the causal link between immune cells and the illness in order to comprehend the immunological bases of OSAHS.AIM To investigate the immune cells'association with OSAHS via genetic methods,guiding future clinical research.METHODS A comprehensive two-sample mendelian randomization study was conducted to investigate the causal relationship between immune cell characteristics and OSAHS.Summary statistics for each immune cell feature were obtained from the GWAS catalog.Information on 731 immune cell properties,such as morphologic parameters,median fluorescence intensity,absolute cellular,and relative cellular,was compiled using publicly available genetic databases.The results'robustness,heterogeneity,and horizontal pleiotropy were confirmed using extensive sensitivity examination.RESULTS Following false discovery rate(FDR)correction,no statistically significant effect of OSAHS on immunophenotypes was observed.However,two lymphocyte subsets were found to have a significant association with the risk of OSAHS:Basophil%CD33dim HLA DR-CD66b-(OR=1.03,95%CI=1.01-1.03,P<0.001);CD38 on IgD+CD24-B cell(OR=1.04,95%CI=1.02-1.04,P=0.019).CONCLUSION This study shows a strong link between immune cells and OSAHS through a gene approach,thus offering direction for potential future medical research.

Investigation on Risk Factors of Cerebrocardiac Vascular Thrombotic Diseases in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome

Objective: To observe the risk factors of thrombosis in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).Methods: From February 2001 to April 2003, 24 patients with moderate and severe OSAHS (OSAHS group) and 19 healthy adults (control group) were recruited. Their blood samples were drawn at 6∶00 and 16∶00 respectively for testing hemocrit, platelet aggregation (PAG), whole blood viscosity (WBV), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), plasma fibrinogen (Fng) and endothelin (ET).Results: There was a significantly higher hemocrit, WBV, Fng and ET as well as a significant shortening of PT and APTT at 6∶00 than that at 16∶00 in OSAHS group. However, there was no significant difference in all testing items between 6∶00 and 16∶00 in control group. The hemocrit, WBV, PAG, plasma Fng and ET were significantly higher, and PT and APTT were obviously shorter at 6∶00 in OSAHS group than those at 6∶00 in control group. A higher hemocrit, PAG, plasma Fng and ET, a longer PT and APTT were observed at 16∶00 in OSAHS group, compared with those at 16∶00 in control group.Conclusion: In OSAHS patients there were striking risk factors of thrombosis, which is more remarkable in the early morning than in the afternoon.

Detection of cognitive impairment in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome using mismatch negativity

In this experiment, 97 patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome were divided into three groups （mild, moderate, severe） according to minimum oxygen saturation, and 35 healthy subjects were examined as controls. Cognitive function was determined using the mismatch negativity paradigm and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. The results revealed that as the disease worsened, the mismatch negativity latency was gradually extended, and the amplitude gradually declined in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome. Importantly, mismatch negativity latency in severe patients with a persistent time of minimum oxygen saturation 〈 60 seconds was significantly shorter than that with a persistent time of minimum oxygen saturation 〉 60 seconds. Correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between minimum oxygen saturation latency and Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores. These findings indicate that intermittent night-time hypoxemia affects mismatch negativity waveforms and Montrea Cognitive Assessment scores. As indicators for detecting the cognitive functional status of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome patients, the sensitivity of mismatch negativity is 82.93%, the specificity is 73.33%, the accuracy rate is 81.52%, the positive predictive value is 85.00%, the negative predictive value is 70.21%, the positive likelihood ratio is 3, and the negative likelihood ratio is 0.23. These results indicate that mismatch negativity can be used as an effective tool for diagnosis of cognitive dysfunction in obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome patients.

Clinical observation of soft palate-pharyngoplasty in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome in children

BACKGROUND Childhood obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS)is a common clinical disease that can cause serious complications if not treated in time.The preferred treatment for OSAHS in children is surgery.AIM To observe the effects of soft palate-pharyngoplasty on postoperative outcome,pharyngeal formation,and possible complications.METHODS A total of 150 children with snoring,hernia,and mouth breathing were selected.A polysomnography test was performed to confirm the diagnosis of OSAHS.The children were randomly divided into experimental and control groups.The experimental group underwent adenoidectomy,tonsillectomy,and soft palatepharyngoplasty.The control group underwent adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy.The t-test and chi-square test were used to compare conditions such as postoperative fever,postoperative hemorrhage,and pharyngeal reflux.Postoperative efficacy and complications were interrogated and observed in the form of outpatient follow-up and telephone follow-up at 6 mo and 1 year after surgery.The curative effects were divided into two groups:Cure(snoring,snoring symptoms disappeared)and non-cure.RESULTS The effective rate of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group,but the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).The incidence of postoperative bleeding was lower in the experimental group.There was no postoperative pharyngeal reflux in either group.In the experimental group,the incidence of hyperthermia(body temperature exceeded 38.5°C)was lower than that in the control group.The difference in postoperative swallowing pain scores between the experimental and control groups was significant.CONCLUSION Soft palate-pharyngoplasty can more effectively enlarge the anteroposterior diameter and transverse diameter of the isthmus faucium.Compared with surgery alone,it can better treat OSAHS in children,improve the curative effect,reduce the risk of perioperative bleeding,close the surgical cavity,reduce the risk of postoperative infection,reduce the proportion of postoperative fever,and accelerate healing.Although this process takes more time,it is simple,safe,and effective.

Correlation of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome with metabolic syndrome in snorers

Though obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome（OSAHS） and metabolic syndrome（MS） are correlated;the contributing factors for the occurrence of MS in Chinese snorers remain largely undefined.We aimed to investigate the associated pathogenesis of coexistence of OSAHS and MS in Chinese snorers.A total of 144 Chinese habitual snorers were divided into 3 groups,the control group（simple snorers）（n = 36）,the mild OSAHS group（n= 52）and the moderate-to-severe OSAHS group（n = 56）.The incidence of MS in the moderate-to-severe OSAHS group（26.8%） was significantly higher than that in the control group（8.3%）,the mild OSAHS group（11.1%） and all the OSAHS patients（19.45%）（all P 〈 0.05）.Homeostatic model assessment（HOMA） index and proinsulin（PI） were negatively correlated with nocturnal meanSpO2 and miniSpO2.Meanwhile,nocturnal SpO2 were negatively correlated with body mass index,waist and neck circumferences and diastolic blood pressure,but positively correlated with total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.The study indicated that in Chinese snorers,moderate-to-severe OSAHS was closely associated with MS via nocturnal hypoxemia.

Relationship between obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome and cardiovascular disorders in adult snorers

Objective：To investigate the relationship between sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome（OSAHS） and some cardiovascular disorders in adult habitual snorers as well as the effectiveness of nasal continuous positive airway pressure（NCPAP） on those with OSAHS. Methods： With the use of polysomnography, 262 adult habitual snorers were examined and divided into the OSAHS group and the Non-OSAHS group （control）. Using ambulatory electrocardiogram and blood pressure measurement, daily nocturnal rhythm of blood pressure, hypertension, heart rate variability, some arrythmias and angina pectoris of coronary heart disease were monitored and compared between the two groups, before and after 14 days of treatment with NCPAP in the OSAHS group. Results.This study indicated a higher incidence （39.6%） of OSAHS in adult snorers and demonstrated that there was a significantly higher incidence of hypertension, disappearance of the daily nocturnal rhythm of blood pressure, poor effectiveness of nitrate on angina pectoris of coronary heart disease, decreased heart rate variability during sleep, increased arrythmias and lower SpO2 levels in the OSAHS group than in the Non-OSAHS group. After NCPAP treatment during sleep, snoring control, significantly higher SpO2 and lower apnea hypopnea indices were achieved in the OSAHS group; heart rate variability and daily nocturnal rhythm of blood pressure returned to normal levels. Conclusion：The results of this research suggested that there was a close relationship between the development of OSAHS and some cardiovascular disorders. Furthermore, NCPAP treatment was effective not only on OSAHS but also on coexisting cardiovascular disorders.

The Clinical effect of the Acupuncture treatment on the Patients with Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome combined with Hypertension

Objective:To research the effect of conventional treatment(Gingko biloba extract(GBE)+continuous positive airway pressure(CPAP)ventilation)combined with acupuncture on the changes of blood pressure,respiratory efficiency,oxidative index,and clinical effect in patients with OSAHS combined with hypertension.Method Selecting 80 patients with OSAHS combined with hypertension,then they were randomly divided into observation group(n=40)and control group(n=40).The patients in the control group were given conventional drug therapy(GBE)and rehabilitation and CPAP,and the observation group were given acupuncture on this basic,they were treated 14 days.The primary endpoints were the changes from baseline to day 14 in blood pressure;the secondary endpoints were changes from baseline to day 14 in the respiratory efficiency(PSG);the tertiary endpoints were changes from baseline to day 14 in the oxidative related substances(SOD,GSH-Px,ROS,and MDA).Results After 14-day treatment,the respiratory efficiency index were better than pretherapy(p<0.05),and the observation group were better than control group(p<0.05);the blood pressure were lower than pretherapy(p<0.05),and the observation group were lower than control group(p<0.05);the ROS and MDA were lower than pretherapy(p<0.05),and the observation group were lower than control group(p<0.05);the SOD,GSH-Px were higher than pretherapy(p<0.05),and the observation group were higher than control group(p<0.05);the clinical effect of hypotensive in the observation group were better control group(p<0.05).Conclusion 14-day treatment of conventional treatment combined with acupuncture can improve the imbalance of oxidation and antioxidation and blood pressure.

Clinical analysis of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome in children

A case of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS)in the Department of Otolaryngology of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical School was collected.The incidence of this disease is high,which seriously threatens the physical and mental health of children,but it has not been paid enough attention by medical workers and parents.We hope we can make early discovery and treatment,relieve upper airway obstruction factors,prevent and treat complications for children with OSAHS through the case analysis,so as to improve their quality of life.

Association of adiponectin genotype polymorphisms at positions 45 and 276 with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome

Objective： To investigate the relationship between adiponectin genotype polymorphisms and obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome （OSAHS）. Methods： Using the TaqMan polymerase chain reaction（PCR） method, the single nucleotide polymorphisms（SNP） at positions 45 and 276 in the adiponectin gene were determined in Chinese of the Han nationality in the Nanjing district. The OSAHS group consisted of 78 patients, and the control group contained 40 subjects. The association of adiponectin genotype polymorphisms at positions 45 and 276 with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome was analyzed. Results： No evidence of a direct association was found between OSAHS and adiponectin genotype SNP at positions 45 and 276（P〉 0.05）. However, compared with those OSAHS patients having G/T＋T/T genotype at position 276, the OSAHS patients with the G/G genotype showed a greater neck circumference（NC）, a prolonged duration of the longest apnea event, and elevated levels of blood cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol（P 〈 0.05）. Conclusion： No direct association was detected between OSAHS and adiponectin genotype distribution at positions 45 and 276 in Chinese of Han nationality in the Nanjing district. However, OSAHS patients with the adiponectin G/G genotype at position 276 had a larger NC and the longest apnea event compared to those having the adiponectin SNP276 G/T ＋T/T genotype. This may have an indirect influence on the development of OSAHS,

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome as a Reason for Active Management of Pulmonary Embolism

Background：Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome （OSAHS） constitutes an independent factor for high warfarin dose for patients with pulmonary embolism （PE）.The aim of this study was to investigate whether the 6-month anticoagulation treatment by warfarin is enough for patients with PE complicated by OSAHS.Methods：We investigated 97 PE patients,32 of them had OSAHS and 65 non-OSAHS.Warfarin was administered for 6-month if no abnormal circumstances occurred.All patients were followed up for 18 months.Adverse events （AE） included death,major bleeding,hospitalization due to heart failure or pulmonary hypertension,and recurrence or aggravation of PE （including deep vein thrombosis）.Recurrence rate of PE after warfarin cessation was compared between the two groups.Results：OSAHS patients required a significantly higher dose of warfarin than their non-OSAHS counterparts （4.73 mg vs.3.61 mg,P 〈 0.001）.During warfarin treatment,no major bleeding and aggravation of PE occurred among OSAHS patients,and the rates of various AE were not significantly different between the OSAHS and non-OSAHS groups.PE recurrence was higher in OSAHS than non-OSAHS groups after withdrawal of warfarin （21.43% vs.6.78%,P =0.047）.Compared with non-OSAHS patients,OSAHS group had lower international normalized ratio （INR） value but higher plasminogen on baseline and INR resumed to a relatively low level after warfarin discontinuation.Conclusions：OSAHS patients may present with hypercoagulation and relatively high-risk of recurrence of PE after cessation of 6-month warfarin treatment.

Correlation of Epworth Sleepiness Scale with multiple sleep latency test and its diagnostic accuracy in assessing excessive daytime sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome

Background Excessive daytime sleepiness （EDS） is often associated with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome （OSAHS） and contributes to a number of comorbidities in these patients. Therefore, early detection of EDS is critical in disease management. We examined the association between Epworth Sleepiness Scale （ESS） and multiple sleep latency test （MSLT） and diagnostic accuracy of ESS in assessing EDS in OSAHS patients. Methods The ESS, MSLT and overnight polysomnography were administered to 107 Chinese patients to assess EDS and its correlations with polysomnographic parameters. The diagnostic accuracy of ESS in classifying EDS （mean sleep latency （MSL） 〈10 minutes） was evaluated by calculating the area under ROC curve. Results As the severity of OSAHS increased, MSL decreased with increase in ESS score. Conversely, patients with worsening EDS （shorter MSL） were characterized by advanced nocturnal hypoxaemia and sleep disruption compared to those with normal MSL, suggesting EDS is associated with more severe OSAHS. There was a negative correlation between ESS score and MSL and both moderately correlated with some polysomnographic nocturnal hypoxaemic parameters. The area under ROC curve of ESS for identifying EDS was 0.80 （95% CI： 0.71 to 0.88） and ESS score 〉12 provided the best predictive value with a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 69%. Conclusion The ESS score moderately correlates with MSL and our ROC study supports ESS as a screening strategy for assessing EDS in OSAHS.

STOP-Bang questionnaire is superior to Epworth sleepiness scales,Berlin questionnaire, and STOP questionnaire in screening obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome patients

Background Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome （OSAHS） is underdiagnosed.Screening patients at high risk of OSAHS is extremely important.Using the standard questionnaire to screen OSAHS is a practical method.This study aimed to evaluate the value of the STOP-Bang questionnaire （SBQ） in screening OSAHS in sleep-disordered breathing clinic by comparing it with the Epworth sleepiness scales （ESS）,Berlin questionnaire,and STOP questionnaire.Methods In this study,212 patients at the sleep-disordered breathing clinic of the Peking Union Medical College Hospital between May 2011 and January 2012 were prospectively included.They were asked to fill in the SBQ,ESS,Berlin questionnaire,and STOP questionnaire before overnight polysomnography （PSG）.Using PSG as gold standard,the sensitivities and specificities of SBQ were compared with those of ESS,Berlin questionnaire,and STOP questionnaire.Results There was no significance in applying ESS score ≥11 to screen OSAHS and detect moderate and severe OSAHS （P ＞0.05）.SBQ was superior to Berlin questionnaire and STOP questionnaire in screening OSAHS and detecting the severity of OSAHS patients.The sensitivities of SBQ score ≥3 with apnea hypopnea index （AHI） ≥5/h,AHI ≥15/h,and AHI ≥30/h as gold standards were 94.9％,96.5％,and 97.7％,respectively.The specificities were 50.0％,28.6％,and 17.9％,respectively.The area upper curves were 0.815 （0.706-0.925,P ＜0.01）,0.746 （0.665-0.828,P ＜0.01）,and 0.751 （0.686-0.817,P ＜0.01）,respectively.According to SBQ,the population was classified into high-risk group and low-risk group.The gender,BMI,neck circumference,AHI,LSpO2,and number of subjects ofAHI ≥5/h,AHI ≥15/h,and AHI ≥30/h of these two groups were significantly different.Conclusions The SBQ has superior predictive value compared with ESS,Berlin questionnaire,and STOP questionnaire.It should be used further in screening for OSAHS in the general population.

Value of STOP-Bang questionnaire in screening patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome in sleep disordered breathing clinic

Background Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome （OSAHS） is the most common sleep-disordered breathing and is still underdiagnosed.This study was designed to evaluate the value of the STOP-Bang questionnaire （SBQ） in screening OSAHS in sleep-disordered breathing clinics in order to extend it into the general Chinese population.Methods Two hundred and twelve patients undergoing overnight polysomnography （PSG） in the sleep-disordered breathing clinic of Pecking Union Medical College Hospital between May 2011 and January 2012 were prospectively included and were asked to fill in the SBQ.A score of 3 or more of the SBQ indicated a high risk of OSAHS.We analyzed the sensitivities and specificities of SBQ in screening OSAHS.Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the probabilities of the severity of OSAHS based upon the apnea hypopnea index （AHI）.Results The patients at high risk of OSAHS had higher AHI,higher oxygen desaturation index （ODI）,lower pulse oxygen saturation （LSpO2） during sleep time and less sleep time in stage N3.SBQ scores were positively correlated with AHI,ODI and the ratio of SpO2 lower than 90％,and negatively correlated with LSpO2 during sleep.The sensitivities of the SBQ with AHI ≥5/h,AHI ≥15/h,AHI ≥30/h as cut-offs were 94.9％,96.5％,and 97.7％,respectively,and the specificities were 50.0％,28.6％,and 17.9％,respectively.The Logistic regression analysis showed the probability of severe OSAHS increased and the probability of normal subjects decreased with increasing SBQ score.Conclusions The STOP-Bang questionnaire has excellent sensitivity in screening OSAHS patients and can predict the severity of OSAHS.More studies will be required to determine the value of SBQ in the general Chinese population.

Serum adiponectin level in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome

Abstract Background Adiponectin, secreted by adipocytes, has been found to be associated with diabetes, obesity and some cardiovascular diseases. Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is also closely related to obesity and easily complicated with diabetes and some cardiovascular diseases. This study was carried out to explore the change of serum adiponectin level in patients with OSAHS.Methods Polysomnography was performed in 71 patients with OSAHS (OSAHS group) and 26 simple obese controls (control group). The two groups had no significant difference in age and body mass index (BMI). Radioimmunoassy was used to test serum adiponectin level.Results Serum adiponectin level was significantly lower in OSAHS group [(5.03±1.01) mg/L] than that in the control group [(7.09±1.29) mg/L, P<0.05]. The differences between two groups were independent of gender. In OSAHS groups, serum adiponectin levels were negatively correlated with apnea hypopnea index (AHI) (r=-0.78, P<0.01), BMI (r=-0.13, P<0.05), waist circumsference (r=-0.36, P<0.01), and neck circumference (r=-0.42, P<0.01), but positively correlated with the minimal pulse oxyhemoglobin saturation (r=0.48, P<0.01). Conclusion OSAHS may contribute to the decrease of serum adiponectin level independent of obesity.

Effect of continuous positive airway pressure treatment on vascular endothelial function in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome and coronary artery disease

Background Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment has been proven to be effective in improving the symptoms of coexisting coronary heart disease (CHD) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). However,it is still unclear whether such improvements are linked to changes in vascular endothelial function. This research was carried out to investigate the effects of CPAP treatment on vascular endothelial function in patients with OSAHS and CHD.Methods Thirty-six patients with moderate or severe OSAHS and CHD undergoing three months of CPAP treatment were recruited for this study. The changes in their morning plasma nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin (ET) levels,NO/ET ratio,total ischemic burden (TIB) of the myocardium,apnea hypopnea index (AHI),and minimal and mean pulse oxygen saturation (SpO_2) were compared and analyzed before and during CPAP treatment. Results Compared with the plasma levels of ET [(51.39±11.69) ng/L] and NO [(36.67±11.86) μmol/L],NO/ET (0.71±0.14),AHI (32.4±7.9),minimal SpO_2 [(68.9±11.4)%],and myocardial TIB [(66.29±16.37) mm·min] before treatment,there were significant decreases in ET [(33.41±10.03) ng/L] ( P <0.05),increases in NO [(59.89±10.26) μmol/L] and NO/ET (1.79±0.38) ( P <0.01),decreases in AHI (1.9±0.5),and increases in minimal SpO_2 [(90.6±1.8) %] (all P <0.01) and myocardial TIB [(36.42±10.87) mm·min] ( P <0.05) after three months of CPAP treatment.Conclusion CPAP treatment may play an important role in the improvement and protection of vascular endothelial dysfunction and myocardial ischemia in OSAHS patients with CHD.

Factors influencing glucose metabolism in young obese subjects with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome

Objective To explore the factors influencing glucose metabolism in young obese subjects with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS).Methods A total of 106 young obese subjects[18-44 years old,body mass index(BMI)≥30 kg/m^2]were enrolled and divided into two groups based on full-night polysomnography(PSG),OSAHS group[apnea hypopnea index(AHI)

Association between Serum Homocysteine and Oxidative Stress in Elderly Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea/hypopnea Syndrome

Objective Elderly patients with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome （OSAHS） has a higher risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. However, changes of homocysteine （Hey） as markers of cardiovascular and eerebrovascular disease associated with OSAHS and their mechanism have not been elucidated so far. This study aims to investigate the changes of both serum Hcy and oxidative stress and their possible links with OSAHS in elderly patients. Methods Based on polysomnogram （PSG） and age, 83 patients with OSAHS were recruited and divided into elderly-OSAHS （n=32） and non-elderly OSAHS groups （n=51）. Fifty two subjects without OSAHS were divided into elderly control （n=29） and non-elderly control groups （n-23）. A total of 135 subjects were included in the present study. All subjects were recorded for PSG variables and the contents of homocysteine （Hcy）, malonaldehyde （MDA）, and glutathione （GSH） which were detected after sleep. Serum homocysteine was measured by cyclophorase. MDA and GSH were measured by speetrophotometer. Results （1） The serum levels of Hcy showed significant difference among the four groups （P〈0.05）. The concentrations of Hcy in elderly OSAHS patients were higher than in other groups, while those in the elderly control group were higher than in the non-elderly control; the concentrations in the non-elderly OSAHS group were higher than in the non-elderly control. （2） The concentrations of MDA and GSH changed at an equal pace with Hcy in the four groups. （3） Multielement linearity regression analysis indicated a statistically significant relationship between Hcy concentration and age, MDA, GSH, and apnea hypopnea index （AHI）. Conclusions （1） The concentrations of Hcy and oxidative stress have increased with advancing age. （2） The concentrations of Hcy and oxidative stress have further increased in the elderly patients with OSAHS. （3） Oxidative stress might cause high-level serum Hcy in the elderly patients with OSAHS.

Evaluation of Airway Obstruction at Soft Palate Level in Male Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome:Dynamic 3-Dimensional CT Imaging of Upper Airway

This study examined the dynamic characteristics of upper airway collapse at soft palate level in patients with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome（OSAHS） by using dynamic 3-Dimensional（3-D） CT imaging.A total of 41 male patients who presented with 2 of the following symptoms,i.e.,daytime sleepiness and fatigue,frequent snoring,and apnea with witness,were diagnosed as having OSAHS.They underwent full-night polysomnography and then dynamic 3-D CT imaging of the upper airway during quiet breathing and in Muller＇s maneuver.The soft palate length（SPL）,the minimal cross-sectional area of the retropalatal region（mXSA-RP）,and the vertical distance from the hard palate to the upper posterior part of the hyoid（hhL） were compared between the two breathing states.These parameters,together with hard palate length（HPL）,were also compared between mild/moderate and severe OSAHS groups.Association of these parameters with the severity of OSAHS [as reflected by apnea hypopnea index（AHI） and the lowest saturation of blood oxygen（LSaO2）] was examined.The results showed that 31 patients had severe OSAHS,and 10 mild/moderate OSAHS.All the patients had airway obstruction at soft palate level.mXSA-RP was significantly decreased and SPL remarkably increased during Muller＇s maneuver as compared with the quiet breathing state.There were no significant differences in these airway parameters（except the position of the hyoid bone） between severe and mild/moderate OSAHS groups.And no significant correlation between these airway parameters and the severity of OSAHS was found.The position of hyoid was lower in the severe OSAHS group than in the mild/moderate OSAHS group.The patients in group with body mass index（BMI）≥26 had higher collapse ratio of mXSA-RP,greater neck circumference and smaller mXSA-RP in the Muller＇s maneuver than those in group with BMI26（P0.05 for all）.It was concluded that dynamic 3-D CT imaging could dynamically show the upper airway changes at soft palate level in OSAHS patients.All the OSAHS patients had airway obstruction of various degrees at soft palate level.But no correlation was observed between the airway change at soft palate level and the severity of OSAHS.The patients in group with BMI≥26 were more likely to develop airway obstruction at soft palate level than those with BMI26.

A preliminary study on correlation between adiponectin genotype polymorphisms and obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome

Background Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome （OSAHS） is regarded as a disease with strong genetic background and associated with hypoadiponectinemia. It is worthwhile to investigate the possible correlation between the single nucleotide polymorphisms （SNPs） in the adiponectin gene and OSAHS. Methods With the TaqMan polymerase chain reaction （PCR） method, the SNPs at positions 45 and 276 in the adiponectin gene were determined in Chinese of Han nationality in Nanjing district consisting of 103 OSAHS patients （OSAHS group） and 67 normal controls （control group）. The association of adiponectin genotype polymorphisms at positions 45 and 276 with OSAHS was analyzed. Results No evidence of a direct association was found between OSAHS and adiponectin genotype SNP at positions 45 and 276 （P 〉0.05）. However, compared with those OSAHS patients having G/T＋T/T genotype at position 276, the OSAHS patients with GIG genotype showed a longer neck circumference, a prolonged duration of the longest apnea event, and an elevated level of blood cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （P 〈0.05）. Conclusions No direct association was suggested between OSAHS and adiponectin genotype distribution at positions 45 and 276 in Chinese of Han nationality in Nanjing district. However, in OSAHS patients, those with adiponectin G/G genotype at position 276, seemed to have a higher potential dsk in development of OSAHS than those having adiponectin SNP276 G/T ＋T/T genotype.

USE OF PULSE TRANSIT TIME AS A MEASURE OF AUTONOMIC AROUSALS IN PATIENTS WITH OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of pulse transit time (PTT) arousals as an index of sleep fragmentation in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Methods Individuals referred for evaluation of possible OSAHS underwent overnight polysomnography (PSG). Three conventional indices of sleep fragmentation [electroencephalography (EEG) arousals, apnea/hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI)], PTT arousals, and Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) were compared. Results PTT arousals were positively correlated with EEG arousals (r= 0.746, P<0.001), AHI (r= 0.786, P<0.001), and ODI (r= 0.665, P<0.001), respectively. But, both PTT arousals and EEG arousals had no correlation with ESS (r= 0.432, P=0.201; r= 0.196, P=0.591, respectively). Conclusion PTT arousals are correlated well with other standard measures estimating severity of OSAHS and potentially a non-invasive marker with which to measure the sleep fragmentation in patients with OSAHS.