Day-night variations in endothelial dysfunction markers and haemostatic factors in sleep apnoea.

Patients with sleep apnoea have a significant alteration in the day-night pattern of myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death observed in the general population. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of sleep apnoea on the diurnal variations in various haemostatic parameters (factor VII, von Willebrand factor and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1) and markers of endothelial dysfunction (asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L)). We studied 26 male patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS; 13 patients with severe OSAS (apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI) >30 events · h(-1)) and 13 patients with mild-to-moderate OSAS (AHI <30 events · h(-1))) and 12 controls of similar body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference.

Impaired circadian variation of platelet activity in patients with sleep apnea.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are frequent in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSAS). There is evidence that the day-night pattern of myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death observed in the general population is altered in patients with OSAS. This study investigates potential abnormalities in the circadian profiles of platelet activity in OSAS.

Increased plasma levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine and soluble CD40 ligand in patients with sleep apnea.

Background: Cardiovascular (CV) diseases are a leading cause of mortality and they are frequent in patients with the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

Objectives: In this study we investigated if OSAS influences CV function independently of other CV risk factors frequently present in these patients (e.g.

Proposed reference value of the CA 125 tumour marker in men. Potential applications in clinical practice.

Introduction: CA 125 is a tumour marker usually used to monitor the clinical course of the patients with ovary cancer. The frequently used reference value of this marker is 35 U/mL. However, some arguments to allow us to question us the validity of the classical reference value: i) a second generation of immunoassays, ii) diverse studies related to the factors that influence in the CA 125 serum concentrations and iii) the new applications of CA 125 in pathologies different to the ovary cancer.

Endothelial function and circulating endothelial progenitor cells in patients with sleep apnea syndrome.

Background: Endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases are frequent in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) contribute to repair dysfunctional endothelium and have been related to increased cardiovascular risk.

Objectives: We tested the hypothesis that the number of circulating EPCs may be altered in OSA patients.