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Hypogonadism, quadriceps weakness, and exercise intolerance in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Monique Van Vliet1, Martijn A Spruit, Geert Verleden
1Respiratory Rehabilitation, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
|August 16, 2005
Summary
Men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have lower testosterone levels and higher gonadotrophins. Low testosterone is linked to muscle weakness, not exercise intolerance, in COPD patients.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pulmonology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Limited research compares hormone levels in COPD patients versus healthy elderly men.
- The link between hypogonadism, muscle weakness, and exercise intolerance in COPD is poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- Compare pituitary-gonadotrophic axis hormone levels in men with COPD versus controls.
- Investigate the relationship between hypogonadism, quadriceps muscle force, exercise capacity, and inflammation in COPD patients.
Main Methods:
- Measured follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and sex hormone-binding globulin in 78 COPD patients and 21 controls.
- Assessed quadriceps muscle force, 6-minute walking distance, pack-years, and systemic inflammation markers.
Main Results:
- COPD patients showed higher follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, and lower testosterone than controls.
- Low androgen status correlated with quadriceps muscle weakness and C-reactive protein levels.
- No significant relationship was found with exercise intolerance or other inflammation markers.
Conclusions:
- Quadriceps muscle weakness in men with COPD is associated with low testosterone levels.
- Exercise intolerance is not directly related to testosterone levels in this population.
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