Work

Association between tear lactoferrin, lysozyme, albumin levels, and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: a cross-sectional study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is associated with various ocular diseases, but its relationship with tear biomarkers for dry eye remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate these tear biomarkers and their correlation with OSAS. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Zhejiang Province from January 2021 to December 2022. Forty-one OSAS patients were enrolled. Tear lactoferrin, lysozyme, and albumin levels (exposure variables) were measured using ELISA, while OSAS (outcome variable) was diagnosed through polysomnography. Age, gender, and BMI were collected as covariates. Results Baseline characteristics (including age, gender, and BMI) showed no statistical differences between groups. No significant correlations were found between tear albumin (r = 0.10, p > 0.05), lactoferrin (r = 0.18, p > 0.05), lysozyme (r = −0.05, p > 0.05) levels and OSAS. Conclusion This study found no significant correlation between dry eye tear biomarkers levels and disease severity in OSAS patients. Larger-scale studies are needed to validate these findings.

Source: Frontiers in Medicine

DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2025.1584473

Authors: Bin Wang, Chaoyang Hong, Wenwei Li

Institutions: Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Ocular Surface and Contact Lens

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801