Study on the levels of serum NGAL in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome associated with hypertension

Objective To evaluate the level of serum neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) and its clinical significance in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and OSAHS combined with hypertension. Methods 25 patients with OSAHS and hypertension, 30 patients with OSAHS, and 15 cases of normal control were randomly selected. 7 hours overnight polysomnography was carried out, recorded AHI and the lowest SaO2. Serum NGAL level of each group was detected by ELISA. Results The serum NGAL level of OSAHS combined with hypertension group was significantly higher than those of OSAHS group and normal control group [(25.64±8.12)ng/ml vs.(19.76±7.35)ng/ml vs.(9.41±2.39)ng/ml], with statistically significant differences (P<0.01). Conclusion NGAL may participate in the pathophysiological process of OASHS and OSAHS combined with hypertension. Key words: Sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome; Obstructive; Hypertension; Neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin