Endocan: a novel predictor of endothelial dysfunction in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Background and Aims Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) is an independent risk factor for endothelial dysfunction and cardiometabolic diseases. Plasma endocan levels are elevated in a large number of diseases, and is a novel surrogate endothelial cell dysfunction marker. We aimed to assess the role of serum endocan level as a potential mechanism of endothelial dysfunction in OSA patients. Materials and Methods This was a cohort study in which patients who had undergone a sleep study for diagnosis of OSA were recruited. Included patients were grouped according to apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) as mild, moderate and severe OSA. Patients with AHI