The changes of plasma TNF-α in patients with obstructive sleep hypopnea apnea syndrome

Objective To investigate the changes of plasma tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in patients with obstructive sleep hypopnea apnea syndrome(OSAHS).Methods Based on apnea hypopnea index(AHI) measured by polysomnography,48 male patients with OSAHS were divided into mild OSAHS group(L,16 cases),moderate OSAHS group(M,15 cases) and severe OSAHS group(H,17 cases). Sixteen healthy male subjects with matched age and body mass index (BMI) were selected as control group(C). Plasma TNF-α levels were measured by ELISA. Correlation of TNF-α with AHI and minimal pulse oxygen saturation(SpO2) was analyzed.Results Plasma TNF-α levels of group L,M and H were(11.49±1.32) pg/ml,(13.29±1.73) pg/ml and(14.74±2.72) pg/ml,respectively,which were all higher than those in group C [(9.29±1.74) pg/ml](P0.01).TNF-α level was increased as the severity of OSAHS increased and positively correlated to AHI (r=0.714,P0.01) but negatively correlated with miniSpO2 (r=-0.601,P0.01).ConclusionTNF-α level is significantly increased in OSAHS patients,which is associated with the severity of OSAHS.