Calprotectin: A protein related to cardiovascular risk in adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea

► Calprotectin and hs-CRP are increased in patients with moderate and severe OSA. ► Calprotectin and hs-CRP levels are positively correlated with AHI and BMI. ► Calprotectin and hs-CRP levels are inversely correlated with SaO2 minimum values. ► Calprotectin and hs-CRP levels are significantly improved post-CPAP treatment. Increased levels of inflammatory mediators, such as hs-CRP, have been detected in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and used as cardiovascular risk and disease outcome predictors. Calprotectin is an inflammatory marker regulating atherogenic processes not investigated in adult OSA patients. The aim of the present study as primary objective was to examine the role of calprotectin as an inflammatory molecule, acting through a distinct pathway to the atherogenic process in adult OSA patients and its associations with hs-CRP and the lipidemic profile of the patients. As a secondary objective was the evaluation of the atherogenic markers post-CPAP treatment. Seventy-four participants underwent full overnight polysomnography. Blood samples were collected for calprotectin, hs-CRP, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, HDL and glucose levels. Thirty-two OSA patients were reexamined 6months post-CPAP treatment. Out of 74 participants included in the study, 33 had moderate OSA, 27 had severe OSA and 14 were controls. Calprotectin and hs-CRP were significantly increased in patients with moderate and severe OSA compared to controls (p