OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty on changes of serum leptin levels in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).

METHODSSixty-one patients with OSAHS diagnosed by polysomnography were treated with uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. Pretreatment and post-uppp serum leptin concentrations in patients with OSAHS and in BMI-matched controls were measured by radioimmunoassay. Correlations between leptin concentrations and AHI, BMI were analyzed.

RESULTSThe concentrations of leptin in patients with OSAHS were higher than that in controls (P < 0.05). Mean levels (x+/-s) of leptin were (9.8+/-2.1) microg/L, (14.2+/-6.7) microg/L, and (19.3+/-7.9) microg/L in patients with severe, mediate and mild obstructive sleep apnea, respectively. Serum leptin levels correlated positively with the degree of OSAHS as reflected by AHI (r = 0. 68, P < 0.01). The leptin concentration of 51 responders after 6 months were significantly decreased (P < 0.01) than that of pre-operation. However, the difference of leptin concentration between pre-operation and post operation was not significant in 9 nonresponders (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThere are higher leptin concentrations in patients with OSAHS, which are significantly correlated to the severity of disease. Serum leptin levels in responders decreased significantly after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. OSAHS may influence the leptin system, resulting in increased serum leptin level.