Both LC3B protein expression of peripheral blood CD14+ monocyte (1.89 ± 2.01 versus 3.04 ± 3.04 MFI, adjusted p = 0.027, Fig. 1A) and ATG5 protein expression of blood CD16+ neutrophil (1.63 ± 0.5 versus 4.13 ± 5.56 MFI, adjusted P = 0.002, Fig. 1B) were decreased in OSA patients as compared with that in PS subjects, and the former was negatively correlated with AHI (R = − 0.244, p = 0.04, Fig. 1C). This evidence concerns the gene ATG5 and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.