Clinical efficacy and mechanism study of mid-frequency anti-snoring device in treating moderate obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome

BACKGROUND Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS)is primarily caused by airway obstruction due to narrowing and blockage in the nasal and nasopha-ryngeal,oropharyngeal,soft palate,and tongue base areas.The mid-frequency anti-snoring device is a new technology based on sublingual nerve stimulation.Its principle is to improve the degree of oropharyngeal airway stenosis in OSAHS patients under mid-frequency wave stimulation.Nevertheless,there is a lack of clinical application and imaging evidence.METHODS We selected 50 patients diagnosed with moderate OSAHS in our hospital between July 2022 and August 2023.They underwent a 4-wk treatment regimen involving the mid-frequency anti-snoring device during nighttime sleep.Following the treatment,we monitored and assessed the sleep apnea quality of life index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores.Additionally,we performed computed tomo-graphy scans of the oropharynx in the awake state,during snoring,and while using the mid-frequency anti-snoring device.Cross-sectional area measurements in different states were taken at the narrowest airway point in the soft palate posterior and retrolingual areas.RESULTS Compared to pretreatment measurements,patients exhibited a significant reduction in the apnea-hypopnea index,the percentage of time with oxygen saturation below 90%,snoring frequency,and the duration of the most prolonged apnea event.The lowest oxygen saturation showed a notable increase,and both sleep apnea quality of life index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores improved.Oropharyngeal computed tomography scans revealed that in OSAHS patients cross-sectional areas of the oropharyngeal airway in the soft palate posterior area and retrolingual area decreased during snoring compared to the awake state.Conversely,during mid-frequency anti-snoring device treatment,these areas increased compared to snoring.CONCLUSION The mid-frequency anti-snoring device demonstrates the potential to enhance various sleep parameters in patients with moderate OSAHS,thereby improving their quality of life and reducing daytime sleepiness.These therapeutic effects are attributed to the device’s ability to ameliorate the narrowing of the oropharynx in OSAHS patients.

Forced Inspiratory Flow Volume Curve in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome

Objective: Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSA) is a disease of obstructive apnea or hypopnea caused by a repeated partial or complete collapse of the upper airway during sleep. The inspiratory part of the flow-volume curve (F-V curve) can be used as an auxiliary means to evaluate upper airway obstruction in adults. This study is to evaluate the ability of the F-V curve to predict the OSA and explore inspiratory indicators related to airway obstruction during sleep. Methods: There were 332 patients included in this cross-sectional study, who were accompanied by snoring, daytime sleepiness and other symptoms, with suspicion of OSA. According to the nocturnal polysomnography, the subjects were distributed into mild to moderate OSA group, severe OSA group and non-OSA group. A pulmonary function test was used to collect the subjects’ spirometry and F-V curves. Results: There was no significant difference in a variety of indices derived from the F-V curve between OSA and normal subjects, including 25% inspiratory flow rate, middle inspiratory flow rate, 75% inspiratory flow rate, peak flow rate, and forced inspiratory flow rate in the first second. The pulmonary function parameters were significantly correlated with the weight, age and sex of the subjects. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the inspiratory curve of pulmonary function cannot evaluate the upper airway abnormalities in patients with obstructive apnea-hypopnea syndrome.

Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome immunological relationship

Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS)is a complex disorder cha-racterized by symptoms resulting from intermittent hypoxia and hypopnea,with research indicating a crucial role of immune system dysregulation and genetic variations in its pathogenesis.A recent Zhao et al study utilizes Mendelian ran-domization analysis to explore the causal relationship between immune cell characteristics and OSAHS.The study identifies specific lymphocyte subsets as-sociated with OSAHS,providing valuable insights into the disease's pathophy-siology and potential targets for therapeutic intervention.The findings underscore the significance of genetic and immunological factors in sleep disorders,offering a fresh perspective on OSAHS's complexities.Compared to existing literature,Zhao et al's study stands out for its focus on genetic markers and specific immune responses associated with OSAHS,expanding upon previous research primarily centered on systemic inflammation.In conclusion,the study represents a signi-ficant advancement in the field,shedding light on the causal role of immune cells in OSAHS and paving the way for future research and targeted treatments.

Intermittent hypoxia is involved in gut microbial dysbiosis in type 2 diabetes mellitus and obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome

BACKGROUND Obstructive sleep apnea(OSA)-hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS)has been recognized as a comorbidity of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM);more than half of T2DM patients suffer from OSAHS.Intermittent hypoxia(IH)plays an important role in metabolic diseases,such as obesity and OSAHS,through various mechanisms,including altering the gut microecological composition and function.Therefore,it is important to study the role of gut microbiota in T2DM patients with OSAHS,which has a high incidence and is prone to several complications.AIM To assess whether IH is involved in altering the fecal microbiome in T2DM patients with OSAHS.METHODS Seventy-eight participants were enrolled from Henan Province People’s Hospital and divided into healthy control(HC,n=26),T2DM(n=25),and T2DM+OSA(n=27)groups based on their conditions.The fecal bacterial DNA of the research participants was extracted and subjected to 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing.The clinical indices,such as insulin resistance index,homocysteine(HCY)concentration,and the concentrations of inflammatory factors in the peripheral blood,were assessed and recorded.RESULTS Group T2DM+OSA had the highest apnea-hypopnea index(AHI)(2.3 vs 3.7 vs 13.7),oxygen desaturation index(0.65 vs 2.2 vs 9.1),HCY concentration(9.6μmol/L vs 10.3μmol/L vs 13.81μmol/L)and C-reactive protein(CRP)concentrations(0.3 mg/L vs 1.43 mg/L vs 2.11 mg/L),and lowest mean oxygen saturation(97.05%vs 96.6%vs 94.7%)among the three groups.Twelve and fifteen key differences in amplicon sequence variants were identified when comparing group T2DM+OSA with groups T2DM and HC,respectively.We found progressively decreased levels of Faecalibacterium,Eubacterium,and Lachnospiraceae,and an increase in the level of Actinomyces,which strongly correlated with the HCY,CRP,fasting plasma glucose,and hemoglobin A1c concentrations,AHI,mean oxygen saturation,and insulin resistance index in group T2DM+OSA(P<0.05).CONCLUSION For T2DM patients with OSAHS,IH may be involved in selective alterations of the gut microbiota,which may affect the pathophysiological development of T2DM and DM-related complications.

Effect of motivational interviewing on postoperative weight control in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome

BACKGROUND Obesity is an important factor to cause the obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS).Higher body mass index(BMI)often results in more severe OSAHS.Currently,the common measures for controlling the weight mainly include diet control,increase exercise and so on.Motivational interviewing(MI)could explore the patient’s internal state and make the patient realize his/her ambivalence,resulting in the change in his/her behavior.This process emphasizes respecting the patient’s autonomy.AIM To evaluate the effect of MI on the weight control of patients with OSAHS.METHODS A randomized controlled study was conducted in 100 obese OSAHS patients undergoing surgical treatment at Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University.The patients were divided into an intervention group and a control group,with 50 cases each.The control group was given routine health education after the operation;in addition to the regular health education,the intervention group was given MI according to a predetermined plan.Obesity-related indicators,postoperative complications,and the sleep status of both groups were evaluated before and 6 mo after the intervention.RESULTS Patients in the intervention group had significantly improved body weight,BMI,and waist and neck circumferences compared with patients in the control group(P<0.05).Regarding complications at 6 mo after operation,the incidence of cough and reflux in patients in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).In addition,the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Self-Rating Scale of Sleep scores of patients in the intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group,and the sleep status of patients in the intervention group was improved(P<0.05).CONCLUSION MI intervention has a significant advantage over postoperative routine health education.It can greatly change the lifestyle,further control the postoperative weight,reduce the occurrence of complications,improve the quality of sleep,and improve long-term postoperative efficacy in OSAHS patients.

Relation between Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome and Glaucoma in a Sub-Saharan African Population

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is a frequent pathology worldwide whose main mechanism is a complete or partial obstruction of the upper airway. One of the pathophysiological mechanisms described in primary open-angle glaucoma is that hypoxia in the optic nerve progressively destroys the retinal cells leading to the onset and/or aggravation of glaucoma. The aim of the study was to evaluate the risk of OSA in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. Methodology: An analytical study was conducted from January to May 2020 at the UHC. After obtaining ethical clearance, 112 patients including 50 glaucoma patients (44.64%) and 62 in the control group were enrolled. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected from the medical records of the participants, with or without glaucoma, and a questionnaire was administered and a clinical examination performed. The STOP BANG score was used to determine the risk level of OSAHS. Statistical analyses were performed using Epi Info version 7.2. Results: A female predominance was found (60%) in the glaucoma group with a mean age of 55 ± 17 years against 49 ± 18 years in the control group. The high risk of OSAHS was more associated with glaucoma patients. In glaucoma patients, an association was found between high risk of OSAHS and snoring (OR = [1.43 - 849.53];p = 0.029) as well as insomnia (OR = [1.36 - 482.86];p = 0.030). Conclusion: High risk of OSAHS was found in participants with chronic open-angle glaucoma. Signs of OSAHS should be sought in chronic open-angle glaucoma as it may be a factor in its progression.

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.

Characteristics of glucolipid metabolism as well as atherosclerosis in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome combined with cerebral infarction

Objective:To evaluate the characteristics of glucolipid metabolism as well as atherosclerosis in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) combined with cerebral infarction.Methods:Patients who were treated in the hospital due to acute cerebral infarction between March 2015 and February 2018 were selected, and according to the combination of OSAHS, the 300 patients with cerebral infarction were divided into the cerebral infarction group A who were combined with OSAHS and the cerebral infarction group B who were not combined with OSAHS;the 100 cases of healthy volunteers who underwent physical examination in our hospital during the same period were selected as the control group. The contents of glucolipid metabolism indexes, cytokines and plaque hydrolysis molecules in serum were determined.Results: Serum F-Ins, TC, LDL-C, VE-cadherin, YKL-40, FKN, M-CSF, MCP-1, MMP9, Caspase-3, ICTP and VCAM-1 levels of cerebral infarction group A and cerebral infarction group B were significantly higher than those of control group whereas HDL-C levels were significantly lower than that of control group;serum F-Ins, TC, LDL-C, VE-cadherin, YKL-40, FKN, M-CSF, MCP-1, MMP9, Caspase-3, ICTP and VCAM-1 levels of cerebral infarction group A were significantly higher than those of cerebral infarction group B whereas HDL-C level was significantly lower than that of cerebral infarction group B.Conclusion: There are more significant glucolipid metabolism disorder and worse plaque stability in patients with OSAHS combined with cerebral infarction.

Risk factors and management countermeasures for obstructive sleep apnea hypoventilation syndrome in children

BACKGROUND Obstructive sleep apnea hypoventilation syndrome(OSAHS)in children is a sleep respiratory disorder characterized by a series of pathophysiologic changes.Statistics in recent years have demonstrated an increasing yearly incidence.AIM To investigate the risk factors for OSAHS in children and propose appropriate management measures.METHODS This study had a case–control study design.Altogether,85 children with OSAHS comprised the case group,and healthy children of the same age and sex were matched at 1:1 as the control group.Basic information,including age,sex,height,weight and family history,and medical history data of all study participants were collected.Polysomnography was used to detect at least 8 h of nocturnal sleep.All participants were clinically examined for the presence of adenoids,enlarged tonsils,sinusitis,and rhinitis.RESULTS The analysis of variance revealed that the case group had a higher proportion of factors such as adenoid grading,tonsil indexing,sinusitis,and rhinitis than the control group.CONCLUSION A regression model was established,and glandular pattern grading,tonsil indexing,sinusitis,and pharyngitis were identified as independent risk factors affecting OSAHS development.

Altered Cortical Information Interaction During Respiratory Events in Children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome

tObstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS)significantly impairs children's growth and cognition.This study aims to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying OSAHS in children,with a particular focus on the alterations in cortical information interaction during respiratory events.We analyzed sleep electroencephalography before,during,and after events,utilizing Symbolic Transfer Entropy(STE)for brain network construction and information flow assessment.The results showed a significant increase in STE after events in specific frequency bands during N2 and rapid eye movement(REM)stages,along with increased STE during N3 stage events.Moreover,a noteworthy rise in the information flow imbalance within and between hemispheres was found after events,displaying unique patterns in central sleep apnea and hypopnea.Importantly,some of these alterations were correlated with symptom severity.These findings highlight significant changes in brain region coordination and communication during respiratory events,offering novel insights into OSAHS pathophysiology in children.

Effect of nocturia in patients with different severity of obstructive sleep apnea on polysomnography: A retrospective observational study

Patients with suspected OSA were examined using PSG.They were divided into two groups based on the presence of nocturia.Nocturia was defined as a patient who needed to void at least once.Apneaehypopnea index(AHI)was employed to classify patients according to degrees of severity:AHI<5 events/h,5 events/hAHI<15 events/h,15 events/hAHI<30 events/h,and AHI30 events/h,defined as normal,mild OSA,moderate OSA,and severe OSA,respectively.Demographic variables,PSG parameters,International Prostate Symptom Scores(IPSSs),and quality of life scores due to urinary symptoms were analyzed.Results:In total 140 patients,114 patients had OSA(48 had mild OSA;34 had moderate OSA;and 32 had severe OSA)and 107 patients had nocturia.The total IPSS was significantly higher in nocturia patients in all groups except the group of severe OSA patients.With the increasing severity of OSA,more correlated factors related to nocturia were determined.In mild OSA patients,nocturia related to increased age(p=0.025),minimum arterial blood oxygenation saturation(p=0.046),and decreased AHI of non-rapid eye movement(p=0.047),AHI of total sleep time(p=0.010),and desaturation index(p=0.012).In moderate OSA patients,nocturia related to increased age(p<0.001),awake time(p=0.025),stage 1 sleep(p=0.033),and sleep latency(p=0.033),and decreased height(p=0.044),weight(p=0.025),and sleep efficiency(p=0.003).In severe OSA patients,nocturia related to increased weight(p=0.011),body mass index(p=0.009),awake time(p=0.008),stage 1 sleep(p=0.040),arousal number(p=0.030),arousal index(p=0.013),periodic limb movement number(p=0.013),and periodic limb movement index(p=0.004),and decreased baseline arterial blood oxygenation saturation(p=0.046).Conclusion:Our study revealed that there were more correlated factors related to nocturia with increasing severity of OSA.This study helps in clinical education and treatment for OSA patients with different severity.

Burdened breaths:The influence of depression on obstructive sleep apnea

Depression and metabolic syndrome could exacerbate the risks of the other,leading to a series of severe coexisting conditions.One notable comorbidity that must be mentioned is obstructive sleep apnea(OSA).Current studies suggested that depression increases susceptibility to OSA.As the prevalence of depression rises,it becomes critical to prevent and manage its complications or comorbidities,including OSA.Predictive models,non-invasive electroencephalogram moni-toring,genetic research,and other promising technologies are being applied to the prevention,diagnosis,and personalized treatment of depression and OSA.

Serum Level of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome

To explore the relationship between the serum vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） level and the severity of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome （OSAHS）, the concentrations of serum VEGF in 40 OSAHS patients and 9 healthy controls were measured by using ELISA method. Meanwhile the correlation between the concentration of VEGF and parameters of polysomnography （PSG） was examined. Our results showed that the concentrations of VEGF were significantly higher in OSAHS patients with severe hypoxia （536.8±334.7 pg/mL） than in those with mild hypoxia （329.2±174.7 pg/mL） and healthy controls （272. 8±211.0 pg/mL） （P〈0.05 for both）. The concentrations of VEGF were also significantly higher in OSAHS patients with hypertension （484.5±261.4 pg/mL） than in those without hypertension （311.0±158.4 pg/mL） and healthy controls （272. 8±211.0 pg/mL） （P〈0.05 for both）. There was a positive correlation between the concentration of VEGF and the apnea hypopnea index （AHI） （r=0.34, P〈0.05）. It is concluded that the concentration of the serum VEGF is positively related to the severity of OSAHS. The elevated serum VEGF level may be involved in the pathogenesis of the complications of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome.

Postoperative secondary aggravation of obstructive sleep apneahypopnea syndrome and hypoxemia with bilateral carotid body tumor:A case report

BACKGROUND Carotid body tumor(CBT)is a chemoreceptor tumor located in the carotid body,accounting for approximately 0.22%of head and neck tumors.Surgery is the main treatment method for the disease.CASE SUMMARY We reviewed the diagnosis and treatment of one patient who had postoperative secondary aggravation of obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS)and hypoxia after surgical resection of bilateral CBTs.This patient was admitted,and relevant laboratory and imaging examinations,and polysomnography(PSG)were performed.After the definitive diagnosis,continuous positive airway pressure(CPAP)treatment was given,which achieved good efficacy.CONCLUSION This case suggested that aggravation of OSAHS and hypoxemia is possibly caused by the postoperative complications after bilateral CBTs,and diagnosis by PSG and CPAP treatment are helpful for this patient.

Numerical analysis for the effcacy of nasal surgery in obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome

In the present study, we reconstructed upper airway and soft palate models of 3 obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome（OSAHS） patients with nasal obstruction. The airflow distribution and movement of the soft palate before and after surgery were described by a numerical simulation method. The curative effect of nasal surgery was evaluated for the three patients with OSAHS. The degree of nasal obstruction in the 3 patients was improved after surgery. For 2 patients with mild OSAHS, the upper airway resistance and soft palate displacement were reduced after surgery. These changes contributed to the mitigation of respiratory airflow limitation. For the patient with severe OSAHS, the upper airway resistance and soft palate displacement increased after surgery, which aggravated the airway obstruction. The effcacy of nasal surgery for patients with OSAHS is determined by the degree of improvement in nasal obstruction and whether the effects on the pharynx are beneficial. Numerical simulation results are consistent with the polysomnogram（PSG） test results, chief complaints, and clinical findings, and can indirectly reflect the degree of nasal patency and improvement of snoring symptoms, and further,provide a theoretical basis to solve relevant clinical problems.

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.

Relationship between brain—derived neurotrophic factor and cognitive function of obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome patients

Objective:To determine the relationship between the blood serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor（BDNF） level and cognitive function deterioration in patients with obstructive sleep apnea/ hypopnea syndrome（OSAHS）,and to explore the possible mechanism of cognitive impairment. Methods:Twenty-eight male OSAHS patients and 14 normal males（as controls） were enrolled in the study.Polysomnography and the Montreal cognitive assessment（MoCA） were conducted. The blood serum BDNF levels were measured using ELISA.Results:The OSAHS group had significantly decreased blood serum BDNF levels compared with the control group（t=-10.912, P=0.000）.The blood serum BDNF level of the subjects was significantly positively associated with the MoCA score（r=0.544,P=0.000）,significantly negatively associated with the apneahypopnea index（AHI） and shallow sleep（S1+S2）（AHI:r=-0.607,P=0.000;S1+S2:r =-0.768,P= 0.000）,and significantly positively associated with the lowest SaO2（LSO）,slow wave sleep（S3+S4）, and rapid eye movement sleep（REM）（LSO:r=0.566,P = 0.000;S3+S4:r=0.778,P=0.000;REM: r=0.575,P=0.000）.Conclusions:OSAHS patients have significantly decreased blood serum BDNF levels compared with the control.Nocturnal hypoxia as well as the deprivation of slow wave sleep and REM may lead to the decreased serum BDNF level of OSAHS patients.This decreased blood serum BDNF level may contribute to the cognitive impairment in OSAHS.

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.

The Change of Interleukin-6 and Tumor Necrosis Factor in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

The levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced interleukin 6 (IL 6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF α) expression in culture of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and the plasma levels of IL 6 and TNF α in the patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) were measured and the relationship between OSAS and IL 6 or TNF α expression studied. Both IL 6 and TNF α were detected by using ELISA in 22 patients with OSAS and 16 normal controls. The levels of LPS induced IL 6 (787.82±151.97 pg/ml) and TNF α (4165.45±1501.43 pg/ml) expression in the supernatant of the culture of PBMC and plasma level of IL 6 (50.67±4.70 pg/ml) and TNF α (299.09±43.57 pg/ml) in the patients with OSAS were significantly higher than those in the normal controls (in the supernatant of the culture of PBMC: 562.69±197.54 pg/ml and 1596.25±403.08 pg/ml respectively; in the plasma: 12.69±2.75 pg/ml and 101.88±21.27 pg/ml respectively). There were significantly positive correlation between the levels of IL 6 and TNF α and the percentage of time of apnea and hyponea, as well as the percentage of time spending at SaO 2 below 90 % in the total sleep time. It was concluded that LPS induced IL 6 and TNF α levels as well as plasma IL 6 and TNF α levels in the patients with OSAS were up regulated, which may be associated with the pathogenesis of OSAS.

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.