Enhanced release of superoxide from polymorphonuclear neutrophils in obstructive sleep apnea: Impact of continuous positive airway pressure therapy

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Free oxygen radicals have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disorders. Therefore, we aimed to test the hypothesis that increased oxidative stress constitutes one underlying mechanis...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine 2000-08, Vol.162 (2), p.566-570
Main Authors: SCHULZ, R, MAHMOUDI, S, HATTAR, K, SIBELIUS, U, OLSCHEWSKI, H, MAYER, K, SEEGER, W, GRIMMINGER, F
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Biological and medical sciences
Female
Humans
Ionophores - pharmacology
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
N-Formylmethionine Leucyl-Phenylalanine - pharmacology
Neutrophils - secretion
Pneumology
Polysomnography
Positive-Pressure Respiration
Respiratory system : syndromes and miscellaneous diseases
Sleep Apnea, Obstructive - blood
Sleep Apnea, Obstructive - therapy
Superoxides - blood
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Summary:Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Free oxygen radicals have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disorders. Therefore, we aimed to test the hypothesis that increased oxidative stress constitutes one underlying mechanism for the connection between OSA and cardiovascular disease. In 18 patients with OSA the release of superoxide from polymorphonuclear neutrophils was determined after stimulation with the bacterial tripeptide formylmethionylleucylphenylalanine (fMLP) and the calcium ionophore A23. Superoxide production was measured as superoxide dismutase-inhibitable reduction of cytochrome c. Blood samples were obtained before and after two nights of CPAP therapy and after 4.8 +/- 0.6 mo of follow-up. Ten healthy young volunteers and 10 lung cancer patients without OSA but a similar spectrum of comorbidity served as controls. Before CPAP, neutrophil superoxide generation was markedly enhanced in OSA when compared with both control groups. Effective CPAP therapy led to a rapid and long-lasting decrease of superoxide release in OSA. In conclusion, OSA is linked with a "priming" of neutrophils for enhanced respiratory burst. The increased superoxide generation, which might have major impact on the development of cardiovascular disorders, is virtually fully reversed by effective CPAP therapy.
ISSN:1073-449X
1535-4970
DOI:10.1164/ajrccm.162.2.9908091