The effect of antihypertensive therapy and CPAP therapy on inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction markers levels in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in association with arterial hypertension

Objective. To evaluate the effect of antihypertensive therapy (AHT) and CPAP therapy on inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction markers levels in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome in association with arterial hypertension (AH). Materials and methods. The study included 43 male patients with severe OSA syndrome (Apnea–Hypopnea Index 52.4 [46.1; 58.6]) and AH (systolic blood pressure 144.0 [142.0; 156.0] mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure 90.9 [88.3; 93.5] mm Hg). Treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, calcium antagonists, and thiazide-like diuretics was performed till target BP level measured with Korotkoff method was achieved. The patients who had reached target BP level (BP≤140/90 mm Hg) were randomized into two groups: group 1 included 23 patients who continued taking the AHT, group 2 included 22 patients who continued taking the AHT to which CPAP therapy was added. Peripheral blood lymphocyte immunophenotyping, cytokine panel test (IL-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor a, IL-2Ra, sCD40L), adhesion molecule analysis (ICAM-1, VCAM-1), thromboxane B2, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto-PGF1a), and endothelin-1 levels in blood serum were evaluated at admission, after target BP level achievement (2nd visit) and after 3 months of AHT or AHT+CPAP therapy (3rd visit). Flow-mediated dilation of brachial artery was assessed using reactive hyperemia test by D.Celermajer. Results. Against the background of combined AHT the target BP level was achieved by 95% of patients. After target BP level achievement a significant decrease of IL-1β -0.16 [-0.5; 0], p=0.000 level and number of CD50+ cells (lymphocytes with inter-cellular adhesion molecule ICAM-3) from 2158.5 [1884.7; 2432.3] to 1949.6 [1740.9; 2158.3], p=0.050 were observed in patients with severe OSA associated with AH. There were no significant changes in vascular endothelial function observed in patients taking only AHT. Significant decrease of fibrinogen (-0.3 [-0.4; -0.1], p=0.002) and homocystein (-2.03 [-3.8; -0.2], p=0.03) levels was observed in patients taking both AHT and CPAP therapy. Conclusion. The combination of AHT and CPAP therapy in patients with severe OSA and AH not only allows reaching the target BP level but also leads to inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction markers levels decrease