Abstract
Introduction: In Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS) the episodes of hypoxia/reoxygenation can generate reactive oxygen species and promote oxidative stress.
Aim of the study: Evaluation of possible relationships between obstructive sleep apnea and biomarkers of oxidative stress in patients with SAS.
Methods: Two Romanian groups, consisting of 29 patients diagnosed with SAS and 17 healthy controls, were recruited. All subjects underwent cardiorespiratory poligraphy. Plasma levels of homocysteine (Hcy), gluthatione reductase (GSSG-Red), gluthatione peroxidase, endothelin-1, low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and uric acid were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using Spearman and Pearson correlations tests, two tailed t-test and one-way ANOVA test.
Results: The mean values of LDL were statistically significant higher in SAS patients (p=0.05), while GSSG-Red was higher in controls (p=0.01). In the SAS group, correlations were found as follows: GSSG-Red and snoring (r=0.34; p=0.05); GSSG-Red and apneas number (r= -0.36; p=0.05); body mass index (BMI) and uric acid (r=0.43; p=0.01); ratio Hcy/BMI and HDL (r=0.52; p=0.003). With regard to the smoking status, the Hcy values were statistically significant higher in SAS smokers than SAS non-smokers (p=0.03).
Conclusions: Plasma GSSG-Red and Hcy levels may be used as possible markers to provide information related to oxidant/antioxidant status in SAS patients, making them more prone to developing proatherosclerotic disease.
- © 2011 ERS