Gene expression profiles in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of asian obstructive sleep apnea patients

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome is a complicated disease involving several pathogenic mechanisms. Microarray technology provides a high-throughput means of identifying differentially expressed genes in patients with OSA. METHODS: An Affymetrix U133A gene chip was used to globally analyze the transcriptome of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in patients with OSA and nonapneic control participants after overnight polysomnography. RESULTS: Several genes were differentially expressed in patients with OSA compared with control participants. These genes included disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain 29 (ADAM29), solute carrier family 18 (vesicular acetylcholine) member 3 (SLC18A3), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2C (CDKN2C), and fibronectin-like domain-containing leucine-rich transmembrane protein 2 (FLRT2). Among these genes, the expression levels of ADAM29 (p = 0.00003), FLRT2 (p < 0.0001), and SLC18A3 (p = 0.0006) were found to be possible markers of severe OSA [respiratory disturbance index (RDI) > 30]. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that PCMC expression of ADAM29, FLRT2, and SLC18A3 could be assessed as part of a routine screen to help identify individuals at risk of severe OSA in Asian populations.