Conclusion: This study shows the possibility that multilevel surgery for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is helpful to improve the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and adipokines, which are related to complications of OSA.
Objectives: The effects of multilevel surgery on adipokines and pro-inflammatory cytokines in patients with OSA were assessed.
Methods: Fifty-one patients with OSA underwent uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and radiofrequency tongue base reduction. Body mass index (BMI), Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) and subjective symptoms using visual analog scales were assessed at baseline and 4 weeks after treatment. Adiponectin, leptin, interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were measured with a LINCOplex Human Immunoassay at baseline and 4 weeks after surgical treatment.
Results: Significant improvements in subjective symptoms and ESS were found at 4 weeks after multilevel surgery. No significant change in BMI was observed. Adiponectin level was significantly increased after surgical treatment. Postoperative leptin, IL-6, and TNF-α levels were significantly decreased. The percent changes of adiponectin, leptin, IL-6, and TNF-α after multilevel surgery were not significantly different among patients with mild, moderate, and severe OSA.