Relationship between Serum Neurotransmitters and Cognitive Impairment in Adults with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

INTRODUCTION

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the serum levels of acetylcholine (Ach), norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in two groups: those with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and cognitive impairment (CI) and those with OSA but no cognitive impairment (NCI).

METHODS

A total of 30 adults (CI) and 75 adults (NCI) who completed polysomnography examinations between December 2023 and September 2024 were enrolled in the study. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to measure serum levels of Ach, NE, DA, and 5-HT. Correlation and pooled analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between cognitive scores and four serological indicators. Logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for cognitive impairment.

RESULTS

Serum DA levels were higher in the CI group (275.10, 216.73-426.91, pg/mL) than in the NCI group (219.69, 138.46-261.97, pg/mL) ( < 0.001). No significant differences were found in serum NE, 5-HT, and Ach levels between the two groups ( = 0.582, = 0.287, and = 0.715, respectively). Moreover, the correlation analysis showed a correlation between DA and body mass index, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, average saturated oxygen (SaO), minimum SaO, the percentage of oxygen saturation less than 90% (all < 0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of DA was 0.732 (95% confidence interval: 0.628-0.836) ( < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed a correlation between tonsil size, hypertension, DA, stuffy nose, and cognitive impairment.

CONCLUSION

Serum DA levels were associated with the severity of cognitive impairment in adults diagnosed with OSA and might serve as a potential, objective biomarker for identifying cognitive dysfunction in this population.