Biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease in severe obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome in the Chinese population

Purpose Patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome are often accompanied by symptoms such as decreased cognitive function and daytime sleepiness, while cognitive function is often associated with biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, this study aims to explore the level of Alzheimer's disease biomarkers in the plasma of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome patients as well as the relationship between cognitive function and daytime sleepiness. Methods Between May and July 2019, 35 patients requiring hospitalization for severe obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome and 16 normal control patients were selected from West China Hospital. Alzheimer's disease biomarkers (A beta 40, A beta 42, t-tau, p-tau) in plasma were detected by ELISA in all 51 subjects. The differences in Alzheimer's disease biomarkers between the two groups were compared. In addition, a correlation analysis of disease-related indicators and univariate analysis of the risk factors of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome was conducted using the logistic regression model. Results The plasma levels of Alzheimer's disease biomarkers (A beta 40, t-tau, p-tau) in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome were significantly higher than those in the control group (29.24 +/- 32.52, 13.18 +/- 10.78,p = 0.049; 11.88 +/- 7.05, 7.64 +/- 4.17,p = 0.037; 26.31 +/- 14.41, 17.34 +/- 9.12,p = 0.027). A beta 42, A beta 40, t-tau, and p-tau were significantly negatively correlated with mean oxygen saturation, low oxygen saturation and Mini-Mental State examination scale scores, and positively correlated with oxygen desaturation index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores. T-tau and p-tau can be used as new risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome. Conclusion Alzheimer's disease biomarkers in the plasma of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome patients are higher than those in the control group, and the mechanism of action may be related to sleep disorders and night hypoxia. The Alzheimer's disease biomarkers deposited in plasma may also cause the decline of patients' cognitive function, increased daytime sleepiness and accelerate the progression of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome.