Identification of differential proteins in pharyngeal airway surface liquid of the patients associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome by proteome analysis

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is the most common sleep-disordered breathing medical condition and a potentialy life-threatening affliction. Upper airway defense is based on the secreted mucus. The primary factors involved in the airway surface liquid (ASL) are not completely understood. In this study, identification of ASL proteins was demonstrated by using proteomic approach. 30 OSAS patients and 15 normal subjects between the ag e s of 30 and 50 (males=23; females=22) underwent collection of ASL sample. Proteomic approach involving two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D PAGE) and mass spectrometry (MS). Querying the SWISSPROT database with the MS data yielded the identity of 10 proteins in the spots. Three of these proteins showing significant difference in abundance were identified to be Carbonic Anhydrase VI, immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy chain, and Calgranulin A. Overal, differential expression of proteins in the A S L proteome of OSAS patients suggests that the hypoxia associated with OSAS may lead to changes in catabolism of these proteins and their excretion in ASL.