Increasing circulating ESM-1 and adhesion molecules are associated with earlystage atherosclerosis in OSA patients:A cross-sectional study

• DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2022.06.015
• Publication Date: 2022-06-23T16:14:52Z
• Authors: Haili Sun; Yunhui Du; Lichuan Zhang; Huahui Yu; Xiaolu Jiao; Qianwen Lv; Fan Li; Yu Wang; Qiuju Sun; Chaowei Hu; Linyi Li; Huina Zhang; Zhiyong Du; Yanwen Qin
• Keywords: Sleep Apnea, Obstructive; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1; Atherosclerosis; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1; Carotid Intima-Media Thickness; Neoplasm Proteins; P-Selectin; 03 medical and health sciences; Cross-Sectional Studies; 0302 clinical medicine; Humans; Proteoglycans; L-Selectin; E-Selectin

There are increasing evidences for a direct relationship between the vascular system and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between circulating endothelial cell specific molecule-1 (ESM-1), adhesion molecules and subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with OSA.This was a cross-sectional study in which 161 patients with OSA and 56 controls were recruited. Demographic data, biochemical and polysomnography parameters were collected. We used a powerful high-throughput Multiplex Immunobead Assay technique to simultaneously test plasm levels of ESM-1, P-selectin, E-selectin, L-selectin, inter-cellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1). Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) were measured as parameters of vascular endothelial dysfunction and early atherosclerosis.Increasing circulating levels of ESM-1, P-selectin, E-selectin, L-selectin, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were found increased in patients with OSA (all P < 0.001). Furthermore, OSA patients exhibited increased CIMT than controls (P < 0.05). Multivariate linear analysis indicated that elevated ESM-1, P-Selectin, E-selectin, and L-selectin levels were associated with AHI (all P < 0.05). Moreover, multivariate analysis showed that increasing ESM-1, VCAM-1, P-Selectin, and L-selectin were significantly associated with thick CIMT in OSA patients (all P < 0.05).Increased circulating ESM-1 and adhesion molecules associated with thick CIMT in OSA, which is a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis. Strict attention to monitor circulating ESM-1 and adhesion molecules is necessary for early detection of subclinical atherosclerosis in OSA patients.