BACKGROUNDObstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is regarded as a disease with strong genetic background and associated with hypoadiponectinemia. It is worthwhile to investigate the possible correlation between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the adiponectin gene and OSAHS.

METHODSWith the TaqMan polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, the SNPs at positions 45 and 276 in the adiponectin gene were determined in Chinese of Han nationality in Nanjing district consisting of 103 OSAHS patients (OSAHS group) and 67 normal controls (control group). The association of adiponectin genotype polymorphisms at positions 45 and 276 with OSAHS was analyzed.

RESULTSNo evidence of a direct association was found between OSAHS and adiponectin genotype SNP at positions 45 and 276 (P > 0.05). However, compared with those OSAHS patients having G/T + T/T genotype at position 276, the OSAHS patients with G/G genotype showed a longer neck circumference, a prolonged duration of the longest apnea event, and an elevated level of blood cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSNo direct association was suggested between OSAHS and adiponectin genotype distribution at positions 45 and 276 in Chinese of Han nationality in Nanjing district. However, in OSAHS patients, those with adiponectin G/G genotype at position 276, seemed to have a higher potential risk in development of OSAHS than those having adiponectin SNP276 G/T + T/T genotype.