Summary: | The purpose of this paper was to investigate the role of serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) in patients
with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and identify its clinical significance in OSAHS related
cardiovascular diseases. A total of 75 patients with OSAHS were enrolled and divided into mild (n=25), moderate
(n=27), and severe group (n=23) according to their apnea hypopnea index (AHI) and minimal oxygen saturation
(SaO2 min), respectively. Thirty healthy individuals were enrolled as normal control. Serum ADMA was measured with
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Nitric oxide (NO) level was assayed with colorimetric method. Nasal
continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) treatment was performed to the patients, and the follow up lasted for 2
months. Serum ADMA level increased with the severity of patients. Serum NO level decreased with severity of patients.
A negative correlation was noticed between serum NO and mean SaO2
(SaO2 mean) and minimal SaO2
(SaO2 min). Serum
ADMA was positively correlated with AHI, tSaO2<90%, and morbidity of cardiovascular diseases. After nCPAP therapy, the
serum ADMA level was remarkably decreased and NO was remarkably increased in patients with OSAHS. Serum ADMA
may be correlated with OSAHS and OSAHS related cardiovascular diseases. Reducing the plasma ADMA level by
nCPAP therapy can reduce the morbidity of OSAHS-related cardiovascular diseases.
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