Microplastics and airway inflammatory profile in obstructive sleep apnea

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous pollutants with human health impacts. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) patients using Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy may be at increased risk of MP exposure in the upper airways. Furhter, is there a relationship between MP exposure and inflammation? We examined nasal lavage fluid samples from 42 OSA patients (21 CPAP users and 21 non-users) without nasal inflammatory signs or symptoms. MPs were quantified and characterized by polymer type. Inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-17A, and IL-6) were measured. Correlations between MP occurrences and cytokine levels were assessed. MPs were detected in all samples, with polyethylene and polyamide being the predominant types. No significant difference in total MP occurrences was found between CPAP users and non-users. Strong positive correlations were observed between MP occurrences and inflammatory cytokines. MP occurrences were significantly associated with combined cytokine responses, independent of CPAP use. Generalized Linear Model analysis revealed positive associations between cytokine levels and total MP occurrences, participant sex, and age. Male participants exhibited higher cytokine levels compared to females, and levels increased with age across all models. MPs exposure may contribute to airway inflammation in OSA patients, independent of CPAP use. Demographic factors play an important role in assessing health impacts of MP exposure. These findings provide novel insights into potential health implications of chronic MP exposure in upper airways and underscore the need for further research on long-term effects of MPs in respiratory health.