BIOCHEMICAL ASPECTS OF COLLAGEN TYPE IV METABOLISM IN PATIENTS WITH GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE AND/OR OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA/HYPOPNEA SYNDROME

Background. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) seem to be comorbid conditions. However, pathogenetic interactions between these conditions are not completely researched. Aim of the study. To determine the interrelation between plasma collagen type IV and cortisol levels and to investigate plasma amino acid composition in patients with GERD and OSAHS. Material and methods. A total of 143 patients have been examined. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and respiratory monitoring were performed. The patients were divided into 4 groups: group 1 – patients with GERD, group 2 – those with GERD and OSAHS, group 3 – those with OSAHS, group 4 – the comparison group. The plasma levels of cortisol, collagen type IV and amino acids were estimated. Results. The patients with GERD and OSAHS had higher plasma levels of cortisol and collagen type IV and a low level of glycine in contrast to the comparison group. We revealed a positive correlation between plasma cortisol level and apnea/hypopnea index (AHI), between collagen type IV level and AHI as well as between the levels of cortisol and collagen type IV. Conclusions. The presence of OSAHS in patients with GERD is associated with high levels of cortisol and collagen type IV and low levels of glycine in blood plasma.