Interestingly, elevated soluble SMAD4 (sSMAD4) protein has been found in the plasma of OSA patients, the levels of which were even higher in those subjects with cardiometabolic comorbidities such as dyslipidemia or hypertension [35], two major risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis [36]. The gene discussed is SMAD4; the disease is obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.