biostudies-literatureCao YXi’an Science and Technology program under GrantNatural Science Basic Research Plan in Shaanxi Province of ChinaXi’an Science and Technology programFundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities under GrantXi'an Science and Technology program under GrantNatural Science Foundation of Sichuan ProvinceXi'an Science and Technology program215https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC7425010biostudies-literatureUnknown20(1)<h4>Background</h4>Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) has been reported to play a part in the development of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its complications. However, the relationship between TNF-α and OSA still remains inconclusive. We aimed to systematically review and synthesize studies published to date on association between the two in adults.<h4>Methods</h4>We searched for English-language articles containing original human data from case-control study studies in adults≥18 years of age. The selection criteria were set according to the PICOS framework. Articles were independently reviewed by three investigators. Data regarding demographics, clinical characteristics, and TNF-α levels were obtained. A random-effects model was applied to evaluate the overall effect sizes by calculating BMC pulmonary medicineAssociation between tumor necrosis factor alpha and obstructive sleep apnea in adults: a meta-analysis update.PMC7425010J20170219IIProgram No.2020JQ-543; 2020JQ-927SF1510(4)2019YJ0067xzy012019129Ning PCao YWu SLi QZhang LQuan JSong YfalseAssociation between tumor necrosis factor alpha and obstructive sleep apnea in adults: a meta-analysis update.<h4>Background</h4>Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) has been reported to play a part in the development of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its complications. However, the relationship between TNF-α and OSA still remains inconclusive. We aimed to systematically review and synthesize studies published to date on association between the two in adults.<h4>Methods</h4>We searched for English-language articles containing original human data from case-control study studies in adults≥18 years of age. The selection criteria were set according to the PICOS framework. Articles were independently reviewed by three investigators. Data regarding demographics, clinical characteristics, and TNF-α levels were obtained. A random-effects model was applied to evaluate the overall effect sizes by calculating 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z2020 Aug2025-04-19T00:41:19.899Z2025-04-07T11:41:02.646ZS-EPMC74250103278781610.1186/s12890-020-01253-0