Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 predicted cardiovascular disease in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). As a new inflammatory biomarker of CVD, rare attention has been paid to the roles of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase (Lp-PLA2) in OSAS studies. In this study, we aimed to investigate the correlation between Lp-PLA2 and concomitant CVD in OSAS patients. Methods: In this prospective study, 152 OSAS patients were further divided into mild, moderate, and severe OSAS subgroups. They presented heart failure, coronary artery disease, or arrhythmia were confirmed with CVD. Thirty-one subjects without OSAS were recruited for the control group. The relationship between Lp-PLA2 and concomitant CVD in OSAS patients was analyzed. Results: Serum Lp-PLA2 values were significantly higher in the severe and moderate OSAS group compared with mild OSAS and OSAS negative groups (P = 0.025). Significant increase was noticed in serum Lp-PLA2 levels in CVD patients compared with those without in severe-moderate-mild OSAS (P < 0.05). In logistic regression analysis, the level of Lp-PLA2 was proved as a significant independent predictor for CVD (OR = 1.117, P = 0.008). The ROC analysis indicated that the best cut-off value of Lp-PLA2 for predicting CVD in OSAS patients was 238.09 ng/ml. The positive and negative predictive values were 72.5% and 70.5%, respectively. The sensitivity was 46.8% and the specificity was 87.8%. Conclusions: Lp-PLA2 might be associated with the severity of OSAS and the occurrence of CVD in OSAS patients. Lp-PLA2 is expected to be a promising biomarker candidate in predicting CVD in patients with OSAS due to test convenience.