Reduced serum levels of mitochondria-derived peptide MOTS-c in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

• Published in: Sleep and biological rhythms Vol. 23; no. 3; pp. 305 - 311
• Main Authors: Luo, Zhuoding, Ji, Rui, Ye, Renjing, Shi, Yawen, Pang, Qingfeng, Yin, Min
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Singapore Springer Nature Singapore 01.07.2025
• Subjects: Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedicine; Health Psychology; Human Physiology; Internal Medicine; Neurology; Neurosciences; Original Article; Psychiatry; Oxidative stress; MOTS-c; AHI; Obstructive sleep apnea; BMI
• ISSN: 1446-9235; 1479-8425
• DOI: 10.1007/s41105-025-00578-9

Recent research has identified the mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA-c (MOTS-c) as a crucial mitochondrial peptide that significantly influences metabolic regulation, mimics the effects of exercise, and mitigates oxidative stress. This study aims to investigate the relationship between serum MOTS-c levels and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to enhance our understanding of the disease’s pathophysiology. By elucidating this relationship, we hope to uncover new insights into the mechanisms underlying OSA and its associated metabolic complications. Seventy-seven participants were enrolled in this study, including 53 patients with OSA and 24 controls. We measured serum MOTS-c levels and collected participants’ demographic characteristics, polysomnography (PSG) data, complete blood count (CBC) data, and sleep-related questionnaires. The study included 77 participants, consisting of 8 patients with mild OSA, 16 with moderate OSA, 29 with severe OSA, and 24 controls. The cohort comprised 26 women and 51 men. Analysis revealed that serum MOTS-c levels were significantly correlated with BMI, AHI (Apnea–Hypopnea Index), and ODI (Oxygen Desaturation Index), independent of age. Additionally, the severity of OSA was inversely related to serum MOTS-c levels, with lower levels observed in patients with more severe OSA. Variations in serum MOTS-c levels were also noted across different BMI classifications. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), with BMI as a covariate, demonstrated that the severity of OSA was an independent factor influencing serum MOTS-c levels. Serum MOTS-c levels correlate with both severity of OSA and BMI classification, suggesting that MOTS-c may have significant therapeutic potential for treating OSA.