SMAD4 Expression in Monocytes as a Potential Biomarker for Atherosclerosis Risk in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

ABSTRACT: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients are at special risk of suffering atherosclerosis, leading to major cardiovascular diseases. Notably, the transforming growth factor (TGF-β) plays a crucial role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. In this context, the central regulator of TGF-β pathway, SMAD4 (small mother against decapentaplegic homolog 4), has been previously reported to be augmented in OSA patients, which levels were even higher in patients with concomitant cardiometabolic diseases. Here, we analyzed soluble and intracellular SMAD4 levels in plasma and monocytes from OSA patients and non-apneic subjects, with or without early subclinical atherosclerosis (eSA). In addition, we used in vitro and ex vivo models to explore the mechanisms underlying SMAD4 upregulation

SUBMITTER: Diaz-Garcia E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10178665 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature