Plasma IL-22 and Claudin-4 in obstructive sleep apnea: A pilot observational study linking mucosal barrier biomarkers to disease severity

Plasma IL-22 and CLDN4 were associated with OSA severity and mucosal barrier alterations. Their co-regulation aligns with preclinical models of IH-driven barrier adaptation, supporting further mechanistic investigation. The diagnostic potential of the IL-22 +CLDN4 panel warrants validation in larger patient cohorts.