Systemic inflammation, tonsil microbiome, obstructive sleep apnea, and
surgical outcome among children of different weight status
Abstract
Background: Systemic inflammation and tonsil microbiome have been linked
to chronic intermittent hypoxia during sleep in children with
obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, their relationships have not
been comprehensively studied. Here, we investigated the associations
between systemic inflammation, tonsil microbiome, OSA severity, and
surgical outcome in pediatric OSA patients regarding different weight
status. Methods: We recruited 33 children with OSA and
non-healthy-weight (cases) and 33 children with OSA and healthy-weight
(controls) were prospectively recruited and matched by the proportion of
chronic tonsillitis. Each patient underwent adenotonsillectomy and
received at least 3-month follow-ups. Systemic inflammatory biomarkers
(interleukin [IL]-6, IL-10) were detected in the blood sampled in
the morning. Tonsil microbiome was identified with 16S ribosomal RNA
gene sequencing. OSA severity was assessed by standard whole-night
polysomnography. Results: Differences in systemic inflammatory
biomarkers, tonsil phyla, and apnea-hypopnea index were not
statistically significant between both groups. After adenotonsillectomy,
all OSA severity variables significantly improved; however,
apnea-hypopnea index was significantly higher in the non-healthy-weight
group and serum level of IL-6 significantly reduced in the
healthy-weight group. The percentage changes in IL-6 and minimal pulse
oxygen saturation were respectively associated with Deinococcus-Thermus
and Eremiobacteraeota in the non-healthy-weight group, whereas the
percentage change in IL-6 was associated with Patescibacteria and
Cloacimonetes in the healthy-weight group. Furthermore, chronic
tonsillitis was related to Chloroflexi, Acidobacteria, Euryarchaeota,
Thermotogae, Hydrogenedentes, and Rokubacteria in the non-healthy-weight
group. Conclusion: These preliminary findings are novel and provide
insight for future research to understand the pathogenesis of the
disease and to develop personalized treatments.