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Cytokine production from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and polymorphonuclear leukocytes in patients studied for suspected obstructive sleep apnea

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Abstract

Purpose

The relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and atherosclerosis-related inflammation has been poorly investigated, particularly focusing on functional responses of immune cells playing a key role in atherogenesis and in comparison with control groups with similar cardiovascular risk factors which are known to be themselves associated with inflammation. We sought to determine cellular tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) production from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and interleukin (IL)-8 release from neutrophils (PMNs) in patients studied for suspected OSA.

Methods

Thirty-six consecutive patients who underwent a nocturnal complete cardiorespiratory evaluation for suspected OSA were initially evaluated. Serum, PBMCs, and PMNs were isolated (at baseline and after 12 weeks) from patients with apnea–ipopnea index (AHI) >20 (OSA group, n = 16) and from control patients with AHI <5 (nonOSA group, n = 11). All patients continued the same pharmacological therapy for 12 weeks; the OSA group was additionally treated with nocturnal continuous positive-airway-pressure ventilation (cPAP).

Results

The two groups had similar clinical characteristics (prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and cardio-metabolic therapies) except for obesity. Resting and stimulated TNF-α production from PBMCs and IL-8 release from PMNs were similar in the two groups. Serum cytokines resulted within the normal range. In the OSA group, cPAP was not associated with changes in cellular responses.

Conclusions

In patients showing similar prevalence of major cardiovascular risk factors and cardio-metabolic therapies, differing for the presence or absence of OSA, cytokine productions from PBMC and PMN were similar and were not modified during cPAP therapy. Studies designed to investigate OSA-associated inflammation should carefully match the control group subjects.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research Center on Dyslipidemia, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Insubria, Viale Borri 57, Varese, 21100, Italy

    Luigina Guasti, Franca Marino, Marco Cosentino, Lorenzo Maroni, Andrea M. Maresca, Ramona C. Maio, Luana Castiglioni, Federica Saporiti, Anna Loraschi, Giovanni Gaudio, Emanuela Laurita, Anna M. Grandi & Achille Venco

  2. Pneumology Division, Ospedale di Circolo, Varese, Italy

    Fausto Colombo & Antonella Bernasconi

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  1. Luigina Guasti
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  2. Franca Marino
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  3. Marco Cosentino
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Correspondence to Luigina Guasti.

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Guasti, L., Marino, F., Cosentino, M. et al. Cytokine production from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and polymorphonuclear leukocytes in patients studied for suspected obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep Breath 15, 3–11 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11325-009-0315-x

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