ADVANCED GLYCATION END PRODUCTS ARE CORRELATED WITH HIGHER OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA RISK IN OBESE DALMATIAN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS

Objective: Previous study showed that serum levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) were increased in subjects with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and were associated with the severity of OSA. The aim of this study was to investigate the interplay between OSA and AGE measured by skin autofluorescence in obese Dalmatian hypertensive patients. Design and method: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the University hospital Centre Split from 2021-2024. A total of 75 participants with median age of 58 years (52.36% male) with body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m2 from the ambulatory blood pressure measurement (ABPM) database which had measured AGE were included. The presence and severity of OSA were assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) with maximum score being 24 and the STOP questionnaire, both validated tools for screening sleep apnea risk. Body weight and height were measured, and BMI was calculated and 24- hour ABPM was measured using the device 24h-ABPM monitor IEM Mobile-O-Graph (IEM GmbH, Stolberg, Germany). AGE was measured using the device AGE Reader MU on the forearm using the autofluorescence technology. Results: According to the 24 h ABPM average systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 134 mmHg, while diastolic (DBP) was 79 mmHg. 9 participants scored on the ESS 11 or higher and 37 participants had 2 or more points on the STOP questionnaire. ESS was not correlated to AGE but STOP score was significantly correlated to AGE level (r=0.31, p=0.012). Conclusions: AGEs measured by skin autofluorescence was correlated with higher OSA risk in obese hypertensive Dalmatian patients. Whether increased AGE formation contributes significantly to the high cardiovascular risk associated with OSA remains to be determined in further studies with this high-risk population.