Relation between IL-8 level and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Abstract

This meta-analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between serum level of IL-8 and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Electronic databases were retrieved according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, relevant studies exploring the relationship between serum level of IL-8 and OSAS were enrolled. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA 12.0. Totally 199 studies were retrieved, among which 10 were qualified for the inclusion criteria and were finally included in the meta-analysis with 367 cases of OSAS patients and 335 control cases. Serum level of IL-8 was higher in patients than healthy controls (Standard mean difference (SMD) = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.17-3.15, P < 0.001). The subgroup analysis based on ethnicity revealed that average serum level of IL-8 were higher in Asian and Caucasian OSAS patients than healthy controls (Asian: SMD = 2.50, 95% CI = 1.13-3.87, P < 0.001; Caucasian: SMD = 1.59, 95% CI = 0.11-3.06, P = 0.035). Further subgroup analysis based on age indicated a statistical difference in serum level of IL-8 between adult OSAS patients and healthy counterparts (SMD = 2.73, 95% CI = 1.49-3.98, P < 0.001). The level of IL-8 was related to OSAS in adult patients, and increased serum IL-8 level may increase the risk of OSAS.