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Skeletal muscle dysfunction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
1Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA. Mador@acsu.buffalo.edu
Respiratory Research
|November 1, 2001
Summary
Skeletal muscle dysfunction is prevalent in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by reduced strength and endurance. Therapies like exercise and nutritional support may improve muscle function in COPD patients.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Muscle Physiology
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Skeletal muscle dysfunction is a frequent complication in patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- This dysfunction manifests as decreased muscle strength and endurance, alongside increased fatigability.
- Histological changes include a shift in fiber type proportion and reduced muscle fiber size (atrophy).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms underlying skeletal muscle dysfunction in COPD.
- To discuss potential therapeutic interventions for improving muscle function in COPD patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating skeletal muscle in COPD.
- Analysis of physiological and biochemical changes in COPD skeletal muscle.
- Examination of proposed therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- COPD patients exhibit reduced muscle oxidative enzyme activity and impaired aerobic capacity during exercise.
- Key contributing factors include deconditioning, chronic hypercapnia/hypoxia, nutritional depletion, steroid use, and oxidative stress.
- Muscle atrophy is evident, with decreased fiber cross-sectional area and altered fiber type distribution.
Conclusions:
- Skeletal muscle dysfunction significantly impacts COPD patients' quality of life and prognosis.
- Multifaceted therapeutic approaches, including exercise, oxygen, nutrition, and hormonal therapies, show promise for managing muscle dysfunction in COPD.