Evaluation of Serum LECT2 and Sclerostin Levels in Patients Followed up for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Abstract

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by recurrent apnea/hypopnea in the upper airways and oxygen desaturation accompanying respiratory events during sleep. Our study aimed to determine serum LECT2 and sclerostin levels in OSA patients. Methods: Patients who applied with the suspicion of OSA in the polysomnography unit of our hospital between June 2022 and April 2023 and who completed the polysomnography test were included in our study. Group 1: apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) < 5/h control group (n = 80), Group 2: OSA patients with AHI ≥ 5/h without comorbidity (n = 80). Results: When comparing the LECT2 and sclerostin levels of the groups, it was observed that there was a statistically significant difference, higher in the OSA group (p < 0.001 for both). When the groups were compared, it was observed that only LECT2 and sclerostin levels were higher in severe OSA patients than in mild OSA patients (p = 0.008, 0.02, respectively). A positive correlation was observed between LECT-2 level and AHI, apnea–hypopnea index during rapid eye movement (REM-AHI), and ODI levels (r = 0.55, p = 0.01, r = 0.42, p = 0.01, r = 0.61, p = 0.01). An inverse correlation was observed between LECT2 and minimum oxygen saturation (r = –0.42, p = 0.01). In the analysis performed with sclerostin level, a positive correlation (r = 0.42, p = 0.01, r = 0.28, p = 0.05, r = 0.53, p = 0.01) was observed with AHI, REM-AHI, and ODI, while an inverse correlation was observed between minimum oxygen saturation. Correlation was observed (r = –0.33, p = 0.01). Conclusion: Serum LECT2 and sclerostin levels in OSA patients can be used to determine the AHI and minimum oxygen saturation levels of individuals and their weight in OSA patients.