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Introduction: There is growing research evidence suggesting the presence of endothelial dysfunction and systemic inflammation in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the most effective method for treating OSAS; nonetheless, the effects of CPAP on the aforementioned pathophysiologic pathways as well as on the systemic disease that result or coexist with the OSAS remain elusive. Aim: To assess the effect of 3-month CPAP therapy on endothelial-dependent dilation, plasma levels of inflammatory markers, blood pressure (BP), and glucose control on male and female patients with OSAS. Methods: Our study group consisted of 40 (24 males and 16 females) patients with no prior history of cardiovascular disease, with an apnea-hypopnea index >= 15, who were assigned to receive CPAP treatment. Measurements of flow-mediated dilation (FMD), 24-hour ambulatory BP, and blood analysis were performed at baseline and 3 months after CPAP therapy. Results: Baseline FMD values were negatively correlated with the apnea-hypopnea index (r=-0.55, P=0.001). After 3 months of CPAP, there was an increase in the FMD values (5.40%+/- 2.91% vs 3.13%+/- 3.15%, P |
