Plasma adropin levels in children with obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract

Adropin is a peptide hormone encoded by the Energy Homeostasis-Associated gene. Circulating adropin concentrations are regulated by energy intake and affect cardiovascular function, particularly in endothelial function. In this issue of The Journal, Gozal et al from the University of Chicago investigated the hypothesis that adropin levels would be lower in children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), especially in those with evidence of endothelial dysfunction because they might provide a reliable marker for endothelial dysfunction in pediatric obstructive sleep apnea. The results show that children with OSA and abnormal endothelial function had significantly lower adropin levels compared with match controls and with children with OSA and normal endothelial function. Adropin concentrations below 4.2 ng/mL reliably predicted abnormal endothelial function. It was interesting that adropin levels assessed after adenotonsillectomy in a subset of their patients showed a significant increase in adropin levels post-operatively if they had pre-existing endothelial dysfunction, but not if they did not. The authors conclude that plasma adropin levels are reduced and correlate with endothelial dysfunction in children with OSA and that they returned to normal values after adenotonsillectomy. They propose that assessment of plasma adropin concentrations may provide a reliable indicator of vascular injury in the context of OSA in children.Article page 1122▶ Adropin is a peptide hormone encoded by the Energy Homeostasis-Associated gene. Circulating adropin concentrations are regulated by energy intake and affect cardiovascular function, particularly in endothelial function. In this issue of The Journal, Gozal et al from the University of Chicago investigated the hypothesis that adropin levels would be lower in children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), especially in those with evidence of endothelial dysfunction because they might provide a reliable marker for endothelial dysfunction in pediatric obstructive sleep apnea. The results show that children with OSA and abnormal endothelial function had significantly lower adropin levels compared with match controls and with children with OSA and normal endothelial function. Adropin concentrations below 4.2 ng/mL reliably predicted abnormal endothelial function. It was interesting that adropin levels assessed after adenotonsillectomy in a subset of their patients showed a significant increase in adropin levels post-operatively if they had pre-existing endothelial dysfunction, but not if they did not. The authors conclude that plasma adropin levels are reduced and correlate with endothelial dysfunction in children with OSA and that they returned to normal values after adenotonsillectomy. They propose that assessment of plasma adropin concentrations may provide a reliable indicator of vascular injury in the context of OSA in children. Article page 1122▶ Circulating Adropin Concentrations in Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Potential Relevance to Endothelial FunctionThe Journal of PediatricsVol. 163Issue 4PreviewTo test the hypothesis that concentrations of adropin, a recently discovered peptide that displays important metabolic and cardiovascular functions, are lower in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), especially when associated with endothelial dysfunction. Full-Text PDF