In OSA, New Biomarker May Detect CVD

A singular cluster of circulating exosomal miRNAs may be a key factor in non-dipping blood pressure (BP) and may serve as a biomarker of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), according to a new study.

The study, authored by Abdelnaby Khalyfa, PhD, and colleagues, was presented at the American Heat Association’s Scientific Sessions 2018 on Sunday, November 11.

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While it is known that OSA increases the risk for hypertension and abnormal non-dipping 24-hour BP, the researchers sought to determine the underlying mechanisms.

To examine differences in exosomal miRNA, the researchers analyzed 15 patients who had an abnormal circadian profile on 24-hour BP recordings due to reverse-dipping BP and 31 who had normal-dipping BP. The groups were matched by OSA severity, age, and body mass index.

The 2 groups had significant differences in miRNA expression, with the researchers finding a restricted and validated signature of exosomal miRNAs among participants with reverse-dipping BP and those with normal-dipping BP.

There was also consistent separation and categorical assignment concordance with experimental groups.

“We are evaluating the effects of differentially expressed exosomal miRNA expression in reverse-dipping BP on endothelial function by a series of in-vitro reporter assays,” the researchers concluded.

—Colleen Murphy

Reference:

Khalyfa A, Gozal D, Chan WC, Andrade J, Prasad B. Circulating plasma exosomes in obstructive sleep apnea and reverse-dipping blood pressure. Paper presented at: American Heat Association’s Scientific Sessions 2018; November 10-12, 2018; Chicago, IL. http://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/4682/presentation/53480. Accessed November 20, 2018.