Inflammatory Markers in Middle-Aged Obese Subjects: Does Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Play a Role?

• Main Authors: Paschalis Steiropoulos (Author), Nikolaos Papanas (Author), Evangelia Nena (Author), Maria Antoniadou (Author), Evangelia Serasli (Author), Sophia Papoti (Author), Olga Hatzizisi (Author), Georgios Kyriazis (Author), Argyris Tzouvelekis (Author), Efstratios Maltezos (Author), Venetia Tsara (Author), Demosthenes Bouros (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Hindawi Limited, 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

Background. Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is associated with inflammation, but obesity may be a confounding factor. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore differences in serum levels of inflammation markers between obese individuals with or without OSAS. Methods. Healthy individuals (n=61) from an outpatient obesity clinic were examined by polysomnography and blood analysis, for measurement of TNF-α, IL-6, CRP, and fibrinogen levels. According to Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), participants were divided into two BMI-matched groups: controls (AHI < 15/h, n=23) and OSAS patients (AHI ≥ 15/h, n=38). Results. OSAS patients had significantly higher TNF-α levels (P<.001) while no other difference in the examined inflammation markers was recorded between groups. Overall, TNF-α levels were correlated with neck circumference (P<.001), AHI (P=.002), and Oxygen Desaturation Index (P=.002). Conclusions. Obese OSAS patients have elevated TNF-α levels compared to BMI-matched controls, suggesting a role of OSAS in promoting inflammation, possibly mediated by TNF-a.

Item Description

0962-9351
1466-1861
10.1155/2010/675320