Growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-I axis in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: an update.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a serious, prevalent condition that has significant mortality and morbidity when untreated. It is strongly associated with obesity and is characterized by changes in the serum levels or secretory patterns of several hormones. In particular, obese patients with OSAS show a peculiar reduction of both spontaneous and stimulated GH secretion coupled with reduced IGF-I concentrations and impaired peripheral sensitivity to GH. These endocrine abnormalities are more marked than those observed in non-apneic obese subjects, and are likely to be due to the effects of hypoxia and sleep fragmentation on hormone secretory pattern. The GH/IGF-I axis activity disruption can be responsible, at least in part, for metabolic alterations, which are common in OSAS and increase the risk of cardiovascular events as well as mortality. Effective assessment and management of OSAS may correct endocrine changes, improve quality of life, and prevent associated morbidity or death.