The role of exosomal circular RNA ZNF292 in intermittent hypoxia-induced AC16 cardiomyocytes injury.

BACKGROUND: Exosomes are involved in cell-to-cell communication in numerous diseases including cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases. Little attention has been dedicated to exosomal circular RNAs in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)-related cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to explore the role of exosomal circular RNA ZNF292 (circZNF292) on AC16 cells exposure to intermittent hypoxia (IH). METHODS: Exosome release inhibitor GW4869 was used to examine the effect of exosomes on IH-induced AC16 cells apoptosis. The expression of exosomal circZNF292 was detected by qRT-PCR in AC16 cells exposure to IH, and a luciferase reporter assay was conducted to confirm the connection between circZNF292 and miR-146a-5p. Exosomal circZNF292 was stably transfected with short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) against circZNF292 and co-cultured with AC16 cells. The expression of miR-146a-5p and apoptosis-related protein was then measured to evaluate the effect of exosomal circZNF292. RESULTS: We found that IH contributed to the AC16 cells apoptosis, and the administration of GW4869 increased the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes when exposed to IH. The expression of exosomal circZNF292 decreased and miR-146a-5p increased significantly in AC16 cells exposed to IH compared to normoxic conditions. Bioinformatics analysis predicted a circZNF292/miR-146a-5p axis in IH-induced cardiomyocytes apoptosis. The dual-luciferase reporter system validated the direct interaction of circZNF292 and miR-146a-5p. Knockdown of circZNF292 increased the expressions of miR-146a-5p and accelerated the AC16 cardiomyocytes apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggested a novel mechanism by which exosomes transmit intrinsic regulatory signals to the myocardium through the exosomal circZNF292/miR-146a-5p axis. This finding highlights the potential of targeting this pathway as a therapeutic approach for treating cardiovascular diseases associated with OSA.

Relationship between severity of obstructive sleep apnea and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

PURPOSE: The cause of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is controversial, local hypoxia and inflammation being the main two possibilities proposed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and BPH. METHODS: The study cohort comprised men from January 2016 to December 2020 in our Sleep Center. These patients were classified into four groups (no, mild, moderate, severe OSA) by apnea-hypopnea indexes (AHI). Logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for BPH, after which participants were stratified into younger (age ≤ 40 years) and older groups (age > 40 years) for further analysis. RESULTS: The study cohort comprised 467 patients including 135 younger subjects and 332 older subjects. The prevalence of BPH in the above listed AHI categories was 37.5%, 55.0%, 62.9%, and 52.3%, respectively (p = 0.075). Logistic regression analysis of all patients identified age as a risk factor for BPH (p < 0.001). Stratified analysis according to AHI category found a prevalence of BPH of 0.0%, 13.0%, 33.3%, and 43.9%, respectively, in younger group (p = 0.006), and 52.2%, 71.9%, 71.1%, and 56.3%, respectively, in older group (p = 0.038). Logistic regression analysis found age and AHI were independent risk factors for BPH in younger group (both p < 0.05), whereas only age was identified as a risk factor for BPH in older group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Age is an independent risk factor for BPH in men with OSA. AHI is also an independent risk factor for BPH in younger men, suggesting that OSA may affect development of BPH in younger men.

Nrf2 plays protective role during intermittent hypoxia-induced ferroptosis in rat liver (BRL-3A) cells.

PURPOSE: Ferroptosis is reported to be involved in the chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH)-related liver damage in vivo. Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) has an essential role in the regulation of ferroptosis. This study tested the hypothesis that intermittent hypoxia (IH) could lead to hepatocyte ferroptosis in vitro and the function of Nrf2 in IH-induced hepatocyte ferroptosis. METHODS: BRL-3A cells (rat liver cells) were exposed to normoxia or IH. The protocol of IH consisted of 32 cycles of 60-min hypoxic exposure with 30-min reoxygenation phase (nadir of 1% oxygen to peak of 20% oxygen). Ferroptosis was evaluated by cell viability, iron concentration, lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS), protein content of ferritin heavy chain (FTH1), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). Both ferrostatin-1 (a ferroptosis inhibitor) and Nrf2 interfering RNA were applied to treat BRL-3A cells, respectively. RESULTS: IH exposure induced ferroptosis in BRL-3A cells with decreased cell viability and increased total iron content and lipid ROS levels. The protein contents of GPX4 and FTH1 in IH group were markedly lower than that in normoxic control. Ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 alleviated IH-induced ferroptosis in BRL-3A cells. IH treatment enhanced expression of Nrf2, and Nrf2 knockdown augmented IH-induced ferroptosis in BRL-3A cells. CONCLUSIONS: The results revealed that Nrf2 played a protective role during IH-induced ferroptosis in BRL-3A cells. The finding provides a therapeutic target for obstructive sleep apnea-related liver injury.

Self-reported sleep quality and oligo/astheno/teratozoospermia among men attending an infertility clinic: a longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine the influence of sleep disturbances on the risk of oligo/astheno/teratozoospermia (OAT) in men attending an infertility clinic. METHODS: We consecutively enrolled men attending an infertility clinic from July 2020 to June 2021. Semen parameters were obtained at initial presentation, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale score, and the STOP-BANG Questionnair were completed to assess sleep quality. Embryo outcomes were evaluated after infertility treatment. RESULTS: Of 466 men enrolled, 119 had OAT (OAT group) and 347 had normozoospermia (NS group). There were no differences between the two groups regarding Epworth Sleepiness Scale and STOP-BANG Questionnaire scores. The prevalence of poor sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score ≥ 5) in the OAT group was significantly higher than that in the NS group (42% vs. 29%, p = 0.009). A higher rate of poor subjective sleep quality was observed in the OAT group compared with the NS group (p = 0.005) and Pearson's correlations revealed a negative relationship between subjective sleep quality and semen quality. Logistic regression found that subjective sleep quality was independently associated with an increased risk of OAT (adjusted odds ratio = 0.610, p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Men with OAT attending an infertility clinic exhibited poor subjective sleep quality. Improving sleep disturbances may be a target intervention to reduce the risk of OAT. This possibility warrants further investigation.

Relationship between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Liver Abnormalities in Older Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Older age is a risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is associated with the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to investigate the correlation between OSA and liver injury among older patients. Study Design. This is a cross-sectional study. Methods: Consecutive older (≥60 years) snoring patients were included. Subjects were divided into no OSA, mild OSA, moderate OSA, and severe OSA groups according to the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and were also separated into liver injury and nonliver injury groups based on liver function. Logistic regression analysis was applied to analyze the independent risk factors for liver injury. Results: We studied 227 patients (155 male, 72 female). The prevalence of liver injury exhibited an increasing trend among groups with mild-to-severe OSA. In addition, body mass index, AHI, and TG showed significant differences between the liver injury and nonliver injury groups. Logistic regression analysis revealed that AHI and TG were the major contributing factors for liver injury in older patients (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.055, p=0.013, and OR = 1.485, p=0.039, respectively). Conclusions: Older patients with OSA have an increased risk of liver injury and NAFLD, and sleep apnea and high TG are important factors in contributing to the development of liver injury.

The association between obstructive sleep apnea and lung nodule, carcinoembryonic antigen.

PURPOSE: The association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and cancer risks gaining more and more attention. Data on the association between OSA and lung cancer risk are limited. This study is to investigate whether a link exists between low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scanning of the chest findings, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and OSA in patients suspected of OSA. METHODS: The cross-sectional study included patients aged 18 years or older who underwent continuous nocturnal polysomnography at our sleep center between February 2019 and November 2020. All subjects underwent chest LDCT and CEA. Patients with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of ≥ 15/h were classified as clinically significant OSA group, whereas patients with an AHI < 15/h were classified as control group. RESULTS: A total of 277 patients were enrolled in the study. 176 patients were categorized into the OSA group, while 101 patients were categorized into the control group. There is no relationship between any OSA-related parameter and presence of lung nodule or presence of ≥ 6 mm lung nodule in the binary logistic regression analysis. OSA group demonstrated a significant higher value of CEA than control group. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis showed that lowest O2 saturation (ß = - 0.256, p < 0.001), smoking status (ß = 0.156, p = 0.007) and age (ß = 0.153, p = 0.008) were independent predictors of elevated CEA. CONCLUSIONS: OSA was independently related to the elevated of serum CEA level, but not with presence of pulmonary nodule or ≥ 6 mm pulmonary nodule in LDCT. Further well-designed longitudinal studies with pathology available are needed to identify the association between OSA and risk of lung cancer.

Reverse traction with Kirschner wires and bilateral external fixation device combined with minimally invasive plate oseoynthesis technique for tibial plateau fractures of type Schatzker V and VI.

PURPOSE: Complex bicondylar tibial plateau fracture (TPF) has always been a tricky problem for surgeons. We created a novel external device used intraoperatively consisting of Kirschner wires, and combined with minimally invasive plate oseoynthesis (MIPO) technique to treat complex bicondylar TPFs, and the clinical effect and feasibility were further evaluated. METHODS: From March 2016 to February 2021, 49 cases (29 males and 20 females) were identified as bicondylar TPF, the mean age 47.2 (27-69). All patients adopted the device and MIPO technique. A series of score, complications, and radiographs in the follow-up period, from three months, six months, one year, and two years and the last follow-up, were recorded, from visual analogue score (VAS), hospital for special surgery (HSS), and Short-Form 36 (SF-36), containing physical (PCS) and mental (MCS), and Rasmussen score. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients showed good functional recovery. No patients were lost, mean follow-up time was 28.17 ± 2.81 (24.2-35.4) months. Operation time was 89.80 ± 13.46 (58-110) min. At the last follow-up, VAS was 1.3 ± 0.92 (0-4), HHS was 93.10 ± 2.63 (89-99), PCS was 49.20 ± 7.40 (38-65), and MCS was 50.08 ± 4.77 (43-62). Complications were as follows: cutaneous necrosis (3, 6%), asymptomatic arthritis (3, 6%), symptomatic arthritis (1, 2%), and deep venous thrombosis (1, 2%). Mean fracture healing time was 11.82 ± 1.5 (10-15.4) weeks. All patients got recovery without extra surgery and removed the implants at 12.85 ± 0.76 (11.2-15.4) months. CONCLUSION: Temporary traction device of bilateral external fixator combined with MIPO technique was simple and convenient, with a smaller soft-tissue damage, an easier operational approach, and its worth being promoted.

Long non-coding RNA MALAT1 affects intermittent hypoxia-induced endothelial injury by regulating miR-142-3p/HMGB1.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a risk factor for atherosclerosis. Long non-coding RNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) is strongly linked to endothelial cell functions. However, the function of MALAT1 in intermittent hypoxia (IH) associated vascular endothelial injury has not been explored yet. The current study makes great attempts to investigate the function of MALAT1 in IH-induced endothelial injury and its latent control network. METHODS: To mimic the effect of OSA, we cultured the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) under intermittent hypoxia. Western blot was applied to measure the expression level of associated proteins including capase-3, Bax, Bcl-2 while qRT-PCR was used in measurement of MALAT1 and miR-142-3p. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) was carried out in assessing cell viability. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was applied to verify the relationships among high mobility group box (HMGB)1 and MALAT1, miR-142-3p. RESULTS: IH treatment significantly reduced cell viability but enhanced cell apoptosis in HUVECs. Concomitantly, MALAT1 was significantly upregulated in IH-treated HUVECs. Further experiment showed that MALAT1 knockdown augmented IH-induced injury of HUVECs. In addition, it was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay that MALAT1 interacted with miR-142-3p directly. Besides, inhibition of miR-142-3p alleviated damage induced by MALAT1 knockdown in IH-treated HUVECs. Finally, miR-142-3p interacted with HMGB1 directly and inhibition of HMGB1 protein expression mediated by MALAT1 knockdown was reversed by miR-142-3p inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS: IH resulted in increased expression of MALAT1 in HUVECs. MALAT1 knockdown augmented IH-induced injury of HUVECs. MALAT1 exerted its effects on IH-treated HUVECs via miR-142-3p/HMGB1.

Obstructive sleep apnea and the risk of mortality in patients with lung cancer: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Prior reports have examined the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the mortality rate of lung cancer. However, the findings remain controversial. The present meta-analysis was performed to assess the relationship between OSA and increased risk of mortality in patients with lung cancer. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were systematically searched for the correlative studies. Data were analyzed and pooled to evaluate odds ratios (ORs) of lung cancer mortality related to OSA. RESULTS: From 249 identified studies, 3 met inclusion criteria and were analyzed, including 67 patients with lung cancer and comorbid OSA and 45 patients with lung cancer and no OSA. The meta-analysis indicated that OSA was not significantly correlated with mortality rate in lung cancer (OR = 2.005, 95% CI = 0.703 to 5.715, z = 1.30, p = 0.193). There was no significant publication bias according to Begg's tests (p = 0.296) and Egger's tests (p = 0.097). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggests that OSA is not significantly correlated with the mortality rate in lung cancer.

Modified percutaneous iliosacral screw and anterior internal fixator technique for treating unstable pelvic fractures: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The commonly used technique for treating unstable pelvic fractures with sacroiliac screws and anterior internal fixator (INFIX) is prone to complications, such as injury to the pelvic vasculature and nerves, life-threatening bleeding, lateral femoral cutaneous neuritis, and wound infection. This study investigated the clinical effects of using a modified percutaneous iliosacral screw and INFIX technique for treating unstable pelvic fractures. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of minimally invasive internal fixation using modified incision of an anterior-ring INFIX application combined with modified percutaneous iliosacral screw placement was performed for 22 cases of unstable pelvic fractures from January 2017 to December 2018. Based on the Tile classification, there were 4 type B1, 7 type B2, 5 type B3 and 6 type C1 injuries. Preoperatively, the length and orientation of the internal fixation were computer-simulated and measured. On postoperative day 3, pelvic radiographs and three-dimensional computed tomograms were used to assess fracture reduction and fixation. All patients were regularly followed up at 4 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, 12 months, 24 months and annually thereafter. Fracture healing, complications, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, the quality of fracture repositioning and Majeed score were assessed during follow-up. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for a mean of 25.23 ± 1.48 months. All fractures healed without loss of reduction and no patient showed evidence of delayed union or nonunion. Two years postoperatively, the mean VAS score was 0.32 ± 0.09 and the mean Majeed score was 94.32 ± 1.86. CONCLUSION: The modified percutaneous iliosacral screw technique increases the anterior tilt of the sacroiliac screw by shifting the entry point posteriorly to increase the safety of the screw placement. Downward modification of the INFIX incision reduces the risk of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury. This technique is safe, effective and well tolerated by patients.

Assessment of bone mineral density and bone metabolism in young men with obstructive sleep apnea: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Hypoxia in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients during sleep may have an effect on bone metabolism. Few data regarding evaluation of bone metabolism in young individuals diagnosed with OSA. In this study, we aim to identify the association between bone mineral density and OSA in young men (≤ 40 years old of age). METHODS: Consecutive male subjects who underwent polysomnography were enrolled. Serum calcium, 25-hydroxyvitamin-D3, ß-isomerized form C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, osteocalcin and procollagen type 1 N-propeptide were measured in all participants, and bone mineral density (BMD) at lumbar spine (L1-L4), femoral neck and hip total were determined by dual energy X-ray absorption (DXA). RESULTS: The population consisted of 85 subjects (mean age 35.53 years). The BMD at lumbar spine (L1-L4) in moderate OSA patients was higher than control and severe OSA group significantly (p = 0.036). After adjustment for confounding factors, stepwise multiple linear regression analyses showed LaSO2 (ß = 0.340, p = 0.008) as an independent explanatory variable for Lumbar L1-L4 BMD, LaSO2 (ß = 0.304, p = 0.037), BMI (ß = 0.393, p = 0.008) for femur neck BMD and BMI (ß = 0.720, p = 0.002) for hip total BMD. CONCLUSIONS: Our finding indicated that there was a relationship between OSA and bone metabolism in younger men, and moderate OSA-related hypoxia positively related with BMD. This study also showed that different degrees of recurrent hypoxia had different effects on bone metabolism, a finding that required further investigation.

The reliability and validity of the modified Unified Classification System for periprosthetic femoral fractures after hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: This study assessed the reliability and validity of the modified Unified Classification System for femur fractures after hip arthroplasty. METHODS: Four hundred and two cases were evaluated by 6 observers, 3 experts and 3 trainee surgeons. Each observer read the radiographs on 2 separate occasions and classified each case as to its type. Reliability was assessed by looking at the intraobserver and interobserver agreement using the Kappa statistic. Validity was assessed within the B group by looking at the agreement between the radiographic classification and the intraoperative findings. Interobserver and intraobserver agreement and validity were analyzed, using weighted kappa statistics. RESULTS: The mean k value for interobserver agreement was found to be 0.882 (0.833-0.929) for consultants (almost perfect agreement) and 0.776 (0.706-0.836) for the trainees (substantial agreement). Intraobserver k values ranged from 0.701 to 0.972, showing substantial to almost perfect agreement. Validity analysis of 299 type B cases revealed 89.854% agreement with a mean k value of 0.849 (0.770-0.946) (almost perfect agreement). CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown that the modified Unified Classification System is reliable and valid. We believe it is useful to improve the judgment of the implant stability, and establish the therapeutic strategy for periprosthetic femoral fracture.

Surgical Outcomes of Articular Surface Crush Injury of Hawkins â ¢ Talus Neck and Medial Malleolus Fracture.

The present study was performed to evaluate the effects of the medial and anterolateral approach combined with internal fixation by double head compression screws and countersunk K-wires for Hawkins Ⅲ talus neck and medial malleolus fracture. Eleven patients with articular surface crush injury resulting in Hawkins Ⅲ talus neck fractures accompanied by medial malleolus fractures were reviewed. All patients underwent emergency operations. The fractures were fixed using double head compression screws and countersunk K-wires through combined medial and anterolateral approaches. FAOS, AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale, and VAS questionnaire scores were recorded. In addition, ROM of the ankle and postoperative complications were assessed. All patients were followed up for a median of 52.45 ±â€…5.15 months. The multiple scales data of FAOS on the affected side were: pain score 89.14 ±â€…7.08; activities of daily living score 89.57 ±â€…8.88; quality-of-life score 89.20 ±â€…7.44; sports score 75.00 ±â€…15.49; and other symptoms score 84.74 ±â€…7.51. The mean overall AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score was 88.36 ±â€…6.39. The VAS score was 0.72 ±â€…0.65. Ankle motion included dorsiflexion (13.18°â€…±â€…9.02°) and plantar flexion (32.27°â€…±â€…12.34°). Subtalar joint motion included eversion (10.91°â€…±â€…7.01°) and inversion (11.36°â€…±â€…7.45°). All scores of the healthy side were higher than those of the affected side (p < .05). In addition to ROM of the ankle and subtalar joint and sports score, various indicators of recovery rate had scores > 80%. One patient developed skin necrosis, which healed after debridement and wound dressing. Late complications included subtalar and/or ankle traumatic arthritis in six patients, four of whom showed no obvious clinical symptoms. In conclusion, the method of emergency surgery and medial and anterolateral approach combined with countersunk K-wires to fix small bone fragments to restore the integrity of the articular surface is acceptable for Hawkins Ⅲ talus neck with medial malleolus fracture.

Association of serum adiponectin level with cystatin C in male patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

PURPOSE: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) was suggested to exert an effect on renal function. However, the specific mechanism was still unknown. We try to find the association among OSAS, adiponectin, and cystatin C and the effect of adiponectin on renal function in OSAS patients. METHODS: Seventeen healthy men and seventy-three men which only had OSAS were included in the end. Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), the percentage of total sleep time spent with SpO2 < 90% (T90%), lowest O2 saturation (LaSO2), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score, serum adiponectin, and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were detected in all subjects, and renal function was evaluated with creatinine, cystatin C, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). RESULTS: Demographic data, creatinine, and eGFR did not differ among the studied groups. Decreased serum adiponectin levels were associated with severe OSAS. OSAS patients had a higher hsCRP and cystatin C than those without OSAS. Serum adiponectin levels had a negative association with cystatin C. After adjusted for confounders, adiponectin, hsCRP, and ODI had a significant prediction on the cystatin C (ß = - 0.218, p = 0.011; ß = 0.226, p = 0.037; and ß = 0.231, p = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: Decreased serum adiponectin was associated with increased cystatin C in male OSAS patients. These results suggest that serum adiponectin might be a regulatory factor for renal function in OSAS.

A Modified 2-Stage Treatment for AO/OTA 43-C1 Pilon Fractures Accompanied by Distal Fibular and Posterior Lip of the Distal Tibia Fracture.

The management of pilon fractures remains challenging owing to the high-energy axial loading mechanism that produces comminution of the articular surface, displacement of tibia metaphysis, and severe soft tissue injury. How to preserve the vitality of soft tissue and achieve anatomic reduction has become a timely issue. We report and evaluate the effect of a modified staging treatment for AO Foundation/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) 43C1 pilon fracture accompanied by distal fibular and posterior lip of the distal tibia fracture. We performed a modified 2-stage treatment of type C1 pilon fracture with distal fibular and posterior malleolar fractures. In the first stage, the posterolateral incision was used for simultaneous reduction of fibula and posterior malleolus, and the tibia was fixed with an external fixator. In the second stage, the external fixator was removed, and the medial malleolus and tibia were fixed after the edema of soft tissue had subsided. The following data were collected: Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Short Form 36 (SF-36) score, Burwell-Charnley fracture reduction score, and postoperative complications. Twenty-seven patients were monitored for an average of 31.70 ± 7.38 months. The Burwell-Charnley fracture reduction scores had anatomic and fair ratings of 92.59%. SF-36 physical component score was 42.94 ± 12.47 and mental component score was 48.73 ± 9.79. Score data from the multiple scales of FAOS included pain, 88.79 ± 8.59; activities of daily living, 91.89 ± 7.50; quality of life, 90.26 ± 10.52; sports, 87.93 ± 11.64; and symptoms, 85.32 ± 8.65. The AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scores were 87.30 ± 13.45. Complications were reported in 5 patients (18.52%). Our study provides a good alternative to the existing protocol for type C1 pilon fractures with distal fibular and posterior lip of the distal tibia fracture and effectively reduces soft tissue complications.

The association between glycometabolism and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

PURPOSE: Growing evidence has revealed that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to assess the association between glycometabolism and NAFLD in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). METHODS: Patients with suspected OSA were enrolled consecutively and then underwent polysomnography, liver ultrasound, and biochemical measurements. Logistic regressions were used to identify factors associated with NAFLD. RESULTS: In total, 415 patients were included. The prevalence of NAFLD in the non-OSA, mild OSA, moderate OSA, and severe OSA groups was 37.21%, 69.09%, 68.34%, and 78.08%, respectively. Stepwise logistic regression suggested that percentage of total sleep time spent with oxygen saturation of < 90% (TS90), lowest oxygen saturation (LaSO2), and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were independently associated with NAFLD in all subjects, after adjusting for confounders (odds ratio [OR] = 1.037, p = 0.014; OR = 1.056, p = 0.004; OR = 0.732, p = 0.009; respectively). TS90, LaSO2, and HOMA-IR were also independent predictors for NAFLD in patients with mild and moderate OSA, whereas TS90, LaSO2, and ODI were independent predictors for NAFLD in patients with severe OSA. CONCLUSIONS: There is a relationship between OSA and NAFLD, and the combination of disordered glycometabolism and intermittent hypoxia may act as a "two hit" mechanism to promote the development of NAFLD. Furthermore, intermittent hypoxia alone was an independent predictor for NAFLD in severe OSA patients.

Suture anchors for primary deltoid ligament repair associated with acute ankle fractures.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the clinical effect of primary suture anchors repair in the treatment of deltoid ligament rupture associated with ankle fractures. 34 patients with acute deltoid ligament rupture associated with ankle fractures were selected between 2011 and 2014. Medial clear space (MCS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, visual analog scale (VAS) were noted. The mean follow-up was 28.4 (range, 22-35) months. The mean AOFAS score was 92.6 (range, 90-95) and the mean VAS score was 1.06±0.65 (range 0 to 2) points at the final follow-up. The mean MCS is (9.10±4.99) mm before and (3.71±0.33) mm after surgery in radiographs. At the postoperative final follow-up, the mean MCS of injured ankle is (3.74±0.32) mm in radiographs, and (3.65±0.17) mm of uninjured contralateral ankle. Using suture anchors for the primary repair of deltoid ligament rupture during the treatment of ankle fractures can achieve satisfactory outcomes.

Modification of the Unified Classification System for periprosthetic femoral fractures after hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The Unified Classification System (UCS) for Periprosthetic femoral fractures (PPFF) still has some limitations. METHODS: We retrieved 18 previous classifications for PPFF based on systematic review of the literature, and also retrospectively analyzed 402 cases with PPFF. 46 cases (11.4%) were identified as beyond the classification scope of the original UCS. RESULTS: We modified the UCS as follows: (1) add two new B2 subtypes: B2PALT/B2PAGT (i.e., the pseudo ALT/AGT: Fracture in trochanter region including a segment of the proximal medial/lateral femoral cortex); (2) add a new FS category to encompass stem fracture alone or accompanied by PPFF, with FSO designating this fracture with stem fracture alone, FS1 designating this fracture with the proximal portion of the fractured femoral prosthesis being stable, FS2 designating this fracture with the proximal portion of the fractured femoral prosthesis being loose and the surrounding bone quality being good, and FS3 designating this fracture with the proximal portion of the fractured femoral prosthesis being loose and the bone bed being of poor quality; and (3) delete Type F which does not apply to the femur. Thus, using our modification of the UCS, among the 46 cases, we found thirty-five B2PALT, two B2PAGT, three FSO, one FS1, two FS2 and three SF3. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the original UCS, our modified version is more comprehensive. We believe it is useful to improve the judgment of the implant stability, and establish the therapeutic strategy for PPFF.

Relationship between serum adiponectin and bone mineral density in male patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

PURPOSE: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is reported to have an association with bone mineral density (BMD). However, the underlying mechanism is far from clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between OSAS, bone turnover markers, and BMD and to evaluate the effect of adiponectin on BMD in patients with OSAS. METHODS: Seventy-one male patients with OSAS and 13 male control subjects were enrolled in this study. Serum adiponectin, calcium, phosphorus, 25-hydroxyvitamin-D3, ß-isomerized form C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, osteocalcin, and procollagen type 1 N-propeptide were measured in all subjects, and BMD was evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in the lumbar spine (L1-L4), the femoral neck, and the hip total. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between the studied groups in terms of demographic data and bone turnover markers. Serum adiponectin significantly decreased with the aggravation of OSAS. Compared with subjects without OSAS, those with OSAS had a higher hip total BMD and t scores (p = 0.027 and p = 0.028). The significant negative association was found between serum adiponectin levels and hip total BMD. After adjusting for confounders, adiponectin as well as oxygen desaturation index (ODI) significantly predicted the hip total BMD (ß = -0.232, p = 0.005 and ß = 0.226, p = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: In male subjects, the presence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is associated with higher bone mineral density of the hip. These findings suggest that serum adiponectin may be an underlying mediator for BMD in OSAS.

The effect of CPAP treatment on venous lactate and arterial blood gas among obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of this observational study was to investigate the influence of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on arterial blood gas and venous lactate, markers of tissue hypoxia, among obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients, and determine the risk factor of serum lactate and hydrogen ion concentration (PH) in OSAS patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred and nine patients with newly diagnosed OSAS were enrolled in the study. All individuals were treated with CPAP for one night. Venous lactate and arterial blood gas were gathered from all subjects in the morning at the end of polysomnography and the next morning after CPAP treatment. RESULTS: Of the 109 selected subjects, the average lactate level was 2.23 ± 0.59 mmol/L, and the mean PH, PaO2, and PaCO2 were 7.380 ± 0.23, 88.14 ± 17.83 mmHg, and 38.70 ± 4.28 mmHg, respectively. Compared to baseline, lactic acid significantly decreased (2.10 ± 0.50 mmol/L, p = 0.03), while PH increased (7.388 ± 0.27, p < 0.05) after CPAP treatment. In addition, neck circumference and the polysomnographic parameters, including apnea-hypopnea index, oxygen desaturation index (ODI), mean oxygen saturation (SpO2), and the percentage of sleep time with SpO2 <90 % (TS90 %), positively correlated with lactate, while age correlated negatively with lactate (all p < 0.05). Significantly positive associations were found between age, neck circumference, and PH; furthermore, a negative correlation was found between ODI and PH. Finally, after adjusting for confounding factors, TS90 % was the major contributing predictor for elevated lactate (p < 0.05), and age was a predictor for an increase in PH (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that CPAP treatment could reduce serum lactate and increase PH in OSAS patients and might alleviate acid-base balance disorders in OSAS. Furthermore, TS90 % was a risk factor for elevated lactate, and age was independently associated with PH.