S-adenosylmethionine as a biomarker for the early detection of lung cancer.

Background: S-Adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) is a major methyl donor for transmethylation reactions and propylamine donor for the biosynthesis of polyamines in biological systems, and therefore may play a role in lung cancer development. We hypothesized that AdoMet levels were elevated in patients with lung cancer and may prove useful as a biomarker for early lung cancer.

Methods: High-performance liquid chromatography was used to analyze plasma AdoMet levels in triplicate samples from 68 patients.

Choice of oximeter affects apnea-hypopnea index.

Study Objectives: Current Medicare guidelines include an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) > or = 15 events per hour, in which all hypopneas must be associated with 4% desaturation, to qualify for reimbursement for therapy with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). The present data demonstrate the effect of pulse oximeter differences on AHI.

Design: Prospective study, blinded analysis.