Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent condition globally, affecting nearly one billion people and often leading to severe cardiovascular and neurocognitive issues [1].
Typically, OSA severity and treatment effectiveness are measured using the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), though this method has limitations. Recent research has pointed to a potential new predictor for OSA severity: elevated plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels [2].
In a study published in the European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, researchers conducted initial assessments in 2007, including sleep studies, health questionnaires and blood tests, involving 1,042 volunteers aged 20 to 80. A follow-up with 715 original participants occurred in 2015, providing a substantial longitudinal dataset [3].
The findings revealed that higher Hcy levels in the blood were associated with increased AHI scores over time. Specifically, individuals with Hcy levels of 15 µmol/L or higher saw their AHI increase by an average of 7.43 events per hour.
Those with Hcy levels between 10 and 15 µmol/L experienced a more minor, yet significant, increase in AHI of about 3.20 events per hour compared to those with levels below 10 µmol/L.
The study concludes that high plasma Hcy concentrations could be a significant risk factor for developing OSA, underscoring a clear correlation between Hcy levels and AHI scores.
This new insight could lead to better predictive strategies in managing and potentially preventing OSA through targeted therapies that address homocysteine levels.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7007763/
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38568296/
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26380759/
