Correlation between endothelial dysfunction, Rho-associated protein kinase activity, C-reactive protein and obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome in male patients
L Zhang, J-H Zhuang, H Peng, J Huang, L-Q Huang, Z-X Zhao, L Zhang, J-H Zhuang, H Peng, J Huang, L-Q Huang, Z-X Zhao
Abstract
Objective: This study investigated the association between obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) and flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) activity, and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in male patients.
Methods: Consecutive patients with symptoms suggestive of OSAS were recruited and divided into non-OSAS (n = 18) and OSAS (n = 32) groups. FMD was measured in the brachial artery; blood samples were taken to measure ROCK activity and CRP concentrations.
Results: ROCK activity and CRP concentrations were significantly higher, and FMD was significantly lower, in the OSAS group than in the non-OSAS group. There was a correlation between ROCK activity and FMD. In stepwise multiple regression analyses, the proportion of sleep time spent with an oxygen saturation < 90% was a significant determinant of ROCK activity, while body mass index was the only significant determinant of CRP concentration. The oxygen desaturation index was a significant determinant of FMD.
Conclusions: OSAS increased ROCK activity and was a major determinant of endothelial dysfunction.
Source: PubMed