XOR Levels in OSA Patients (XOR-OSA)

Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) is an enzyme involved in the oxidative metabolism of purines, producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) as byproducts. Elevated XOR activity is associated with increased oxidative stress and inflammation. In patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea(OSA), repeated episodes of hypoxia and reoxygenation lead to oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. However, the specific changes in XOR activity in OSA patients are not well understood.

This study aims to evaluate the effects of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) treatment on patients with OSA by analyzing XOR activity and related biomarkers. The primary objective is to assess the correlation between XOR activity levels and the severity of OSA, and to determine how these levels change following a 3-month CPAP intervention.

The study will enroll 80 patients aged 18-80 years from the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Participants will be diagnosed with OSA according to established guidelines, and must be first-time visitors with no prior OSA surgery or CPAP treatment history. Patients with severe cerebrovascular diseases, psychiatric conditions, diagnosed diabetes with significant vascular complications, severe COPD, pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, or pregnancy will be excluded.

All participants will undergo polysomnography (PSG) to determine the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) and categorize them into mild, moderate, or severe OSA groups.

Blood samples will be collected to measure baseline XOR activity and related biomarkers, including uric acid, endothelin-1 (ET-1), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), and angiotensin II (Ang II).

Eligible patients will receive CPAP therapy for a duration of 3 months. Patients unsuitable for CPAP therapy will receive alternative treatments such as upper airway surgery, oral appliances, or weight reduction programs. After 3 months of CPAP therapy, participants will undergo follow-up PSG to reassess sleep parameters. Blood samples will be collected again to measure changes in XOR activity and related biomarkers.

The data collected will be analyzed using SPSS software. Correlation analysis will be performed to assess the relationship between AHI, lowest SpO2, oxygen load, blood pressure load, ESS sleepiness scores, and XOR levels. Paired t-tests will be used to compare pre- and post-treatment XOR activity and biomarker levels. Repeated measures ANOVA will be conducted to evaluate the long-term changes and sustained effects of CPAP therapy.

This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the biochemical impacts of CPAP therapy on patients with OSAHS. The findings are expected to identify potential biomarkers for assessing treatment efficacy and to guide future therapeutic strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes in clinical practice.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients aged between 18 and 80 years.
• Diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS)(apnea-hypopnea index≥5/h).
• First-time diagnosis, with no previous surgical interventions or CPAP treatment for OSA.
• Ability and willingness to provide informed consent for participation in the study.

Exclusion criteria

• History of severe stroke or cerebral hemorrhage, or presence of neurological or psychiatric conditions that could affect study results.
• Presence of active malignancies or other severe underlying diseases, such as severe liver or kidney dysfunction. Diagnosed with diabetes or other significant vascular diseases.
• Presence of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), severe asthma, severe pulmonary hypertension, or heart failure caused by any condition.
• Pregnancy or having other conditions that make participation in this study unsuitable.
• Extremely debilitated patients or those with severe underlying conditions.