Association of serum irisin concentrations with the presence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity is involved in the pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Irisin, a recently discovered myokine, protects the mice from obesity. This study aims to determine the association of serum irisin concentrations with the presence and severity of OSAS.

METHODS: This cross-sectional investigation was performed in 165 male OSAS patients and 98 healthy male subjects. Serum irisin concentrations were assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit.

RESULTS: The serum irisin concentrations of OSAS patients significantly decreased compared with the healthy controls (P<.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that serum irisin concentrations were an independent determinant of OSAS (OR .971, 95% CI .960 to .981; P<.001). Serum irisin concentrations were significantly reduced among patients with severe OSAS compared with patients with mild and moderate OSAS (P<.001 and P=.010, respectively). Spearman correlation analysis revealed that serum irisin concentrations were inversely correlated with OSAS severity (r=-.327, P<.001).

CONCLUSION: Decreased serum irisin concentrations are associated with the presence and severity of OSAS.