The importance of dopamine levels and single-nucleotide polymorphism within COMT, DRD1 and DRD2 genes in obstructive sleep apnoea.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disorder that contributes to serious cardiovascular comorbidities. While the mechanical aspects of OSA are well-studied, its neurobiological underpinnings remain underexplored. In this study, we investigated the role of dopamine and its genetic modulators in OSA pathophysiology. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Serum dopamine levels were assessed in a cohort of 153 participants (96 OSA patients and 57 controls), and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in dopamine-related genes, including COMT, DRD1 and DRD2, were analysed in a cohort of 286 participants (141 OSA patients and 145 controls). RESULTS: Elevated serum dopamine levels were observed in OSA patients (p = 0.01), with dopamine levels correlating independently with OSA and male gender. Genotypic analysis identified the DRD2 rs1800497 T allele as a potential independent predictor of OSA severity (p = 0.011), hypopnea (p = 0.005) and arousals (p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: This study advances the understanding of OSA by identifying elevated dopamine levels and genetic variations in DRD2 rs1800497 as potential modulators of its occurrence and severity. These findings pave the way for personalized diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. By integrating neurobiology, genetics, and clinical practice, this research contributes to the evolving framework for precision medicine in sleep disorders.