OBJECTIVE

To observe the change of platelet derived growth factor-B (PDGF-B) in obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) patients, and to explore the relationship of PDGF-BB, OSAHS and complicated cardiovascular diseases.

METHODS

The levels of serum PDGF-BB in 40 OSAHS patients and 20 healthy controls were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The levels of PDGF-B mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS

The serum levels of PDGF-BB and the levels of PDGF-B mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were significantly higher in OSAHS group [mild, moderate, severe level was (477 +/- 115), (736 +/- 126), (1,046 +/- 137) ng/L, and (0.7 +/- 0.1), (1.0 +/- 0.2), (1.3 +/- 0.2) respectively] than those in control group [(151 +/- 19) ng/L, 0.4 +/- 0.1, F = 102.59, 58.75, P < 0.01] and PDGF-BB related with severity of OSAHS. There was a positive correlation between PDGF-BB level and AHI as well as average angiosthenia (P < 0.05). Also, there was a positive correlation between PDGF-BB level and percentage of time spent when oxygen saturation lower than 90% (SLT90%) (P < 0.05). There was a negative correlation between PDGF-BB and average saturation of blood oxygen as well as lowest saturation of blood oxygen (P < 0.05). After nCPAP, the levels of PDGF and PDGF-B mRNA in OSAHS patients [before treatment: (1,046 +/- 137) ng/L, (1.3 +/- 0.2), after treatment: (699 +/- 130) ng/L, (0.7 +/- 0.2)] reduced significantly, but still higher then those of control group [(151 +/- 19) ng/L, 0.4 +/- 0.1, F = 82.21, 154.24, P < 0.01].

CONCLUSION

The level of PDGF-BB in OSAHS is increased increases, which may play a role in the pathophysiology of OSAHS and complicated cardiovascular diseases.