Background: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and gut dysbiosis are known risk factors
for atherosclerosis. However, only very few studies have been focused on the relationship
between OSA, atherosclerosis, and the intestinal microbiome, all in animal models.
Methods: Twenty-two patients with OSA, 16 with and 6 without carotid atherosclerosis
were involved in the study. After a diagnostic sleep examination, the intima media
thickness (IMT) was measured and plaques were found using carotid ultrasound. Blood
was also drawn for metabolic profile, and a stool sample was provided for 16S ribosomal
RNA microbiome investigation. Results: An increased maximal common carotid artery
(CCA) IMT was significantly associated with decreased phylum-level diversity. The
level of Peptostreptococcaceae was significantly lower in atherosclerotic subjects.
Some other candidate microbes appeared in the two groups at the genus level as well:
Bilophila, Romboutsia, Slackia, and Veillonella in the non-atherosclerotic group;
and Escherichia-Shigella, Prevotella, and Ruminococcaceae in the atherosclerotic group.
Conclusions: This is the first pilot research to analyze the association between the
gut microbiome and atherosclerosis in adult patients with OSA with and without carotid
atherosclerosis. Dysbiosis and individual bacteria may contribute to the development
of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with OSA. Further investigations are necessary
to reveal a more precise background in a larger sample.
