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Effects of Nasal CPAP Treatment on Insulin Resistance, Lipid Profile, and Plasma Leptin in Sleep Apnea

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Abstract

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea has been linked with metabolic syndrome characterized by dyslipidemia, dyscoagulation, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus type 2 and their cardiovascular consequences. This study was designed to determine the effects of 8 weeks of therapy with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on insulin resistance, glucose, and lipid profile, and the relationship between leptin and insulin-resistance parameters in patients with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea.

Methods

In 44 patients, serum cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, leptin, and insulin parameters were measured at baseline and after 8 weeks of CPAP. Insulin resistance index was based on the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) method. Insulin sensitivity (HOMA-S) and insulin secretion capacity (HOMA-β) also were calculated. Thirteen patients were excluded from statistical analyses due to noncompliant CPAP usage (<4 h night−1).

Results

In 31 patients who used CPAP for ≥4 h night−1, CPAP therapy reduced total cholesterol (P < 0.05), low-density lipoprotein (P < 0.05), and leptin (P < 0.05). Circulating leptin levels showed significant correlation with both HOMA-S and HOMA-IR at baseline and follow-up (P = 0.03 for all). In addition, there was no correlation between HOMA-IR and the severity of sleep apnea, which was shown by apnea-hypopnea index.

Conclusions

In patients with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea, compliant CPAP usage may improve insulin secretion capacity, reduce leptin, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein levels. Leptin showed significant relationship with insulin resistance, and this relationship remained after 8 weeks of CPAP therapy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chest Diseases, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Göğüs Hastalıkları Anabilim Dalı, Istanbul, Turkey

    Çağlar Çuhadaroğlu, Ayfer Utkusavaş & Turhan Ece

  2. Department of Physiology, Trakya University Faculty of Medicine, Edirne, Turkey

    Levent Öztürk

  3. Department of Endocrinology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey

    Serpil Salman

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  1. Çağlar Çuhadaroğlu
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  2. Ayfer Utkusavaş
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Correspondence to Çağlar Çuhadaroğlu.

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Çuhadaroğlu, Ç., Utkusavaş, A., Öztürk, L. et al. Effects of Nasal CPAP Treatment on Insulin Resistance, Lipid Profile, and Plasma Leptin in Sleep Apnea. Lung 187, 75–81 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00408-008-9131-5

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