PLoS ONE (Jan 2021)

Significantly higher atherosclerosis risks in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

  • Samshol Sukahri,
  • Fatimah Zaherah Mohamed Shah,
  • Ahmad Izuanuddin Ismail,
  • Marymol Koshy,
  • Bushra Johari,
  • Mazuin Mohd Razali,
  • Thuhairah Hasrah Abdul Rahman,
  • Mohamad Rodi Isa,
  • Rohana Abdul Ghani

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0253298
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 16, no. 6
p. e0253298

Abstract

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IntroductionThere is limited data on the relationship between Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), each associated with increased cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to determine the relationships between severity of OSA, degree of steatosis in NAFLD and cardiovascular risk via CIMT and atherosclerosis markers ie intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) an Lipoprotein-a (Lp(a)) in a group of patients with OSA.Materials and methodsThis was a cross-sectional, single center study. A total of 110 subjects between 18 to 65 years of age and diagnosed with OSA following sleep study examinations were recruited. Exclusion criteria included seropositive Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C, and significant alcohol intake.ResultThe prevalence of NAFLD was 81.8%. The mean CIMT (0.08±0.03 vs 0.06±0.01 cm, p = 0.001), ICAM-1 (334.53±72.86 vs 265.46±102.92 ng/mL, p = 0.001) and Lp(a) (85.41±52.56 vs 23.55±23.66 nmol/L, p30 were 52.77 (CI 6.34, 439.14) times more likely to have NAFLD compared to those with mild AHI (pConclusionThe prevalence of NAFLD is alarmingly high in this group of OSA patients. The degree of steatosis in patients with NAFLD was significantly correlated with severity of OSA, CIMT measurements, ICAM-1 and Lp(a). Our findings underscore screening for NAFLD in patients with OSA to ensure prompt risk stratification and management.