MicroRNAs as Biomarkers for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Although obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder, there are no blood biomarkers for identification and management of these patients. This project will study microRNAs in order to develop and validate blood biomarkers that are specific to OSA, useful for identification of cases with OSA, reflective of efficacy of therapy, and able to predict blood pressure response to treatment of OSA.

Inclusion Criteria for Cases: * age 18-75 years * moderate-severe OSA (defined as AHI ≥15 events/hour) * willing to accept PAP therapy Inclusion Criteria for Controls: * age 18-75 years * no OSA (defined as AHI \50% central events) * pregnancy * clinical history of chronic kidney disease (Stage 5) requiring dialysis, or renal transplant * organ transplantation * self-reported sleep duration less than 5 hours per night on weeknights (work nights) * current night shift work Exclusion Criteria for Controls: * home oxygen therapy * pregnancy * clinical history of chronic kidney disease (Stage 5) requiring dialysis, or renal transplant * organ transplantation * self-reported sleep duration less than 5 hours per night on weeknights (work nights) * current night shift work