Detective significance of serum interleukin-18 and matrix metalloproteinases-9 in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome

Objective To explore the changes of serum interleukin-18(IL-18) and matrix metalloproteinases-9(MMP-9) in obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS) patients without complications and the relation between inflammation and OSAHS.Methods All observed subjects were divided into 4 groups: control subjects,mild OSAHS,moderate OSAHS and severe OSAHS.Serum IL-18 and MMP-9 concentrations were measured and compared among 4 groups.The correlations were analyzed between the two factors and sleep-breathing parameters in OSAHS.Results ①Serum IL-18 and MMP-9 levels were higher in OSAHS patients than those in control subjects(P0.01).②Serum IL-18 and MMP-9 levels in OSAHS patients were correlated positively,and those were correlated with the sleep-breathing parameters respectively.Conclusions OSAHS may be a disease associated with inflammation,and closely relate with IL-18 and MMP-9.The inflammatory process may urge the occurrence of heart cerebrovascular disease.