Impact of CPAP on miR-210-3p, miR485-5p and the LncRNAs MALAT1/BACE1-AS in OSA

<bold>Background & Rationale:</bold> OSA is considered as a contributor to atherosclerotic disease. This study explores the impact of OSA-induced hypoxemia/reoxygenation episodes on epigenetic modifications, which may play a crucial role in atherosclerosis and cellular ageing. We investigated the potential of non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long-non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), as biomarkers associated with OSA. Additionally, we assessed the effects of 6-month CPAP treatment on these epigenetic effectors. <bold>Methods:</bold> In a cohort of 100 moderate-to-severe OSA patients, with and without carotid atherosclerosis, and 30 healthy individuals (HC), we analyzed circulating miRNAs (miR485-5p, miR-139-5p) and miR210-3p, a known biomarker for hypoxia. We also examined the association between OSA and the lncRNAs MALAT1 and BACE1-AS associated with cancer and inflammation. <bold>Results:</bold> OSA patients, in comparison to HC, exhibited elevated levels of miRNA 485-5p and 210-3p, while miR-139-5p levels remained unchanged. However, post-CPAP treatment, miR-210-3p levels were significantly reduced, suggesting they were sensitive to OSA treatment, whereas miR485-5p and miR-139-5p showed no changes. Interestingly, the lncRNAs MALAT1 and BACE1-AS were also significantly increased in OSA patients, with only BACE1-AS levels decreasing significantly after CPAP treatment. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> These results suggest miRNA 210 and BACE1-AS are sensitive biomarkers for OSA and possibly involved in pathogenesis. These findings are promising for developing targeted therapeutic strategies to manage the cardiovascular risk associated with OSA.