Anti-Inflammatory Drug and Endothelial Function
Anti-Inflammatory Drug and Endothelial Function
In this randomized double-blinded clinical trial, 400mg of hydroxychloroquine will be given
 daily to people over the age of 65 years with moderate-severe obstructive sleep apnea for 8
 weeks. The aim of this study is to test whether hydroxychloroquine can improve endothelial
 function.
Sleep apnea and coronary artery disease are prevalent and relevant diseases due to their
 morbidity and mortality. The mechanism by which sleep apnea leads to coronary artery disease
 remains unclear. It is known that intermittent hypoxia, the main characteristic of sleep
 apnea, leads to inflammation and consequently may lead to endothelial dysfunction.
 Endothelial dysfunction precedes the development of atherosclerotic disease and the
 occurrence of cardiovascular events. Agents that potentially act to improve endothelial
 function may assist in the prevention of cardiovascular events. Patients using
 immunomodulators due to rheumatic diseases have a lower prevalence of cardiovascular
 diseases. However, the cardioprotective effect of these drugs in patients without autoimmune
 diseases is not known. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is an immunomodulator used in the treatment
 of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. In addition to its
 anti-inflammatory properties, HCQ reduces cholesterol and glycemia levels and has
 antithrombotic effects. The drug is inexpensive and widely available. The adverse effects of
 HCQ are rare and occur more frequently when using high doses.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Apnea-Hypopnea index of 15 events/hour or higher

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Contraindication for hydroxychloroquine (retinopathy, chronic liver disease, chronic
 renal disease)

 -  Rheumatologic disease