Elevated Levels of C-Reactive Protein and Interleukin-6 in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Are Decreased by Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

BACKGROUND: C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin (IL)-6 are important risk factors for atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. In the present study, we examined serum levels of CRP and IL-6, IL-6 production by monocytes, and the effect of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). METHODS AND RESULTS: After polysomnography, venous blood was collected at 5 AM from 30 patients with OSAS and 14 obese control subjects. Serum levels of CRP and IL-6 and spontaneous production of IL-6 by monocytes were investigated. In addition, the effects of 1 month of nCPAP were studied in patients with moderate to severe OSAS. Levels of CRP and IL-6 were…