Molecular Interactions between Gasotransmitters in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Nitric oxide (NO) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) affect vascular tone are vasoprotective. Furthermore, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), HO-1 inducer, is known to be a major effector molecule driving apneas. This study was conducted examine the molecular relationships between these gasotransmitters in patients OSA. Individuals who presented for evaluation possible OSA were recruited underwent overnight polysomnography. apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) >5 per hour (OSA diagnosis) considered cases (n = 19), while those AHI <5 6) controls. Blood samples obtained before again from prior initiating treatment. H2S, NO, levels assayed. showed lower NO H2S at baseline compared further decreased significantly time diagnosis, largely increasing trend, which observed only when subjects showing level >0.5 μM excluded. Interestingly, analysis did not show significant change baseline, confirming inverse relationship two gasotransmitters. The alterations bioavailability endogenous its interactions regulating may play role pathogenesis CVD patients.