Telomere shortening in sleep apnea syndrome

Telomere length (TL) in circulating leukocytes relates to the chronological age
of the individual but it is believed to reflect also the cumulative burden of oxidative stress and
inflammation over the life-time. Shortening of TL has been reported in several chronic conditions
characterized by oxidative stress and inflammation, such as diabetes and atherosclerosis.
Because these conditions also occur in patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
(OSAS), we hypothesized that TL would be reduced in patients with OSAS.